Grow Officer

Grow Officer – Cairns

Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN)

Empower your community. Build financial resilience. Create real change in Cairns and surrounds.

Kick-start a meaningful career in community services with ICAN. We’re looking for a motivated Cairns Local who wants to help strengthen financial wellbeing, support families, and contribute to long-term community empowerment.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Full-time role with an early finish every Friday
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Gifted time between Christmas and New Year
• Ongoing paid professional development
• Fully funded traineeship (Certificate IV or Diploma)
• A supportive team who are committed to your success

This is an Identified Position and is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, as permitted under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

About Us

The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) is a not-for-profit organisation supporting Indigenous peoples across Queensland through financial counselling, financial capability programs and consumer advocacy.

Our mission, “Empowering Indigenous Consumers,” guides everything we do from frontline service delivery to systemic advocacy aimed at improving laws and industry practices.

ICAN delivers services in Cairns, Townsville, Atherton, and several remote communities. We are now expanding opportunities on Palm Island, and we are committed to training, supporting, and developing a Palm Island local to grow into this important role.

Why This Opportunity Is Perfect

This is more than a job—it’s a pathway to a meaningful career. As a Grow Officer, you will:

• Gain real hands-on experience working with community members
• Build confidence and professional capability at your pace
• Receive ongoing mentorship from experienced ICAN staff
• Help strengthen financial resilience on Palm Island
• Study towards a Certificate IV in Community Services or Diploma of Financial Counselling, fully funded by ICAN

Whether you’re looking for a long-term career or a stepping stone into broader community service work, this traineeship gives you the skills and support to succeed.

About the Role

As a Grow Officer, you will support financial wellbeing work in Cairns and Surrounds through:

Training & Qualification

• Complete a fully funded Cert IV or Diploma
• Learn alongside ICAN’s experienced financial counsellors and capability workers
• Develop practical knowledge you can use immediately in community

Financial Literacy & Client Support

• Support clients with budgeting, financial education and accessing grants
• Help community members understand bills, debt, consumer rights and financial options

Community Connection

• Build relationships with local services, Elders, community groups and support networks
• Work in a culturally safe, strengths-based way

Client Empowerment

• Assist clients to access essential services, financial products and government supports

Reporting & Program Support

• Collect basic data to help ICAN understand community needs and demonstrate outcomes

Who We’re Looking For

Essential Criteria

• Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, is of Indigenous descent and accepted by the community
• Is excited to complete a Certificate IV in Community Services or Diploma in Financial Counselling
• Has sound LLN skills (extra support available if needed)
• Understands Indigenous cultures and communicates effectively with community
• Has a positive attitude, willingness to learn and a strong sense of community pride

Skills & Knowledge

• Eager to learn new skills and grow professionally
• Passionate about helping others in a respectful and non-judgmental way
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word/Excel or willingness to learn)
• Interest in financial resilience and community support work

Why Join ICAN?

• Start your career with practical skills, qualifications and ongoing mentoring
• Work in a role that directly supports Cairns and surrounding community members
• Choose from two clear career pathways financial capability or financial counselling
• Be part of a supportive organisation committed to Indigenous leadership and community empowerment

Selection Criteria

Please provide short responses to the following in your cover letter:

1. Understanding of Indigenous Cultures Describe your connection to Indigenous Culture and how this will help you engage with community members.
2. Interest in the Role Tell us why you are interested in a traineeship in financial capability or financial counselling.
3. Teamwork Skills Share an example of working with others to achieve a goal (work, school, sport, community—anything is fine).
4. Basic Computer Skills Explain your experience with Microsoft Word, Excel or similar programs (or your willingness to learn).

Simple, clear responses are welcome we want to get to know you.

How to Apply

Please upload:

• Covering Letter (max 2 pages) addressing the selection criteria
• Resume (max 4 pages) including two referees contactable by phone and email

Important Notes

• Shortlisting is based on your responses to the selection criteria
• Applicants who do not address the criteria will be ineligible for interview
• Provide examples where possible (work, community, personal experiences)

ICAN is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and uses merit-based selection to ensure the best person for the role.