POLICY OFFICER Position Description — June 2021 Position Title:
Policy Officer
Location:
Hobart, Tasmania
Award:
Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHCADS) Industry Award 2010
Classification:
Level 5-6, depending on skills and experience
Salary Package:
TasCOSS Staff Wages Policy
Conditions:
Fixed-term — 3-year contract, may be extended subject to funding 0.8 FTE (30.4 hours per week)
Responsible to:
Manager Policy
Responsible for:
Research, stakeholder engagement, preparation of policy materials including submissions and policy briefs
Summary of Position: The Policy Officer is required to work with a high degree of autonomy in setting priorities, exercising initiative and professional judgement. The role will be required to: • Conduct analysis, undertake research and develop policy for TasCOSS across a broad range of social policy areas. • Plan and deliver stakeholder consultations with TasCOSS Members, community service organisations, government and industry. • Plan, manage, deliver and evaluate TasCOSS projects. • Convene and represent TasCOSS in policy forums. • Assist with the development and implementation of TasCOSS advocacy and campaign strategies. Some intra/inter-state travel and occasional out-of-hours work may be required. Key Responsibilities/Tasks: 1. Research, consultation and preparation of submissions and policy briefs on social justice issues relevant to the community services industry and Tasmanians living on low incomes or experiencing disadvantage. 2. Undertake consultations with TasCOSS Members, community service organisations, government and industry in order to identify issues, gaps in services, emerging needs and policy responses. 3. Plan, manage, deliver and evaluate TasCOSS projects. 4. Provide briefings to the TasCOSS CEO and other staff, as required and often at short notice. 5. Contribute to the preparation of TasCOSS publications and other resource materials for the purpose of informing the community services industry, government and other sectors about social policy issues and TasCOSS’s work.
3/86 Murray Street, TAS, 7000 GPO Box 771, Hobart, TAS, 7001 (03) 6231 0755 ABN 69 078 846 944
6. Work in collaboration with the CEO and other TasCOSS staff on strategic directions for TasCOSS, as appropriate. 7. Participate in public forums, conferences and industry/sector meetings on behalf of TasCOSS. 8. Undertake other duties relevant to the role as directed. Selection Criteria:
Essential 1. Understanding of and commitment to the principles of social justice and an ability to apply these principles to policy analysis and development. 2. A strong understanding of Tasmanian political structures and the community services industry. 3. Experience in planning and delivering on projects, consultations and research. 4. High level oral and written communication skills, including report writing, verbal briefings and presentation skills. 5. Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and cooperatively within a team in a fast-paced, rapidly-changing environment, while meeting deadlines and contributing to a positive workplace culture. 6. A post-graduate or tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent relevant experience and knowledge. 7. Current Working with Vulnerable People registration and National Police Check or ability to obtain registration.
Desirable 1. High level computer literacy and experience with Microsoft Office and Microsoft Excel. 2. A current Tasmanian driver’s licence. Authorised by: Adrienne Picone, Chief Executive Officer, TasCOSS 2 June 2021
3/86 Murray Street, TAS, 7000 GPO Box 771, Hobart, TAS, 7001 (03) 6231 0755 ABN 69 078 846 944