Cumberland City Council

Children’ Support Officer

Located 20km west of Sydney on Dharug country, with a population of 240,000 residents, Cumberland City Council is the fourth most populous Local Government Area in Greater Sydney. Cumberland boasts one of the most diverse communities in Australia, with people from many different backgrounds and cultures living alongside one another.

Our people are focused on driving community outcomes, programs and services to innovate, inspire and deliver change for the community we represent and has worked hard to fulfil its community’s vision for Cumberland as a place where anyone can feel welcome, belong and succeed.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Children and Youth Development team is responsible for the delivery of children, youth and family programs and initiatives across the LGA with a focus on child protection and community development.   The team leads Council’s actions in the Child Safe space and maintains Cumberland as a leading  Local Government Child Safe Organisation.

The team deliver amazing programs and projects each year including School Holiday Programs, Youth Week, Bush School, Story Times and Child Protection Week events.

The Children’s Support Officer is responsible for implementing children’s programs, projects and delivering child protection initiatives and will be held accountable for the successful delivery of key strategies, projects and programs across the following functions:

• Contributing to the delivery and evaluation of the Cumberland Children and Family Strategy  projects and programs across the following functions:
• Child Protection: Organisational and community strategies including children’s participation 
• Children’s programs, projects and initiatives
• Sector intervention in the children and families sector. 

The successful applicant will require:

• Tertiary qualification in education, community services, social science or a related field.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in working with children and families from a broad range of backgrounds including culturally and linguistically diverse communities. 
• Demonstrated skills in facilitating the involvement of children in the planning, delivery and evaluation of programs and activities.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including sound knowledge and experience in planning, implementation and evaluation of project, programs and initiatives, and managing a diverse range of tasks with competing priorities and changing deadlines.
• Demonstrated understanding of child protection, including issues and legislation, risk management, responding to incidents and disclosures.
• Demonstrated highly developed interpersonal skills, including ability to develop and maintain effective relationships, develop reports, formal correspondence, promotional material and presentations.
• Exceptional communication (written and oral) skills, including high level presentation skills and experience in report writing.
• High level administrative and organisational skills, including attention to detail, ability to maintain accurate records and advanced skills in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to support the management of revenue and expenditure and understanding of funding applications, management and acquittal.
• Current Class C Driver’s licence.
• Valid Working with Children Check Clearance Number.
• Current First Aid, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Certificate (or willing to obtain). 

Download the position description here for more information. 

About this role: 

• 1x Permanent full-time position
• working 70 hours per fortnight, with core hours between 8:00am to 4:30pm, however may be required to attend events, meetings and programs afterhours or on weekends. 
• Access to Council's 9 day fortnight Accrued Day Off (ADO) arrangement
• Located at Council's Merryland's Office and may be required to work across any of Council’s work locations

Salary information: The salary and conditions of employment are in accordance with the NSW Local Government (State) Award.

• Grade 8 of the Cumberland Salary Structure with a salary range of $1,336.51 to $1,536.98 per week plus 11.5% superannuation
• The commencing salary will be negotiated, taking into consideration the successful applicant's qualifications, skills and experience related to the role
• Mobile phone

WHAT WE CAN OFFER

• We promote work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements including working from home opportunities or up to an additional five (5) days' leave for front-facing roles that are unable to access working from home arrangements
• Training and professional development opportunities available to develop skills and grow your career
• Leave entitlements including annual leave,  15 days personal leave per year, parental leave and access to Long Service Leave after five (5) years (where applicable)
• Three (3) additional grant days of paid leave over Christmas (where applicable)
• Corporate Health Insurance discounts
• Health and Wellbeing Programs to support our staff by providing access to online professional learning, paid leave to undertake annual skin checks, COVID-19 vaccinations and to donate blood
• Subsidies to assist with the cost of wellness and fitness activities
• Free access to Council owned and managed Aquatic Centres
• Access to Council's Fitness Passport Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

ABOUT US

Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people, and fully supports the aims and objectives of NSW Child Protection Legislation, and associated provisions. Council will implement all necessary measures to ensure a safe and supportive environment, which endeavours to promote child protection practices. It is essential for applicants to submit their WWCC number with their application, if required, and it is an offence under NSW legislation for barred workers to apply for or otherwise attempt to obtain, undertake or remain in child-related employment.

Cumberland City Council is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, reflective of the community it represents. Council welcomes and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, and is committed to providing an accessible and safe workplace for our staff through making reasonable adjustments. If you have any accessibility or support requirements throughout the recruitment process, please contact the hiring manager during the application process. 

What you'll need to have for this role:

• The right to live and work in Australia
• Be able to provide information for pre-employment checks required for the position
• Participate in health monitoring as outlined in the risk assessment for this position and Council’s Health Monitoring Procedure, as required
• Provide evidence of your vaccination status as part of the employment screening process, in accordance with Council’s COVID-19 Vaccination Procedure.

Enquiries: Contact Victoria Franji, Senior Coordinator Children and Youth on 8757 9504 or human.resources@cumberland.nsw.gov.au for further information. 

Closing date: 11:59pm, Sunday 5 January 2025

  HOW TO APPLY

To submit your application for this position, please complete the questionnaire.  You'll be asked to attach your resume and any relevant qualifications (if required) to complete your application. Make sure you have these attachments ready before you apply as your application cannot be submitted until completed.