Community Projects Assistant
MDAS - Mallee District Aboriginal Services

Mildura District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, but also providing the leadership and co-operative spirit to break down barriers between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. MDAS are child safe organisation, which means they have a commitment to safeguarding children and young people from abuse and neglect.

This Structured Workplace Learning Opportunity (SWL Opportunity) is as a Community Services Worker Assistant. The SWL Opportunity is ideally suited to a VCE-VM, VPC or VCE student studying currently studying a VET subject in Community Services to gain skills at a leading community service organisation.

If you aspire to work as an Assistant Community Services Worker in a Community services organisation helping the wellbeing of Aboriginal people this may be the right opportunity for you.

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please share this opportunity with your Careers Transition Pathway Officer, Careers, VET or VCE-VM Coordinator.

Skills You Might Learn

The student may have the opportunity to attain a broad range of skills while on work placement. These may include valuable employability skills such as:
- Communication.
- Teamwork.
- Punctuality.
- Presentation.
- Problem solving.
- Planning.
- Initiative.
- Hygiene.
- Follow instructions.
- Work under supervision.
- Industry specific OH&S.

The student may also attain vital industry specific skills which will relate to their secondary school studies they include:
- Hands-on practical experience.
- Observing and learning from industry qualified and experienced professionals.
- Working in real-life scenarios.
- Working with tools and equipment necessary to the occupation.
- Liaising and working with supervisors, colleagues, industry personnel, customers/clients and suppliers.

Typical Tasks & Duties

As a Assistant Community Services Worker Assistant you would assist in the day to day work activities at MDAS in Community Services in a supportive team. Students undertaking an SWL placement with MDAS would gain skills and experience under the supervision of qualified Community Services Workers.

The student may undertake the following tasks and duties;
Community Services:
- Plan and apply time management.
- Provide first point of contact.
- Communicate and work in health or community services.
- Work with diverse people.
- Follow safe work practices for direct client care.
- Manage personal stresses in the work environment.
- Provide first aid.
- Promote Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety.
- Respond to client needs.
- Work within a community development framework.
- Implement participation and engagement strategies.
- Use routine strategies for work-related learning.

Administration:
- Greeting clients, customers and visitors.
- Answering the phone, taking a message, putting a call on hold, transferring calls.
- Incoming and outgoing mail.
- Fill out forms used within the business such as order forms.
- Produce simple documents such as letters and spreadsheets.
- Observe and assist with petty cash reconciliation.
- Assist with completion of the stationery/supplies order.
- Take notes then type and distribute them.
- Observe and assist with producing invoices and processing client payments.
- Learn the business’ filing system and file and retrieve documents.
- Use office equipment such as the fax, photocopier, shredder, laminator.
- Participate in OH&S management system in place at the workplace.
- Clean and tidy work areas.
- Other duties as instructed.

Student Requirements

Students with a positive attitude towards the Community Services Industry who are self-motivated, willing to listen and follow instruction are encouraged to consider a future SWL placement to develop skills learned from their VET subject relating to Community Services.

Whilst the student is attending the work placement they are expected to:
• Students must be interested in the Community Services Industry and possess good communication skills.
• Students must be willing to spend periods of time observing and to undertake necessary tasks as requested.
• Dress appropriately.
• Maintain interest and participate in tasks and work duties.
• Be well mannered and behave in a respectful and responsible manner.
• Be punctual.
• Follow management instructions.
• Act in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.
• Work within the team.
• Listen and take advice from fellow workers.
• Respect other people’s belongings.
• Keep a note pad and pen handy to take notes for their own reference.
• Demonstrate the skills they have developed through their course.
• Take their Logbook to the work placement every day.

Dress Requirements

The student must be well presented, clean and hygienic at all times.
• Neat professional business attire is required.
• Flat, non-slip, enclosed work shoes.
• Please do not wear clothing which others may find offensive.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate to the tasks and duties carried out by the student, will be supplied by the Host Employer.

KMART Mildura is a supplier of appropriate workwear clothing.

Special Transport Requirements

Public Transport is limited, students to check bus transport availability and or speak to parents/carer to organise transport prior to contacting employer.

CDC Victoria - Mildura: Ph: 5023 0274, Website: https://cdcvictoria.com.au/travel-information/timetables-and-maps/mildura/.

RELATED COURSES INCLUDE

• CHC32015 - Certificate III in Community Services