Community Liaison Officer 50D – Tackling Indigenous Smoking

The South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service based in Bunbury which provides a variety of health services to Aboriginal people in the South West, Great South, Upper wheatbelt and Peel Regions of Western Australia. SWAMS delivers a wide range of Services including GP Clinics, Primary Health Care, Counselling and community host various programs. SWAMS has a strong growth strategy through partnership opportunities and future community development.

SWAMS is dedicated to enhancing employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This position is designated under Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), and as such, only Aboriginal people are eligible to apply.

About the role

We are inviting applications from enthusiastic and committed individuals of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent for a meaningful opportunity to work as a Community Liaison Officer – Tackling Indigenous Smoking on a Casual basis in our Bunbury Office and out in the local community.

This position is responsible for being the first point of contact for community members and ensuring SWAMS initiatives, services and information are shared with community in a culturally sensitive, strengths-based and holistic way. With a focus on driving the Tackling Indigenous Smoking program, the role works to reduce smoking and vaping-related harm among First Nations communities by preventing uptake, promoting smoke-free and vape-free environments, and supporting pathways to cessation. The position will build partnerships with community members, external agencies and service providers to support culturally safe health promotion activities that align with SWAMS’ strategic direction. The role will also engage with community at meetings, forums, events and informal groups to gather ideas, feedback and suggestions and communicate these to the leadership team.

Responsibilities:

• Create, implement and maintain strong working relationships with community members.
• Deliver culturally appropriate community education and engagement activities, including training, social activities, workshops and events.
• Assist with the development and promotion of smoke-free and vape-free policies in workplaces, cars, homes, sporting clubs and community events.
• Support the development and delivery of mass media and social media campaigns, including television, radio and digital health promotion activities.
• Create, implement and maintain referral and information pathways with external stakeholders and local service providers.
• Attend community meetings, workshops, forums and informal groups to build a consistent SWAMS presence and strengthen communication within community.
• Disseminate SWAMS information about programs, events, services and other relevant initiatives in a culturally appropriate and holistic manner.
• Act as a key point of contact for community feedback and suggestions and report relevant information to senior management in a timely manner.
• Promote community engagement with SWAMS services through regular contact, outreach and culturally safe communication.
• Conduct community consultation and data collection for projects, initiatives and services as required.
• Support project management and delivery of identified projects within the Community Services remit.
• Work respectfully with Aboriginal communities across the Wheatbelt, Peel, Southwest and Great Southern regions.
• Support culturally safe health promotion activities that increase community understanding of smoking, vaping, second-hand smoke and related health impacts.
• Contribute to positive partnerships with schools, sporting clubs, workplaces, community groups and other agencies to support smoke-free and vape-free messaging.
• Participate in relevant team planning, meetings and service improvement activities.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of SWAMS reporting requirements relevant to the role.
• Undertake reporting activities and maintain relevant documentation within the scope of the role.
• Maintain information flow that supports reliable data, documentation and evidence of community engagement and program activity.
• Collect and record local data to support monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement of TIS activities.
• Contribute to continual quality improvement in the delivery of client, community and health promotion services.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity, Work Health and Safety, Code of Conduct, Quality Improvement, Performance Management and Confidentiality requirements throughout the course of duties.
• Maintain the highest standards of professional conduct.
• Always maintain confidentiality regarding clients, families, community members and organisational information.
• Participate in and contribute to the fulfilment of operational needs of the organisation as they arise.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and compliance with all SWAMS policies and procedures.
• Participate in maintaining a safe working environment.
• Participate in performance appraisals and contribute to own professional development.
• Uphold the Code of Conduct and ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people by promoting a child-safe environment and acting in line with SWAMS’ child safeguarding policies and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

Qualifications, Experience and Attributes:

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with community members and stakeholders.
• Proactive, organised and experienced supporting multiple activities, campaigns, workshops, community education activities and also able to perform reporting requirements.
• Basic digital literacy, including use of Microsoft Office programs and social media platforms for outreach and health messaging.
• Cultural awareness and community connection: Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal culture and a genuine commitment to working respectfully with Aboriginal communities in the Wheatbelt, Peel, SouthWest and Great Southern regions.
• Effective communication skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage with individuals and groups in a culturally appropriate and clear manner.
• Willingness to learn and grow: Enthusiasm for developing skills in health promotion, community engagement and public speaking, with a proactive attitude toward training and professional development.
• Current and Valid WA C or CA Class drivers’ licence
• Employment is conditional pending the outcome of a National Police Clearance, Working with Children and Vulnerable Persons checks.
• Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given preference for this role.
• Prior experience in health promotion, community engagement, tobacco control, youth engagement or Aboriginal community-controlled health services.

In addition to this all applicants require satisfactory completion of a Drug and Alcohol test. Unsatisfactory pre-employment checks will result in the offer of employment being withdrawn.

Why SWAMS?

Along with working with passionate people and being able to feel like you have contributed to something every day, SWAMS offers the following:

• 17.5% leave loading
• Up to $18,550 salary packaging options
• Uniforms supplied
• Generous leave allowances
• Professional development opportunities

For more information about SWAMS and the role:

• About SWAMS, our great organisation – https://www.swams.com.au/about/
• For queries – please contact Human Resources on (08) 9797 8111.

To apply for this role please follow the online application process of this platform or email your application through to: hr@swams.com.au. We also welcome you to drop your resume to our office at 30 Wellington Street, Bunbury.

This role will remain open until the successful applicant is found.