Community Project Officer – Suicide Prevention - Growth-Minded Organization - Part-Time

Job title: Project Officer 

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer - Lake Macquarie & Newcastle Suicide Prevention & Support Network 

Salary: (Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award [ M000100] Level 2.1 – Part Time $32.21 p/hr + Superannuation. 

Location: Office Based at Elermore Vale Community Centre + Outreach/Community locations. 

Hours: Up to 22hrs p/wk available including 4hrs every second weekend (alternating Sat and Sun)   

Term: ASAP to 30th December 2024 with potential increase dependent on funding

Purpose of the position

This is a multifaceted role that includes development and implementation of community projects, coordination of volunteers and volunteering opportunities and the facilitation of social activities for the LGBTQIA+ community. You will attend and setup our fortnightly market stall and develop event and marketing plans for our fundraising activities and events.  

Role Descriptions

Responsibilities of the Volunteer Coordinator may include any of the following tasks:

Volunteer Coordination – Liaison with the Hunter Volunteer Centre re new volunteers, advertisements and ongoing volunteer management. Recording and upkeep of Volunteer Database. Initial Interviews with new volunteers. Induction and training of new volunteers. Ongoing communication with volunteers. Planning and organisation of volunteering activities either centre based or community based. Support Project Officers with Volunteer rostering. Project and Event Planning, Development and Facilitation where volunteers are involved.

Community Events and Engagement – Plan, coordinate and facilitate community events and engagement strategies in line with the LMNSPN Action Plan, including activities that promote social engagement for the LGBTQIA+ community. Undertake community consultation to ensure that our community members, in particular those with Lived Experience, are central to all programs and events that we develop. Engage with local support services to establish a broad network of support and to assist in our collaborative efforts to connect community members to relevant supports. Coordinate and support our volunteers, including undertaking volunteer advertisement and recruitment, inductions and training, rostering and ongoing support. 

Fundraising – Plan, coordinate and facilitate activities to raise funds for the LMNSPN and to raise awareness of Suicide Prevention in the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Region.

Administrative Duties – Keep records of all tasks, planning files and program specific documents in an orderly fashion. Undertake data collection and the evaluation of programs and activities facilitated in this role. Be responsive to emails and social media enquiries. 

Social Media & Marketing – Support the Social Media Officer to upkeep the LMNSPN Social Media accounts. Manage volunteer information and communication through social media inc Facebook and Whats App. Source and upload relevant information regarding Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Awareness as it relates to your role.

Other Duties – Be flexible to undertake other duties related to the Strategic Plan and Action Plan of the LMSPN, as required.

Qualifications

Desirable qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in any of the following; Social Science, Community Development, Communications, Project Management, Event Management, Public Relations or equivalent qualification relevant to mental health promotion and suicide prevention 

Work experience and skills

Essential experience

• Capacity to undertake project related tasks relevant to suicide prevention and promotion work, including the planning and organising of community events and engagement activities
• Experience in eventing & social project management

Desirable experience

• Demonstrated high level of communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including in community settings
• Ability to plan, coordinate and facilitate fundraising activities
• Volunteer management
• Experience in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, report writing and record keeping

Selection Criteria

Only applications that address ALL Selection Criteria will be considered. Please submit your resume and cover letter including your responses to each of the selection criteria

1. Minimum Certificate IV level qualification in Community Services, Health Promotion, Mental Health, Event Management or other equivalent qualification OR relevant experience including Lived Experience. (Max. 50 words)  

2. Be Creative! Let us know what social activities, health promotion activities, and events you have delivered and what made these activities successful. Show us your personality! (Max. 100 words)

3. Tell us about your understanding of the challenges faced by those experiencing vulnerabilities, including mental health concerns, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community. How will you provide access to information, advice and support to these individuals in this role. (Max. 100 words)

4. How do you keep on track with competing tasks and deadlines? How will you balance the fun with the formalities of the role! (Max. 100 words)

5. How flexible are you? We aren’t talking about stretching, we want to know if you are happy to work flexible shifts outside of normal hours, including weekends and evenings. Let us know what hours will suit you.  (Max. 100 words)

6. Are you a lone wolf or part of a pack? There will be times in this role where you will work independently and as part of a team. Let us hear how you howl! (Max. 100 words)

7. Are you safety conscious? Do you have a First Aid Certificate and a Working with Children Check? These will be vital to your role. (Max. 20 words)

8. Lastly, do you have a current Australian Driver’s Licence?  (Max. 1 word!)

Please send your Resume and Cover Letter addressing the Selection Criteria to [email protected] 

Applications Close Friday 24th May at 5pm. For further information please contact LMNSPN CEO Bradley Dunn at [email protected] or call 0417220520. 

The suitable applicant will be subject to the relevant pre-employment checks (including Working with Children Check). The Lake Macquarie Suicide Prevention and Support Network is committed to ensuring our workforce reflects the communities we work with. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.