Community Engagement Officer, Justice Reinvestment

• Generous SCHCADS Award salary on offer – SCHCADS Level 5, Pay Point 1 $105,577.68 pa
• Full time, ongoing
• Help lead a community driven movement to build a safer, more self determined future for Aboriginal communities in Melbourne’s West.

Background

In September 2024, the Commonwealth Government (Attorney General’s Department) confirmed the consortium of ACCOs in the West (with Djirra as the auspice organisation) was successful in their application for a Justice Reinvestment (JR) grant over two years (Western Melbourne JR project). The funding will support the recruitment of a JR team (Manager, Community Engagement Officer, Research Officer and casual staff) to deliver a community-led Justice Reinvestment (JR) design process which will culminate in a JR Strategy and Aboriginal Regional Governance model for the West.  

The Western Melbourne JR Project will be overseen and led by a Governance Group (GG) composed of Aboriginal Community Control Organisations (ACCOs) and community representatives and Djirra as the contract manager (the Auspicor).

About the Role

We’re looking for a passionate and community-connected Community Engagement Officer to join the JR backbone team. Working alongside the JR Manager, Research Officer and the Governance Group, you’ll design and lead participatory engagement activities that put community voices at the centre of this project — from grassroots conversations to large-scale workshops and festivals.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a genuinely community-led justice reform process, building relationships across community, ACCOs, non-government organisations and government to bring the JR Strategy to life.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and deliver tailored community engagement strategies that ensure diverse community voices are heard and represented, building understanding and buy-in for JR.
• Contribute to community capacity-building initiatives and Aboriginal-led design, monitoring, evaluation and learning practices.
• Help design partnership principles and protocols to guide engagement across the West.
• Plan and manage the logistics and delivery of community workshops and festivals, from concept to execution.
• Develop communication products and resources, keeping the imagery, messaging and profile of JR fresh and relevant across community and stakeholder channels.
• Support and mentor casual Aboriginal Community Facilitators, building their capacity to contribute to the project.

Who You Are

• You have a strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultures, with specific insight into the issues affecting Victorian Aboriginal communities in Melbourne’s West.
• You’ve worked in culturally safe ways with Aboriginal communities and organisations, and know how to design and facilitate participatory processes with diverse groups.
• You bring solid project delivery experience — you can scope, plan and implement initiatives on time and on budget.
• You build genuine relationships with ease, connecting community members with internal and external stakeholders.
• You’re a confident team player who isn’t afraid to suggest changes and bring others along with you.
• You handle sensitive information with discretion, stay impartial, and understand the nuances of community dynamics.
• You communicate clearly across a range of formats and audiences, and bring creativity and inclusivity to everything you design.
• You’re comfortable across the MS Office suite, data management tools and virtual office platforms.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

A Position Description for this role can be viewed on the Employment Hero website for this job listing (via the application link). Please do not hesitate to contact People and Learning at hrinfo@djirra.org.au for a confidential discussion if you would like further information.

To apply, please click the ‘apply’ button and submit your resume, cover letter and completed screening questions which will be sent via email once you have submitted your application. Please note screening questions are a requirement of your application. Applications that do not include completed screening questions will not be considered. During the application process you may see an option to upload a video. Please note this is not a requirement of the application process.

Requirements

Essential

• A Victorian Employees Working with Children’s Check card or willing to obtain one
• Willing to obtain a Police Check at Djirra’s expense
• Driver’s License
• Demonstrated relevant experience in similar role.

Desirable

• Bachelor qualification in social work, community development, education, youth, justice or closely related discipline.

If you feel you meet some but not all of the requirements of this role, we encourage you to still apply or get in touch with us for a confidential discussion.  

Benefits

• Attractive salary packaging options (including meals and entertainment)
• Generous leave provisions apply and annual leave loading
• Employee Assistance Program with supportive, confidential counselling for personal and work concern
• Collaborative and inclusive team
• Additional paid leave for end of year office closure period
• Access to company vehicles for any work related travel
• Cultural awareness training both formal and informal settings is provided
• Accrued Day Off (ADO) Program available to full time staff

Please note this role may close prior to the advertised closing date (if applicable) if a suitable applicant is identified, or if we receive a high volume of quality applicants. If you are interested in this position, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.