Community Planning Officer

– Westernport Ward

Community Planning Officer

– Westernport Ward

Classification

Band 6

Status (FTE)

Permanent (0.6)

Division

Resilient Communities

Occupant

Vacant

Date

April 2020

About us From surfing to cycling to wining and dining and everything in between, Bass Coast provides the

perfect balance of rural, residential and holiday lifestyles for all to enjoy- all with stunning backdrops

of beaches, bushland and rolling hills.

A fast growing peri urban coastal shire with a strong focus on the balance of environment, economy

and community. The environment is our economy. To meet the needs of our fast growing status our

organisation has been reimagined to meet the current and future challenges. Our organisation is

underpinned by the principles of:

We deliver

Placing the customer at the centre of everything we do and,

Being a part of something bigger

With a proven track record of investing in our people we attract high quality applicants who want to contribute to our community, excel in their careers live the values of Excellence, Passion, Imagination,

Integrity & Courage.

Reporting to the Team Leader Community Planning, the Community Planning Officer – Westernport

Ward is responsible for contributing to place-based community planning approaches. This will be

achieved by providing linkages within the Westernport Ward Community to improve social capital,

community connectedness and community resilience and support via strategic projects and activities.

This position will be located between the Westernport Ward and Wonthaggi and will require the

successful candidate to be available for out of hours appointments.

To apply asset based community

development (ABCD) strategies to

implement community initiatives

Working with the community to coordinate

community events and activities

To work in partnership with the local

community to support neighbourhood and

family networks, to facilitate local

participation and access to facilities and

services

To encourage local creativity, vibrancy and

diversity

To work with community services and other

Council staff to achieve community

development outcomes as adopted by

Council

To develop and maintain effective

communication and foster partnerships with

a variety of non-government organisations

providing services in the Westernport Ward

Key responsibility areas

To develop and maintain effective

communication links with residents in the

Westernport Ward

To provide policy advice to Council on

appropriate initiatives, issues and legislation

relevant to community development

Other duties as directed within the skills

and abilities of a position at this level

Organisational relationships

Team Leader Community

Planning

Community Planning Officer -

Westernport Ward

Community Planning Officer -

Island Ward

Community Grants and Projects

Officer

The incumbent is responsible and accountable

for:

Accountability for the timely provision of

strategic advice regarding outcomes of Place-

Based Planning approaches (including the

needs, expectations and aspirations of

community) impacting Bass Coast Shire to

the Executive Leadership Team, Councillors

and key community stakeholders

Accountability and extent of authority

Responsible for the efficient use and

management of the allocated operational

budget

This position is accountable to the Team

Leader Community Planning

Lead emergency management activities

when required and directed by the General

Manager

Judgement and decision making

The incumbent must be able to:

Solve problems in a demanding operating

environment utilising guidance and advice that is

usually available with a can-do attitude

Strong analytical skills in the assessment and

prioritisation of Place-Based Community

engagement requirements

Make decisions on all matters that are the

responsibly of the position, provided that these

are within delegated authority, clear objective

and frequent consultation

Provide objective and holistic consideration of

political circumstances and place based

sensitivities.

Specialist Skills and Knowledge

The incumbent must be able to demonstrate:

Capable of using innovation and performance

through a community focused approach

Understanding of the organisations strategic

direction and community expectations for

services

Strong skills in maintaining and utilising

websites, social media and other contemporary

online and IT based tools

Sound knowledge of various funding avenues

and a strong ability to write submissions at a

high calibre

Competencies

Management skills

The incumbent must be able to demonstrate:

Ability to achieve results within set

timeframes against conflicting priorities.

Control events so that deadlines are met,

utilising tools and techniques for planning

and scheduling time, with an aim of

increasing effectiveness and efficiency of

time

Ensure record are related, captured and

monitored in accordance with Council’s

policies and procedures

Identify, analyse and control unacceptable

risks

Interpersonal skills

The incumbent must be able to:

Build relationships and partnerships with

stakeholders and to liaise on behalf of the

organisation and the community

Ability to engage and consult with relevant

stakeholders to discuss and resolve intra-

organisational problems

Demonstrated ability to design, develop,

implement and report on business and

project management plans

Ability to undertake community

engagement processes, identify

stakeholders and community needs and

expectations

Qualifications and experience

The incumbent requires:

A tertiary qualification in social sciences or

related field applicable to social and

community planning, community

development and place management

Demonstrated experience and competence

in working with diverse communities to

achieve improved outcomes for all

stakeholders

Demonstrated experience in often complex,

group facilitation and conflict management

processes to achieve desired outcomes

A demonstrated understanding of the

principles of sustainability and community

development

A current Victorian Drivers Licence

Working With Children’s Check

(WWCC)

Competencies

Applicants will be required to undergo pre-employment checks including but not limited to a Police

Records Check and Working with Children Check.

Pre-Employment Checks

Key Selection Criteria

Selection will be based on the following key selection criteria; however reference will also be

made to other listed skills, knowledge and attributes as required in the position description.

Ability to work independently while

maintaining high standards of

professional conduct and a willingness

to accept responsibility and take

initiative

A demonstrated understanding of the

principles of sustainability and

community development

Well-developed communication and

negotiation skills, including report

writing and facilitating meetings with

diverse audiences

An ability to establish and maintain

productive working relationships

with all internal and external

stakeholders

Sound knowledge of government

and non-government funding

avenues and an ability to write

submissions to a very high order

and achieve external funding for

programs, projects and activities

Performance Criteria

Performance criteria will be developed within the first three months of appointment, recorded and

reviewed in accordance with Council’s Performance Development Policy and Framework.