ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT Able Australia is a secular non-profit organisation that provides services to people living with multiple disabilities including deafblindness, and youth and families who are experiencing disadvantage. Our vision is to create a community where the people we support are seen, heard, respected, valued and connected. We reach out to people, helping them achieve a quality of life that anyone in the community might expect and a feeling of worth, belonging and self-fulfilment. We are a community based organisation that aims to facilitate an improvement in social development and human services. We work from a social justice perspective that includes the principles of access, participation and the right to equality and equity for all. Position Details Position Title: Community Development Worker (NSW) Employment Type: Permanent part time (contracted 15.20 hours per week until 14 October 2016) Work Location: Sydney or depending on the successful applicant Classification level: Pay point, depending on the successful applicant Modern Award/EBA: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award Position reports to: National Deafblind Services Manager Date Approved: 22 September 2015
BASIC JOB PURPOSE This position is responsible for To identify the needs and services gaps of deafblind people; To initiate and facilitate personal and community development workshops for deafblind people; To empower and educate deafblind people in deafblind awareness and self advocacy; To collaborate with key services providers for people who have deafblindness to ensure that accessible support services for deafblind people are provided including Deaf Society, Deafblind Association of NSW and other key stakeholders and To explore and develop a funding mechanism for the provision of an ongoing deafblind services program in NSW. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1 Establish and manage a data base of deafblind people A minimum of 40 deafblind people in NSW (metro and outer regions) including demographic breakdowns of age, location and cause of deafblindness and services gaps, housing situation, support needs for daily living, communication support and digital literacy skills. Reports due 6 months and 12 months. 2 Community Development and information workshop provision Provide a minimum of 4 workshops on NDIS readiness, self advocacy development skills, adaptive technology, digital literacy skills and developing skills to maintain daily living skills. This can be in conjunction with other deafblind services team members or other key service providers. 95% client satisfaction level and positive feedback received from participants and stakeholders. 3 work with a team to Work closely with the National Manager of Deafblind services, Submissions Co-ordinator and fundraising team to secure on-going
support on going funding sources funding for specific projects such as self advocacy, orientation and mobility and e-learning development skills. 4 Develop and manage data base of volunteers At least 25 volunteers with Auslan skills and knowledge of deafblindness to be recruited. This can be shared with other service providers. Volunteers are important for camps, social activities, meetings and conferences where relevant. Facilitate 2 deafblind awareness training workshops annually for volunteers and other interested individuals (interpreters, Auslan students, disability support workers and professionals working with deafblind people). Workplace Health Safety & Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to Workplace Health and Safety policy and procedures. Understands and adheres to emergency procedures for own work location and organisation premises. Identifies potential risks and hazards in the working environment and responds to them appropriately and in accordance with organisation policy and procedure. Reports all emergencies, hazards, incidents and near misses within defined timelines and following correct processes. Records all emergencies, hazards, incidents and near misses using the Tickit reporting system. Quality & Continuous Improvement Day to day practice demonstrates support for and compliance with organisation policies, procedures and relevant work instructions. Update Carelink plus for information relevant to the participants. Participates fully in quality and continuous improvement activities and initiatives across the organisation. Promotes a culture of continuous improvement as an integral part of core practice. Supports and participates in relevant internal and external certification and auditing programmes. Seeks opportunities for improvement within own work practices and makes appropriate suggestions for organisational improvements using the Continuous Improvement System.
Diversity & Equity Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to legislation and Able policy and procedure in relation to workplace equity and diversity. Is sensitive to difference and treats all colleagues and clients with dignity and respect. Contributes to ensuring that the workplace is free from bullying and harassment. Ensures own practice prevents and eliminates unlawful discrimination. Continuous Professional Development Organisation Citizenship Other duties Completes mandatory training within defined timescales. Identifies appropriate opportunities for professional development and seeks authorisation to participate in them. Attends and participates in planned development activities including annual team day, planning day meetings. Actively participates in supervision through Skype and performance development and review processes. Develops and maintains positive working relationships with colleagues and clients. Works collaboratively to achieve shared goals and targets. Represents Able in a positive and professional manner. Adheres to organisation codes of conduct and dress. Undertakes other duties commensurate with the position as reasonably directed. Key Selection Criteria Knowledge: Excellent understanding of deafblindness and its implications Computer skills using MS word and internet Adaptive technology for people who are deafblind Community development models and strategies Workplace ethics and people management practice
Skills: Fluent in Auslan Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with people who are deafblind Excellent English written communication skills Good organizational and networking skills, planning and time management Presentation, workshop and communication support management Drive to complete tasks on time and able to work autonomously Able to perform in a team environment Experience: Worked with deaf and / or deafblind people Organisation and facilitation of community workshops Management of groups such as volunteers or committee s Involved in Community development activities Worked in communities with cultural diversity Qualifications & Training Certificate IV in Community Development or similar tertiary degrees TAE 10 Certificate IV desirable Current First aid level two Current Driver s License Current Police Check Current Working with Children Check Organisational Relationships Reports to: National Manager of Deafblind Services Supervises: Volunteers and interpreters Direct Reports: N/A Total: Internal Relationships: Able Australia staff and services, deafblind participants, families External Relationships: Deaf Society, Vision Australia, Deafblind Association of NSW, RIDBC and other key stakeholders