Community Safety Program Officer

$97,411- $106,180 per annum (plus super)

Permanent Full Time

About Us

Located 35km to the southeast of Melbourne, Greater Dandenong City Council covers 129 square kilometres and has a population of over 169,000 people. The central activities district is Melbourne's second largest retail and commercial centre and includes large shopping complexes at Dandenong and Keysborough as well as the highly popular Dandenong Market.

Greater Dandenong City Council is the most culturally diverse locality in Australia, with residents from over 150 different birthplaces, nearly two-thirds of whom were born overseas. Key industries include manufacturing, health care and social assistance, retail trade, wholesale trade and transport.

We are a progressive organisation of exceptional character that offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment to approximately 900 employees. We recognise that our staff are vital to the delivery of excellent service to our community and the achievement of our long-term vision. We invest in the development of our people, and we strive to be a workplace that is respectful, engaged, accountable, creative and honest.

Are you ready to be a part of an exciting and transformative journey in the heart of one of Australia's most culturally diverse and thriving communities? Greater Dandenong City Council is an innovative and forward-thinking organisation, home to Melbourne's second-largest urban centre and a pivotal hub for manufacturing, retail and commerce in the State, Greater Dandenong boasts exceptional character and a vibrant, multicultural population that contributes to a rich cultural tapestry.

About the Role

The City of Greater Dandenong Safe, Active and Connected Communities team is seeking a Community Safety Program Officer to join the newly established Community Safety Team, focusing on:

• The development, design, and implementation of a range of community safety initiatives that will increase actual and perceived levels of community safety across the municipality.
• Developing effective partnerships with key stakeholders are established and maintained to achieve this outcome.

The primary purpose in this position is to:

• Possess knowledge of alcohol and other drugs (AOD), homelessness, crime prevention, and mental health issues, applying this understanding to develop and implement strategies that address these areas and enhance community safety.
• Research, develop, and implement community safety activities aligned to the council plan and council’s strategic plans.
• Stay updated on community safety trends and legislation and build relationships with stakeholders to address safety issues.
• Analyse, monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and policy initiatives and prepare reports for Council.
• Coordinate community safety events that promote awareness, prevention, and education.

About You

We are looking for someone with:

• A tertiary or equivalent qualification in a field such as Criminology, Social Science, Community Development, or Public/ Social Policy along with some relevant experience researching, planning and developing a range of social planning and community development strategies, policies and programs.
• Knowledge of community safety issues, crime prevention strategies, and relevant legislation and policy frameworks.
• Well-developed skills and experience in community consultation and engagement, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. Experience in the social, political and legal frameworks in which Local Government operates.

Benefits of working with us

Council believes in providing an environment where staff thrive, both in the work they do and in how they learn and develop as people and professionals.

Our workplace has an inclusive and diverse culture which encourages innovation and supports your work and life balance. There are plenty of opportunities to learn, develop and grow your career within our expanding and diverse organisation.

Our benefits include

• Competitive salary
• Salary sacrifice childcare (where available)
• Flexible working options supported including hybrid work
• Access to learning & development programs including study assistance
• Reward & recognition programs
• Health initiatives
• Access to our support and wellbeing programs
• A vibrant social club

For more information about our benefits, please visit our careers page: Working with Us

Council will consider flexible working arrangements for all positions. We embrace our diverse community and encourage applications from everyone including people of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander background, people of diverse sexual orientation and gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people of varied age, ability, and faith. Council will give due consideration to any workplace adjustments to accommodate the needs of any prospective or existing staff member.

Council is commitment to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment and promoting cultural safety and wellbeing for children with zero tolerance for child abuse and harm

To apply

Applicants must adequately meet the requirements of the role and fully address the selection criteria contained in the position description. Please ensure you address the key selection criteria outlined in the position description as part of your application.

To view a copy of this position description, please click on the link below.

Community Safety Program Officer Position Description– 607.6 KB

You may be required to undertake practical testing, work preference profiling / psychometric testing, functional capacity assessment (physical) or aptitude testing.

The successful candidate will be asked to produce a clear Working with Children Check and will be asked to consent to a national police check (and where relevant an ‘international criminal history check’), subject to the operation of spent conviction laws. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically barred from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits

Applications close: 5pm, Friday 13th December 2024

Further information: Maia Avendano-Jones, 04 3812 9