Description:
Join this progressive not for profit organisation as a First Nations Engagement Worker. 2 year contract based in either Port Macquarie or Coffs Harbour.
ABOUT MNCLC
Mid North Coast Legal Centre (MNCLC) www.mnclegal.org.au is part of Advocacy Law Alliance www.advocacylaw.org.au.
MNCLC is a not-for-profit community legal centre which provides civil law services in the local government areas of MidCoast, Port Macquarie – Hastings, Kempsey Shire, Nambucca Shire, Bellingen and Coffs Harbour. We have offices in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour and this role could work from either office.
MNCLC seeks to provide access to justice through a multidisciplinary approach that includes legal information, legal advice, advocacy and representation, policy and law reform and legal outreach across the geographic catchment area.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
The First Nations Engagement Worker position is primarily responsible for further developing the relationship between members of First Nations communities in our catchment, the MNCLC and the legal assistance sector. The main role of the worker is to assist in removing the barriers that First Nations people may face in accessing legal services. This will involve several strategies, including community legal education, information and referral and networking.
This role will identify and implement ways to enhance cultural competency and provide support to the staff of MNCLC as they develop their cultural awareness and improve their understanding of culturally specific issues as they relate to the provision of effective legal assistance to First Nations people.
The worker in this role may also support First Nations community members as they access the services of MNCLC.
Benefits include:
- 35 hours per week across Monday to Friday;
- 2 year contract position based in either our Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie office;
- Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS), Pay Point 4.1 (wages, Annual Leave Loading and superannuation);
- Up to 6 weeks annual leave, plus 5 paid wellbeing days;
- Job satisfaction in making a difference to people’s lives;
- Salary packaging options - tax free salary packaging options can increase ‘take home’ pay;
- Access to company car for work travel;
- Ongoing training and development opportunities; and
- Supportive and rewarding team culture.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Key relationships
- Legal Services Manager and Engagement Workers
Service Promotion and Networking
- Promote MNCLC by participating in local projects and networks which involve the local First Nations communities, publicise the service, strengthen links with local workers and services and improve access to the service for specific groups.
- Strengthen links with local First Nations organisations, services and workers.
- Participate in community events, e.g. NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week.
- Attend relevant interagency and network meetings.
- Develop and maintain links with local First Nations communities.
- Undertake legal needs consultation with local First Nations communities, in collaboration with the Legal Services Manager.
- Contribute to and support currency of MNCLC database by maintaining key community worker contacts for First Nations communities
Information and Referral
- Assist in developing information resources in relation to the legal rights of First Nations people.
- Provide legal information and appropriate referrals for First Nations clients.
- Facilitate the access of First Nations people to the Centre's services by acting as a first contact point and making facilitated referrals where appropriate.
Community Legal Education and Cultural Competency
- Participate in developing and providing community education to local First Nations communities on services that the MNCLC and other legal assistance services provide.
- Actively participate in the continuous development of cultural competency amongst MNCLC staff and volunteers.
- Actively participate in RAP working group meetings and be mentored to maintain the RAP working group agenda.
Outreach & Non-legal Support
- Assist in the development and delivery of regular outreach legal clinics for First Nations people in an accessible and culturally appropriate settings.
- Support solicitors with their provision of outreach initiatives to First Nations organisations, services and community.
- Support clients in appointments with solicitors, where appropriate.
General
- Undertake shared intake duties and general office administration.
- Undertake all necessary clerical, administration and filing processes to document, file, retrieve and manage project data and resources.
- Contribute to service evaluation through surveying clients and workers about MNCLC services.
- Enter advice, casework, and other service activities onto the CLASS database.
- Work cooperatively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Undertake duties related to supporting volunteers and students at the MNCLC.
- Carry out other appropriate tasks as directed.
Personal Responsibilities
- Undertake work and other activities with integrity whilst upholding the organisation’s values and ensuring a people-first approach across our staff, volunteers and clients.
- Support team cohesion in a flexible and friendly manner.
- Protect and enhance the reputation of the organisation.
- Execute the tasks that are assigned to you to a high standard.
- Collect data to evaluate your work and regularly report on it.
- Meet objectives and deliverables in a timely manner.
- Maintain positive relationships with the Centre’s partner organisations and the wider community.
Carry out any reasonable additional tasks as directed. Comply with the policies and practice manual of the organisation. Comply with the relevant standards set for the organisation by the funding body or sector association along with the ALA Code of Ethics and Conduct in the ALA Policy Manual. Note from time to time this position description may be reviewed and updated.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Applications must address the selection criteria and will close at 5:00pm on Sunday 16 March 2025. Interviews will take place in the first week of April online via Microsoft Teams or face to face in Port Macquarie.
Applications which do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.
- Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
- Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to social justice.
- Demonstrated experience working with First Nation communities in an engagement/liaison role.
- Demonstrated knowledge of First Nations culture and experience in cross-cultural engagement.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, including cross-cultural communication.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution skills and the ability to work well within a team environment including under supervision.
- Good organisational, time management and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work in an electronic environment (word processing, email etc.)
- A current NSW drivers licence and willingness to travel across the MNCLC catchment area.
As part of our government funding contract all staff are required to have a police criminal record check and clear working with children check prior to commencement.
Advocacy Law Alliance (MNCLC and DANSW) is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.
For more information about MNCLC, see www.mnclegal.org.au. For more information about the position contact Jane Titterington or Mel Kallmier on 02 6580 2111 or via email at info@mnclegal.org.au
Submission Checklist
Do you have:
- A cover letter including contact details.
- A document that addresses each of the selection criteria listed above (please include this with your cover letter or resume document for ease of submission via Seek).
- A current resume including two current professional referees.
If so, hit ‘apply now’ via Seek, ensuring everything is included. We look forward to receiving your application.