CQID is experiencing enormous organisational growth across all services and seeking suitable candidates for a range of positions.
CQID is one of the largest employers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Central Queensland region. Offering a broad range of service areas, with roles that serve our community across Rockhampton, Emerald, Longreach, Woorabinda, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay.
A new organisational structure, designated HR team and the implementation of a new Workforce Strategy. Striving to support employees on their career journey is a priority and contributes us to being a Employer of Choice.
Purpose of the Position
The purpose of the Manager, Yarn’n Strong position is to support the design and delivery of activities associated with a new Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) project being delivered by Central Queensland Indigenous Development (CQID) across the areas of Rockhampton, Central Highlands, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Maryborough.
The Yarn’n Strong project will be based and have strong connections to local community to raise awareness and understanding of rights for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people with disability.
The Manager, Yarn’n Strong, will deliver high quality, culturally appropriate and safe activities which ensure that Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people with disability, their families, supports and community are aware of their rights and have the skills, knowledge and confidence to exercise those rights. This includes providing information, group activities, resources and individual support regarding disability rights, self-advocacy and assistance to navigate complaints processes.
Within CQID, this role has a key management and project management function. The position provides day-to-day coordination and implementation of CQID’s Yarn’n Strong project across the full CQID catchment for this activity (Rockhampton, Central Highlands, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Maryborough), including line supervision and practice support for the Yarn’n Strong Disability Advocate and Community Advocate positions.
The role is also responsible for project planning, risk management, partner engagement and reporting in line with the Yarn’n Strong consortium agreements, Activity Work Plan and CQID’s internal requirements.
The Manager reports to the General Manager, Therapeutic and Clinical Services and works closely and in collaboration with a consortia arrangement of project partners located throughout Queensland.
The Manager is responsible for ensuring that all information and services provided are consistent with the purpose, vision, and values of CQID and the Yarn’n Strong ILC project and complies with relevant legislation, quality standards, contemporary research and practice wisdom. CQID aspires to conduct reflective practice in all aspects of work, continuous quality improvement and the highest possible standards of service provision.
This is an identified position. CQID considers that being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement under s25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act QLD 1991. We strongly encourage those with a lived experience to apply for this position. CQID will consider part-time and job-sharing options to ensure flexibility and accessibility for applicants with a lived experience of disability.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Provide leadership, management and project coordination for CQID’s Yarn’n Strong activities across the service catchment, ensuring implementation is consistent with the Yarn’n Strong Activity Work Plan, consortium member agreement and CQID policies and procedures.
- Coordinate the recruitment, induction and ongoing support of Local Community Advocates in each funded location, in partnership with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and other consortium partners.
- Co-develop, maintain and monitor a detailed project plan (including timelines, milestones and reporting requirements) to ensure all Yarn’n Strong deliverables are met on time and within allocated resources.
- Provide regular line supervision, mentoring and day-to-day practice support to the Yarn’n Strong Disability Advocate and Community Advocate roles, including support around workload management, wellbeing, cultural safety, travel and Workplace Health and Safety.
- Engage proactively with disability organisations and services to build strong, culturally safe pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and carers to advocate, access, navigate and receive appropriate disability supports.
- Develop and deliver information sessions, resources and training to disability service providers to enhance their cultural safety, understanding and responsiveness when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Respectfully engage and work collaboratively with community, community leaders and other stakeholders in the delivery of project activities.
- Maintain high standards of recording and reporting.
- Ensure that all service targets and statutory requirements are being met or exceeded.
- Identify and provide feedback on service needs / gaps.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of procedures that support the success of the project and inclusion and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.
- Utilise Yarn’n Strong’s resources to present and promote the project at relevant forums, public engagements, networking meetings and within community.
- Contribute to a supportive team environment through working collaboratively to share and generate ideas and solutions.
- Attend and actively participate in project training and meetings.
- Maintain up to date knowledge that supports project activities and goals.
- Participate and contribute to Workplace, Health and Safety activities to ensure a safe work environment for clients, staff, visitors and the community.
Key Selection Criteria
- Identifies as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and be accepted by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person
- A relevant qualification in human services / community services or equivalent combination of relevant experience, education and/or training
- Experience working with and/or advocating for people with disability of all ages, operating within a social justice framework
- An understanding of and experience in delivering services and supports to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- Sound knowledge of disability support programs, legislation and sector, or the ability to quickly acquire this knowledge
- Strong problem-solving skills to address challenges and roadblocks, fostering a solutions-oriented approach that contributes to the overall success of the project
- High level written and verbal communication/presentation skills, with the ability to communicate, engage and negotiate confidently
- A lived or living experience of disability and the disability service sector will also be highly regarded
Essential Requirements
- A valid Queensland Driver’s Licence
- Current (less than three (3) years old) pre-employment National Criminal History Certificate (ongoing renewal every 3 years at employee’s expense)
- Valid NDIS Worker Screening Clearance (paid workers) at employee’s expense
- Valid Working with Children – Blue Card (paid workers) at employee’s expense
- Willingness to travel to regional areas outside normal working hours as required (including overnight trips on occasion)
