Looking for a Community Engagement Officer
Location: Braybrook/ Springvale/ Richmond
Reports to: Community Engagement & Events Coordinator
Employment type: Full time
Role purpose:
The Community Engagement Officer will play a critical role in empowering the Vietnamese community by facilitating access to essential government services. The position involves providing tailored assistance to individuals and families, enabling them to navigate complex systems such as Centrelink, My Aged Care, NDIS, Medicare, housing services, and education. This role requires proactive outreach, collaboration with government agencies, and frequent travel to community hubs, government offices, and events to deliver personalised support.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for learning and a passion for community service. Proficiency in bilingual communication (Vietnamese and English) is essential to bridge cultural and language barriers effectively.
What we are looking for:
1. Community Support:
- Assist Vietnamese community members with general enquiries.
- Help individuals understand and interpret English communications.
- Provide support in completing basic forms and applications.
- Build and maintain relationships with community members, organisations, and stakeholders.
- Conduct outreach activities to raise awareness of available services and programs.
- Provide one-on-one assistance to community members in navigating government services, including Centrelink (e.g., Parenting payments, family benefits, and Job seekers), Medicare, Housing support, My Aged Care, the Education system (selective school applications), and childcare subsidies.
- Conduct outreach activities to connect with community members at various locations, including community hubs, local offices, and events.
2. Liaison and Referrals:
- Facilitate communication between clients and Government departments or mainstream service providers to ensure accessibility.
- Refer clients to appropriate internal or external services as required.
- Provide advocacy and referral services to individuals and families in need
3. Service Promotion and Collaboration:
- Promote AVWA’s programs and services to the Vietnamese community and other communities
- Work closely with the Community Engagement & Event Coordinator and other programs and projects to enhance service delivery.
- Identify opportunities to expand the organisation's presence within the communities.
- Monitor the effectiveness of programs and suggest improvements
4. Event Coordination:
- Plan and organise community events, workshops or forums to promote awareness and engagement.
- Ensure events are inclusive, accessible, and culturally sensitive.
- Facilitate gatherings to encourage dialogue and collaboration among community members
5. Stakeholder Collaboration:
- Partner with local authorities, non-profits, and other organisations to advance community initiatives.
- Represent the organisation at community meetings and forums.
6. Record Keeping:
- Maintain accurate and confidential records of client interactions and referrals.
- Prepare reports on community engagement activities for review as requested.
Who you are:
- Degree in Community Development, Social Work, Community Services, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Previous experience in community engagement, customer service, or social services
- Familiarity with AVWA’s programs and services.
- Knowledge of Government and community services
- Experience in assisting clients to access support services, complete forms, and navigate systems.
- Ability to handle confidential client information sensitively.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with diverse clients.
- Excellent reading and communication skills.
- Ability to be responsive, flexible and agile in response to changing and competing demands.
- This role does not have fixed work hours, and flexibility may be required, including evening and weekend work, to meet the demands of community engagement activities
- Proficiency in database management & Microsoft Office 365 (including Excel & SharePoint)
What’s in It for You:
- SCHADS Award with all entitlements.
- Up to $15,900 salary packaging, plus $2,650 meal and entertainment card benefits.
- Flexible working arrangements, with partial work from home, allowing work/life balance.
- Excellent workplace culture with ongoing support, training, and development.
- Great benefit with Employer-funded Paid Parental Leave (Conditions applied).
- Wellness being with Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Wellness Activities Subsidy.
- Free Flu shots
Make your move:
Ready to embark on an exciting journey with AVWA? Send your resume and cover letter highlighting your passion to
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Online Application Form
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Please note: We will be immediately shortlisting applicants and will close the position as soon as we find the right candidate. Apply now.
