- Permanent / Full Time
- Salary: $91,148 - $113,318 gross p.a. plus 12% Super
- 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) with the option of flexitime
- Located at Nowra Administration Building, Bridge Road, Nowra
- Applications close Thursday, 30 October 2025 (at midnight)
About the Role
Shoalhaven City Council is seeking a skilled and community-focused Social Planner to support Council to improve community outcomes through the identification of community needs, provision of expert advice and the development of social plans and strategies that contribute to the fostering of strong and resilient communities.
This role supports equitable access to opportunities and plays a key part in shaping the future of the Shoalhaven by supporting informed decision-making and strategic social planning across the region.
As a Social Planner, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Shoalhaven by:
- Investigate and use evidence to identify current and expected future community needs and to investigate impacts of social policies.
- Plan, deliver and report on demographic analysis and consultation/engagement with communities.
- Improve understanding (internal, external, community) of social needs and work across Council departments and with external stakeholders to integrate social planning into broader initiatives, develop partnerships, and provide informed advice on social policy, infrastructure, and program development.
- Support advocacy for policy change
Please refer to the Job Description under the Job Attachments for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required.
The advertised salary is based on the grade of the position, each grade comprising of 4 steps within the range shown. The starting salary is at Step 1 within the grade. Progression through the salary steps is be based on the achievement of performance objectives relating to the position.
This is a grade range position, therefore in accordance with qualifications, experience and demonstrated skills, the prospective employee will be assessed as against Grade 10 and 11 criteria.
- Grade 10 - $91,148 - $104,698 gross p.a. plus 12% Super plus allowances
- Grade 11 - $99,775 - $113,318 gross p.a. plus 12% Super plus allowances
About You
The ideal candidate is community-focused, with a solid understanding of social justice and government policy. They will bring strategic thinking and analytical skills to interpret demographic and other data and inform Council's work to improve community outcomes. Strong collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and effective project management are key strengths, along with the ability to manage competing priorities with confidence
To be successful in the position, you will have:
- Current Class C Driver's Licence
- Proof of Australian residency or citizenship, or authority to work in Australia (visa)
- A current NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC)
Grade 10
- A degree in Community Services, Community Development, Social Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, or a related discipline; or equivalent relevant experience, training, or qualifications.
- A minimum of 2 years' relevant professional experience in social planning or a related field with demonstrated ability to work independently on projects.
Grade 11
- A degree in Community Services, Community Development, Social Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, or a related discipline; or equivalent relevant experience, training, or qualifications.
- A minimum of 4 years' relevant professional experience, with demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and provide strategic advice across an organisation.
Candidates without formal qualifications are encouraged to provide evidence of their experience in using social planning practices to develop and implement social plans or community strategies, and lead consultation or engagement activities.
How to Apply
To submit an application, click Apply and complete each Step of the application. You will be required to attach your resume (and cover letter if required) and respond to questions regarding general information about you.
In addition, you will be required to demonstrate how you satisfy the requirements of the position by answering the below questions relevant to the essential criteria as outlined in the job advertisement.
- At Shoalhaven City Council our corporate core values are Collaboration, Adaptability, Integrity and Respect. Please choose one value and advise how you have demonstrated this in a professional setting.
- Briefly describe how your qualifications and experience align to the position.
- What is important to you in your work, and how do you see this role contributing to that in a local government context?
- Please describe a community project, strategy or plan you have worked on where you have used social planning approaches. Briefly outline the context, methods or tools you used and the outcomes for the community.
Applicants who progress to pre-employment checks may be required to undergo a Working with Children Check Verification, Qualification Check, Work Rights Verification, Reference Checks and Medical (Low Risk). Employment is subject to satisfactory outcomes for all required checks.
For tips and more information on how to submit a great application, please visit how to apply on Councils website. If you require assistance submitting your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team on 02 4429 3253.
Applications Close: Thursday, 30 October 2025 (at midnight)
If you have any questions about this role, please contact Mike Paine - Manager - Community Connections - 02 4429 3128 or Carly McWalters - Lead - Community Capacity Building - 02 4429 3418
Why Work with Us
The Shoalhaven area is a unique place of great natural beauty, offering an enviable lifestyle and positive work-life balance. Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on our people. Our teams are talented and inclusive and work together to provide better outcomes for our community, who are at the heart of everything we do. With a diverse range of professions and roles, we offer many career options and pathways, actively promoting opportunities and encouraging staff professional development.
Benefits include:
- Generous leave entitlements
- Long Service Leave after 5 years
- Option of flexitime for indoor staff
- 9-day fortnight for outdoor staff
- Flexible and remote working arrangements
- Novated lease arrangements available
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- Corporate wellbeing programs, including Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), discounted health insurance
**Conditions apply as per the Local Government State award, and Council policies
At Shoalhaven City Council, we are proud to foster a workplace that reflects the diverse community we serve.
We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members to apply.
We are committed to ensuring a equitable recruitment processes. If you have a disability and require reasonable adjustments to fairly demonstrate your skills, please contact us.
As a Child Safe Organisation, we are committed to upholding the rights of children and young people and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all.
