Reconcilation And Community Development Worker

Full-time – 2 year Fixed-Term Contract (38 hours per week)

Location: 26 Bidwill Square, Bidwill NSW 2770

Regular travel within the local area expected.

Social and Community Services Employee: Level 3 (pay point dependent on experience and qualifications)—currently $38.65 to $41.45 per hour for ordinary weekday hours.

About Bidwill Uniting

Bidwill Uniting Church is committed to helping create vibrant, healthy local communities where every child, family, and community member has access to the opportunities needed to flourish.

Our mission is to empower people, families, and communities of Mt Druitt to break entrenched patterns of poverty and become creators of their own future stories. This includes addressing systemic barriers that make positive change more difficult.

The Mt Druitt and District Reconciliation Group is part of a broader movement to strengthen relationships between First Nations and non‑First Nations people in the Mt Druitt area.

About the Role

Bidwill Uniting is seeking a passionate, community-minded individual to join our team as a Reconciliation and Community Development Worker. This is a unique opportunity to walk alongside the people of Bidwill and Mt Druitt, supporting grassroots community programs while helping advance meaningful local Reconciliation initiatives.

The responsibilities will be carried out in close collaboration with a second reconciliation engagement worker who will be based nearby, at Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation.

If you care deeply about social justice, community empowerment, and building strong relationships across cultures, this role offers the chance to make a real and lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Programs & Local Engagement

·       Coordinate and deliver community programs, including Bidwill Family Afternoons and wellbeing initiatives (walking groups, mental health support groups)

·       Provide resident support through pastoral care, advocacy, referrals, and informal casework

·       Oversee the Lawn Mower Hire Program

·       Maintain safe, welcoming program spaces, including routine cleaning of the hall and cottage (approx. 4 hours/week)

·       Support and coordinate major community events such as the Bidwill Festival, Dental Clinic, and FUNPARK

·       Engage residents, volunteers, and partner organisations in community activities

·       Attend and contribute to local network meetings

Reconciliation & First Nations Engagement

·       Coordinate initiatives of the Mt Druitt and District Reconciliation Group

·       Facilitate deep listening campaigns, yarning circles, community forums, and stakeholder consultations

·       Coordinate key annual Reconciliation events, including the Apology Commemoration and the Mt Druitt Reconciliation Walk and Gathering

·       Build strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, local residents, community partners, Council, NSW Police, and other agencies

Collaboration, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

·       Fulfil reporting requirements for programs and funding bodies

·       Contribute to planning, monitoring, and evaluation of programs and initiatives

·       Support volunteers and students on placement

·       Participate in supervision, training, and ongoing professional development

About You

·       You bring genuine care, initiative, and cultural respect to every interaction, and you thrive in grassroots environments. You’ll also bring:

·       Certificate IV or higher in Community Services, Social Work, Community Development or related field

·       Experience coordinating community programs or engagement activities

·       Experience facilitating groups, consultations, or community events

·       Strong understanding of community development principles

·       Deep awareness of Reconciliation, including the impacts of colonisation, generational trauma, and systemic racism

·       Ability to work respectfully with First Nations people and organisations

·       Confidence engaging with people experiencing mental health challenges, trauma, addiction, or disadvantage

·       Strong communication, organisational, and stakeholder engagement skills

·       Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

·       Competency in report writing and general computer skills

·       Empathetic, culturally aware, and values driven

·       Proactive and adaptable

·       Committed to social justice and community empowerment

·       Alignment with the ethos and mission of the Uniting Church in Australia

Key Requirements

·       Current driver’s licence and access to a comprehensively insured vehicle

·       Current Working With Children Check (paid)

Highly Desirable

·       Knowledge of and connection to the Mt Druitt/Bidwill community

·       Experience in grassroots community development

Why Join Us?

·       Opportunities to grow and develop your skills in a diverse role.

·       Supportive, friendly, and innovative team environment.

·       Flexible work arrangements.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. While this role involves engaging closely with Aboriginal communities, we are looking for someone who can respectfully hold space for a wide range of perspectives, including stories that may be difficult or confronting. Strong cultural understanding, self awareness, and the ability to work sensitively across cultures are essential.

How to apply:

For a full position description please email office@bidwilluniting.org.au or call the office on 02 9835 2970. If your call is not answered, please leave a message.

Please apply with a cover letter and speak to your experience relevant to this application, including addressing the dot points in the “Key Capabilities” section of the position description.

Closing date:

Review of applications will begin on Monday 4 May and continue until the position is filled.