Community Services Specialist

Community Services Specialist

Reports to: Community Services Lead

Direct reports: None

Award level: HPSSA level 3 or SCHADS level 4, depending on background and experience.

Special Provisions:

-       Willingness to travel to remote communities (by light aircraft or 4WD- this is not a regular requirement of the role).

-       Ability to obtain and maintain NDIS Worker Screening clearance.

-       Willingness to adhere to Government mandated vaccination policies and provide proof of compliance.

-       Ability to obtain and maintain an NT class C manual drivers’ license.

Summary of the position

In this role you will work as part of a multidisciplinary and cross-cultural team that responds to the needs of Aboriginal people impacted by Machado-Joseph Disease (MJD) living in Darwin, and their families. The role emphasises the delivery of holistic, person-centered care through the MJDF’s culturally safe "Our Way" approach. Key to the “Our Way” approach is building strong relationships with our clients and their families and empowering them to guide us around how they want to be supported. The ‘Our Way’ approach values and respects a ‘two-way’ model, delivering evidence-based supports that are flexible and responsive to the diverse needs of our Aboriginal clients and their families.

The Community Services Specialist (CSS) will provide culturally appropriate Case Management support to allocated clients and their family members to access a range of services such as Centrelink, Housing, NDIS, disability and government health services and respite.   This will be achieved through the ongoing 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 engagement with community groups, welfare agencies, and government bodies.

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

Working closely with the Community Services Lead and Aboriginal Cultural Advisors, the CSS collaborates with MJDF clients, Aboriginal Community Workers, Family Support Workers and external stakeholders to build capacity, address barriers and deliver flexible, responsive care. In addition, the role will provide support to the senior management team across all core activities of the MJD Foundation (Clinical Services, Education, Advocacy, Research and Community Services). 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and monitor person-centred plans that reflect individual strengths, preferences, cultural values, and risk assessments (where appropriate) in partnership with clients, families, and carers.


• Provide holistic, culturally appropriate & flexible hands-on support and guidance to clients and families, addressing barriers to achieving independence and well-being, giving primacy to the ‘Our Way’ model.


• Provide (complex) case management support, facilitating access to appropriate health, housing, Centrelink, NDIS and other relevant services.


• Provide NDIS Support Coordination, including assistance to clients and families in understanding and maximising the benefits and utilisation of NDIS plans.


• Support the preparation, review, and monitoring of NDIS-related documentation to ensure compliance and ongoing alignment with changing client needs.


• Work collaboratively with the therapy team in the MJDF “Staying Stronger for Longer” therapy program to support therapeutic interventions and ensure safe and independent living environments (eg: through the provision of tailored rehabilitative activities. adaptive equipment, and home modifications).


• Collaborate with Aboriginal Community Workers to ensure culturally safe interactions and practices, integrating traditional knowledge with biomedical approaches.


• Build and maintain strong relationships with service providers, community agencies, and stakeholders to improve client outcomes.


• Deliver training, education, and presentations on culturally safe practices, MJD and the services provided by the MJDF to clients, families, and service providers.


• Advocate for the needs and rights of individuals and families affected by MJD.


• Facilitate meaningful, enjoyable activities, including On Country outings, to enhance quality of life for people impacted by MJD.


• Engage with research projects to inform and improve service delivery.

Selection Criteria:

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications in nursing, allied health, or a related field, with subsequent relevant experience in community/disability services.


2. Strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, including historical and contemporary perspectives.


3. Proven ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, adhering to community protocols.


4. Extensive knowledge and experience working with the NDIS, including plan management, compliance, and support coordination.


5. Experience in Complex Case Management, with a focus on person-centred care.


6. A commitment to working within the MJD Foundation ‘Our Way’ approach to deliver culturally safe and holistic support.


7. Highly developed ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders and develop strong and collaborative relationships.


8. Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a remote and challenging environment.


9. Familiarity with NT Government and NGO services and facilities and the ability to navigate the system.


10. Proficiency in using a range of computer software to support documentation and communication.


11. A self-starter, with proven ability to manage relationships and initiate change.


12. Commitment to multi-disciplinary and inter-sectoral working.

Desirable criteria

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


2. Experience in a neurological and/or rehabilitation settings.


3. Experience providing education, mentoring or training to others.