STAR Community Services is looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Community Transport Project Officer to join our team in Stanthorpe. This is a fixed term Part Time (12- Month Maternity Leave) . STAR Community Services LTD is a leading not-for-profit organisation providing transport, aged care, and disability support services to the elderly, frail, and those with disabilities. We are proud to support members of our community enjoy a healthier, independent life. We are currently servicing Redlands, Ipswich, Logan, Gold Coast & Toowoomba areas.

What you'll be doing

The Stanthorpe Community Transport Project Officer plays a pivotal role in our organization's shared commitment in partnership with the Granite Belt Neighbourhood Centre to enhancing the well-being and accessibility of community members. This position is responsible for providing community education, referral pathways and promotion of our community transport program, ensuring the seamless provision of transportation services to individuals who may face challenges accessing affordable and reliable public transport services. The Program Officer will work closely with stakeholders, volunteers, and community partners to promote safe and reliable transportation options for residents of the Granite Belt.

What the role involves (not limited to):

Program Coordination:

Implement strategies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the community transport program

Develop an understanding of the transport needs / access barriers of Granite Belt residents of any age AND the formal and informal transport-related resources available

In consultation/partnership with stakeholders develop transport solutions – local and longer-haul trips - available to Granite Belt residents

Explore other funding options for transport solutions and how current government program funding is used in the area e.g. Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS), Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Community Transport Fund (CTF), Others.

Establish the Stanthorpe Office

Community Engagement:

Represent the organization at community events and engage with stakeholders to promote the program.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, government agencies, and other community organizations

Implement marketing and outreach strategies to increase awareness of the community transport program.

Client Support:

Advocate for specific individuals experiencing some type of barrier to access either internal to STAR and/or any other government scheme.

Assess the transportation needs of community members and work to provide tailored solutions within their eligibility criteria.

Maintain regular communication with clients, addressing concerns and feedback to improve the quality of services.

Coordinate with other support services, Government and non-government agencies and other networks (e.g. GP and Allied Health clinics) to identify individuals who may benefit from the program

Compliance and Reporting:

Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards governing community transport services.

Place, and maintain all information on formal and informal existing transport-related services and government schemes on the local community online directory.

Convene and work with the Stanthorpe Transport Sub-committee to ensure development of locally responsive transport solutions – direct, indirect or informational. This includes oversight of the PHN transport budget and reporting on STAR funded deliverables to GB residents. Plus, reporting on any profit earned through other transport services e.g. group outings.

Manage on behalf of GBNC and in direct consultation with GBNC, the PHN Community Access contract. This includes fulfilling all reporting requirements 1/4ly and annual

Qualifications & Experience

Proven experience in program coordination, preferably in community services or transportation-related fields

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse community

Familiarity with relevant local regulations and guidelines for community transport services or ability to rapidly acquire

Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills to engage with a range of internal and external stakeholders with demonstrated ability to deal with challenging and vulnerable clients with complex needs. ·

Well-developed organisational, time management and prioritisation skills. Demonstrated ability with written, numeracy and computer skills to complete record keeping requirements.

The Rewards: You will have the opportunity to work with a well respected organisation that has been providing services to the community for 28 years. Working with STAR will put you in a position where opportunities for growth and development along with financial and non- financial benefits will be awarded. If you want to join an award winning organisation, which is ever growing and contributing towards exceptional service delivery to our community, then STAR Community Services is for you.

We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce that continues to reflect the community we support. We strongly encourage people from all cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.