Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the biggest autism-specific school programs in the world. A not-for-profit organisation, we work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum, and their families to deliver evidence-informed solutions that are person-centred, family-focused and customer driven.

At Aspect we recognise a different brilliant®, where we seek to understand, engage and celebrate the strengths, interests and aspiration of people on the autism spectrum.

Help build a national legacy of connection and belonging for Autistic Australians. 

Funded through the National Autism Strategy, the Improving Social Connections program is a major new national initiative designed to strengthen peer connection, reduce social isolation and build belonging for Autistic people, families and carers across Australia.

Delivered by Aspect in partnership with Reframing Autism, the program will establish a national Framework, Information Hub, Community Partner network and resources that support meaningful, community-led peer connection opportunities across the country.

About the role

Help ensure First Nations voices, priorities and ways of working are reflected throughout this nationally significant initiative.

As First Nations Australians Engagement Officer, you will build relationships with First Nations Australian communities and organisations, support culturally safe engagement and contribute to development of resources, governance and program approaches that reflect community priorities and strengths.

We actively encourage applications from Autistic people and people with lived experience within Autistic and disabled communities.

We strongly welcome applications from First Nations Australian communities, including those with lived experience in community, culture and Country.

We recognise that cultural knowledge, community obligations and ways of working may differ from Western organisational norms, and we support flexible, culturally responsive practices that enable staff to work safely, effectively and in alignment with their cultural responsibilities.

Cultural ways of working are valued as strengths and are integral to how we build and maintain genuine relationships with First Nations Australian communities.

Key responsibilities

• Build relationships with First Nations Australian communities and organisations
• Support culturally safe consultation and engagement activities
• Facilitate participation of First Nations Australian Autistic people and families
• Provide cultural guidance and advice to the project team
• Support development of culturally responsive resources and approaches
• Promote self-determination and community-led participation
• Contribute to stakeholder engagement and co-design activities

Please click here to view the Position Profile. This is a part time 0.8 FTE, 3 year max term contract role. The annual salary ranges from $95,000 - $105,0000 (full time equivalent) inclusive of superannuation, and is dependent on qualifications and experience.

• First Nation Australians strongly encouraged to apply
• Demonstrated experience working with First Nations Australian communities
• Strong relationship-building and community engagement skills
• Understanding of culturally safe and community-led approaches
• Strong communication and facilitation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across diverse stakeholder groups
• Commitment to inclusion, accessibility and community empowerment

What we offer:

• Professional Learning opportunities for career advancement
• Salary packaging options to increase your take-home pay
• Hybrid working arrangements, flexibility between the office and home/remote
• Modern workspace with end-of-trip facilities, on the doorstep of Chatswood train and metro station, dining and retail outlets
• Employee referral incentives
• Discounted membership to fitness facilities through Beny
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

To apply: Click on the "I'm Interested" button and attach your resume (not compulsory) and complete the candidate questionnaire; cover letter is optional. 

Aspect reserves the right to interview and appoint at any stage during the recruitment process.

Aspect is committed to increasing the number of Autistic staff and providing an inclusive workplace where everyone can feel that they belong. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds including, but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, neurodivergent people, people with a disability, the LGBTQIA+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, to apply. We have a range of universal strategies to meet the needs of different people in our hiring processes, and are happy to individualise these.

Learn more about us: www.autismspectrum.org.au