Community Services Lead

Who we are

The MJD Foundation (MJDF) partners with and supports Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander families living with Machado Joseph Disease (MJD) and Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 (SCA7) to live fulfilling and rewarding lives. The MJDF is an Aboriginal organisation and we take our core values from combining best practice western and traditional cultural knowledge in the ‘Our-way’ approach.  By providing flexible and culturally responsive care based on a strong foundation of enduring relationships, we aim to provide families living with MJD (specialist) care and support, working together to stay stronger for longer. We are currently recruiting for a Community Services Lead to lead our team in Darwin and provide case management services to our clients and families.

The Position

The Community Services Lead (CSL) role comprises team Leadership and Client Case Management including:

· Team leadership (~30%)

· Case Management of clients and families (~70%)

The CSL will lead a multidisciplinary and cross-cultural team that responds to the needs of Aboriginal people impacted by Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) and their families. In this role you will provide intensive and culturally responsive case management support to clients and their family members to access a range of services such as Centrelink, Housing, NDIS, disability and government health services. This will be achieved through the assessment of client, family and carer needs; planning and prioritising interventions, the provision of information, education and referral; group work; liaising with and providing access and participation to community groups, welfare agencies, and government bodies.

A key aspect of the role is navigating and implementing culturally safe practices and support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This will include the provision of Support Coordination to support clients to access appropriate services and achieve their goals.

The CSL works closely with the Manager of the Community Services Team and our Aboriginal Cultural Advisors, to lead the team and provide support to the Senior Management Team across all core activities of the MJD Foundation (Education, Equipment, Advocacy, Research, Clinical Services and Community Services).

Who you are

Do you want to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal families living with MJD? Do you enjoy working autonomously within a supportive multifaceted team environment?

It is important that you demonstrate that you are self-motivated, that you strive for excellence and that you know how to support and motivate a team. You will have strong interpersonal skills and work well in a cross-cultural environment. You will build close relationships with inspiring clients, colleagues and stakeholders. You will lead and guide a highly committed team with wide-ranging experience across the sector. The expertise that you bring to the role may be varied, including skills that you have developed through education and in previous employment, or your life experience as a member of the community and a user of the service system.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply!

Selection Criteria:

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications (in the health, disability, community sector) with subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education and training.


2. Experience working in a remote community.


3. Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities and cultures from a historical and contemporary perspective.


4. The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and in accordance with community protocols and customs.


5. A commitment to person and family centred practice and working within the MJD Foundation ‘Our Way’ approach.


6. Demonstrated experience (or demonstrated potential) to successfully lead a small team;


7. Strong interpersonal and liaison skills with demonstrated ability to resolve matters professionally and effectively;


8. A high level of initiative, risk-based problem-solving skills, judgement and adaptability;


9. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to adapt to a varied audience;


10. Resilience, flexibility with a ‘can do’ attitude.


11. Good computer skills and demonstrated experience working well with the Microsoft Office Suite.


12. Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with the NDIS.


13. Working knowledge of NT Government and/or NGO services and facilities.

Desirable criteria:

1. Understanding of the mechanisms and processes of Machado Joseph Disease.


2. Clinical experience in neurological and/or rehabilitation settings.


3. Training, education and/or mentoring experience.

What we offer: 

·         A supportive and inclusive work environment; 

·         Tax free fringe benefit up to $15,900 p.a., plus meal entertainment benefit up to $2,650 p.a.; 

·         A retention fee of $2500 after completion of 12 months employment;

·         A management allowance of $4000 per year on top of your base salary;

·         6 weeks annual leave;

·         One day paid wellbeing day and gift; 

·         A holistic workplace that offers flexibility (hours/where you work); 

·         Professional development (career development, paid study leave and financial support);

·         Access to free confidential supports via our Employee Assistance Program (EAP);

·         Free on-site car parking;

·         relocation package for the right candidate. 

Please have a look at the position description on our website www.mjd.org.au. For more information you can contact Kylie Jackson, Manager Community Services Team, [email protected] or 0499 330 207.

If you have the knowledge and experience we are looking for and are excited to join our team, please submit your resume and a statement addressing the selection criteria by Sunday 6 April 2025. Applications that don’t address the selection criteria will not be considered. We will consider and review candidates as they apply.

The MJD Foundation values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We welcome unique contributions and perspectives of all people to ensure our workforce is representative of the communities we work with and live in.