• Make a direct contribution to the shape of your local community
• Strategic social planning role
• Apply your Social Planning skills in an idyllic coastal work environment and vibrant growing region of 337,000+ people
• Permanent full-time position + RDO

Central Coast Council is an equal opportunity employer and promotes a healthy and safe work environment. We are committed to diversity in our community and our workforce and encourage Indigenous Australians, people with a disability and people from diverse backgrounds to apply to be part of our inclusive team.

Ideally located on the northern fringe of Sydney and just an hours drive from Newcastle, the Central Coast offers one of the best places in Australia to live and work http://www.thisisthecentralcoast.com.au/about 

We have an exciting opportunity available for a motivated and experienced Social Planner. The successful applicant will be responsible for providing and co-ordinating strategic social planning and improving quality of life and wellbeing for the community.

Key activities of this role include:

• Undertake social research and analysis to monitor key demographic and community indicators, trends and the changing needs of the community and to inform planning decisions, services and program development/delivery;
• Advise Council of key and emerging social issues and opportunities facing the community, and collaborate and partner with external stakeholders to develop appropriate plans, strategies, polices and projects to address priority community issues;
• Facilitate and enable community participation in social planning processes through the development and implementation of appropriate community engagement activities;
• Assess development and major project proposals relating to social impacts and outcomes;
• Facilitate the integration of social planning with strategic planning, corporate planning and other planning processes through the provision of high level professional and  technical advice to contribute to strong social outcomes.

Essential Criteria:

• Degree qualification in Social Science, Planning or related field and/or demonstrated solid contemporary experience in a similar role, combined with ongoing professional development;
• Extensive knowledge and experience in social planning and community development principles and practices;
• Demonstrated high level of skills and experience in social research; demographic analysis and policy development to inform planning decisions, services and program development/delivery;
• Proven ability to prepare comprehensive strategic plans, reports and submissions on key and emerging community issues with demonstrated extensive experience in engaging with community and stakeholders;
• Demonstrated skills in project management and community facilities planning to manage or oversee project delivery;
• Demonstrated proficiency in providing technical expertise, coaching and advice to relevant staff to allow them to effectively undertake their responsibilities and duties;
• Demonstrated high level written and verbal communication and presentation skills, and the ability to build strong, credible relationships with staff and stakeholders and influence, persuade or negotiate outcomes that add value to the organisation;
• Proven ability to assess and interpret information to formulate recommendations and provide specialist advice to enable the organisation to achieve quality outcomes.

Desirable Criteria:

• Current Class C Drivers Licence;
• Local government working experience with a knowledge of the Local Government Act and other relevant legislation.

This position offers a salary range between $1,632.40 to $1,958.95 per week ($85,113 to $102,139 per annum) + superannuation.

Enquiries:  Kerrie Forrest, Section Manager, Partnerships and Planning on (02) 4350 5194 or 0409 044 451.

If you are deaf, hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us through the National Relay Service TTY call 133 677 or Speak & Listen 1300 555 727.

Closing Date:  Applications close at Midnight on Wednesday, 18 July 2018.