Aboriginal Community Cancer Support Specialist – Wagga Wagga
Cancer Council NSW is Australia’s leading cancer organisation, and our vision is to change the path of cancer and make sure no one walks alone. We are dedicated to meaningful careers where you will not only change the lives and futures of people affected by cancer, but you will work in a multi-award awarding winning culturally connected environment.
About us
Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) is a community funded and focused not for profit. We are the largest cancer charity in NSW and our point of difference is that we work across every area of every cancer, from research right through to support.
At CCNSW we understand that nothing feels better than doing work you really care about. As Australia’s leading organisation supporting all people impacted by all cancers, we understand how good it feels to make a difference. We know that almost 1 in 2 Australians are affected by cancer during their lifetime, by joining the passionate team at CCNSW you’ll know that each day the work you’re doing will positively impact people in your life and Australia.
Together, we will work towards our goal of a cancer free future, while at the same time encouraging you to get the most out of your life with a supportive environment anchored in flexibility, physical and mental wellbeing to bring out the best of what makes you uniquely you. CCNSW we’re here for meaningful careers that feel good.
About the team
The Cancer Information and Support Services (CISS) Division aims to empower and support people affected by cancer, so that no-one need face cancer alone. This Division assists people as they navigate the cancer journey, easing their emotional and practical burdens and helping them make informed decisions.
Aboriginal peoples face additional barriers and gaps in service access, quality, and outcomes. Our client centred approach connects Aboriginal peoples to culturally appropriate information, services and programs across our NSW community footprint. Our Community Team work at a local level, focusing on understanding the communities' insights and needs.
About the role:
The key purpose of this role, located within community, is to walk alongside Aboriginal peoples affected by cancer, providing emotional support, advocacy for culturally responsive and safe care, and connection to internal Cancer Council and external supportive care services.
This role is responsible for identifying and engaging key Aboriginal and other health and community stakeholders to foster a conversation between communities and Cancer Council, build sustainable relationships and ultimately improve cancer outcomes for Aboriginal peoples.
The Aboriginal Community Cancer Support Specialist will work closely with the broader Community and CISS team to unite the community and build trust through our visible and relevant presence.
This role is a full-time permanent role based in our Wagga Wagga office.
Key responsibilities of the role:
- Walk alongside by providing support, understanding and cultural connection to Aboriginal people throughout their experience from diagnosis through to post initial treatment in a community-based setting.
- Support Aboriginal people affected by cancer navigate the community, primary care, and hospital health system by providing emotional support, advocacy for culturally responsive and safe care and connection to a range of supportive care services.
- Champion cancer prevention and early detection among Aboriginal peoples and their communities.
- Develop relationships between Aboriginal peoples, communities and health systems and Cancer Council, building trust and respect.
- Build relationships and partnership opportunities with healthcare providers and other community services.
- Identify opportunities to respectfully capture and share stories of Cancer Council impact in local communities.
- Provide local Aboriginal community insights that inform efforts in prevention, screening program participation, advocacy and culturally responsive information and support services.
- Represent Cancer Council at relevant conferences, external meetings, and other speaking opportunities.
- Perform specific operational tasks related to facilities management, fleet management, Work Health & Safety and/or risk & compliance as requested from time to time by the Finance, Strategy & Operations & People & Communications Division to support the safe and efficient operation of the office location, fleet vehicles, and/or other assets or services.
About you
Essential:
- Is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.
- Tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in an Aboriginal health related field.
- Long-standing connections to local communities and culture.
- Experience in health navigation, advocacy and engaging with community.
- Demonstrated understanding of the cancer landscape in the local Aboriginal community, to extend the reach of Cancer Council’s efforts in prevention, screening program participation, advocacy, information, and supportive care services.
- Strong understanding of health systems and locally available health and supportive care services.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and engage internal and external stakeholders to achieve organisational strategic outcomes.
- Understanding of monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to interpret and convey health information to patients accurately and in an accessible, culturally informed ways.
- Proficiency in working in Microsoft 365 and comfortable with new systems integration.
- Willingness to travel as required and work flexible hours including weekends.
- Hold a valid driver’s license.
Desirable:
- Experience in a not-for-profit or community-based organisation.
- Experience in developing and implementing settings-based approaches to address cancer risk factors and cancer prevention in community.
About the benefits
- Generous salary packaging options that can increase your take home pay by paying certain expenses using pre-tax dollars up to $15,900 a year.
- Recognised for Voice Project's 2021 and 2023 "Best Workplace" Award.
- A balanced organisational approach to WFH and office.
- Additional performance-based leave available.
- Work for purpose and know that your work fosters an engaged, diverse and culturally aware organisation.
- Discounts available for everyday expenses such as private health, retail and fitness.
CCNSW is an inclusive place to volunteer and work. We embrace diversity, celebrate our differences, and inspire each person to be their authentic self at work. As we strive to represent the communities we serve, we welcome and actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other diverse groups.
If you require any adjustments to submit your application, please get in touch with us at careers@nswcc.org.au
Apply online by visiting our website directly, copying the following link www.cancercouncil.com.au/jobs then click on the role title and submit your cover letter and resume.
Please note, the health and safety of our people is a priority for us, our employees and volunteers are strongly recommended to be up to date with their COVID vaccination.
Closing Date: Thursday 19th June 2025