Community Support Officer

Summary:

The Community Support Officer plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life of individuals within the community by providing essential support, information, and guidance. The position is responsible for assisting clients with emotional, financial, recreational, health, housing, and other social welfare matters, as well as assessing needs and coordinating services with welfare and community service agencies to ensure appropriate support and positive outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• Acting as first point of contact, assess and identify client needs over the phone or book appointments in person where possible. Understand client history and circumstances, request and collect relevant documentation (Allied Health reports, medical reports, etc.) and discuss relevant and accessible supports for the client and their support network.
• Refer to appropriate teams and department to begin support provision.
• Where needs of a client exceed organisational scope, refer them to relevant organisations in government, aged care, allied health and support coordination.
• Monitor and report on ongoing community issues and needs related to healthcare, housing, ability to access supports, education and training.
• Engage with community groups, government at all appropriate levels, welfare agencies and private businesses to promote community needs and issues and develop collaboration strategies to address these.
• Identify grants relevant to organisational objectives and strategy and prepare funding briefs. Prepare for application and submission of applications alongside relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop communication and relationship strategies to engage with education providers. Collaborate to create pathways for workforce and community development via education, student placement in the organisation, mentoring and employment.
• Develop and manage student placement programs at the higher education and vocational education levels. Monitor student progress, coach and mentor students and provide necessary support.
• Manage relationships with external organisations and collaborate on community events, fundraising activities, education and awareness for relevant issues affecting the community.
• Maintain an academic understanding of dementia and how these can translate into practical supports. Educate and engage with stakeholders, clients organisations and the wider community to promote awareness of challenges faced by families.
• Collaborate with relevant organisation teams to align research efforts, marketing campaigns and training programs with the needs of the community.
• Provide logistical support to ensure environments are suited for clients via organising maintenance, coordinating deliveries and setting up furniture and other fixtures.

Qualifications:

• Mandatory Tertiary qualification in communications, social care, community services, or a related field.
• Experience in a similar role within the social care sector.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Understanding of the principles of person-centred care and community engagement.
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel within the community.