The Disability Projects Officer plays a key role in promoting the full participation of people with disability in the life of the Church. Working collaboratively across national and diocesan networks, this role supports inclusion, advocacy, and the development of resources that enable people with disability to fully engage in sacramental life, formation, and education.

This is a part-time position working two days per week (15 hours).

Note: This role is for a fixed-term, until 31 December 2026, with a possibility for extension beyond this time.

This role is based in Canberra, ACT; however, alternative arrangements may be considered for a suitable candidate.

Salary: $44,000 inclusive of superannuation.

The Role

Working with the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service, the Disability Projects Officer undertakes projects and initiatives that advance inclusion and participation across the Church. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and delivering projects that promote the full participation of people with disability in the life of the Catholic Church
• Providing advice on disability-related issues within the Church and across broader society to the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service
• Acting as a central point of contact for dioceses, parishes, and Catholic organisations seeking resources, guidance, and referrals to support inclusion
• Promoting and administering a national network as a forum for people with disability, their families, and organisations to raise awareness of participation needs
• Liaising with agencies of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and the Holy See, provincial and diocesan Catholic agencies, and ecumenical and community-based groups
• Supporting advocacy, policy development, and awareness initiatives that align with Catholic social teaching
• Research as requested by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference on matters related to disability ministry

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring a combination of professional expertise, strong relationships skills, and a clear commitment to inclusion, including:

• A strong commitment to Catholic social teaching and a pastoral understanding of the Catholic Church’s call to support the full participation of people with disability in the life of the Church
• Practical experience and sound understanding of the barriers faced by people with disability in Church life and the wider community
• The ability to build trusting relationships and work collaboratively with dioceses, parishes, agencies, and community partners
• Well‑developed communication skills, enabling you to engage respectfully and effectively with people with disability and their families
• Experience managing projects, contributing to policy or resource development, undertaking research and working confidently as part of a small, mission‑focused team

For a copy of the position description or any other enquiries regarding this role please contact [email protected].

How to apply

Please submit a current resume along with a cover letter demonstrating your knowledge, skills and experience as aligned to the dot points in the “The Role” and “About You” sections above.  Applications should be submitted through our recruitment platform, Employment Hero.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 26 April 2026 unless a suitable candidate is identified earlier.

About Us

The Catholic Church in Australia is served by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (the Conference), the permanent collegial assembly of the Bishops of Australia.

The General Secretariat exists to support the work of the Bishops Conference, which meets twice each year but is a permanent institution that operates between plenary meetings through the Permanent Committee and bishop’s commissions.

The Mission and Values of the Catholic Church of Australia are that work is for people, not people for work. Our Vision is that through work, individuals contribute to the common good and achieve fulfilment as human beings. The Church teaches that employees and employers are regarded as partners in their place of work and their respective roles. Mutual respect, esteem, and goodwill underpin the relationship between the employer and the employee. Employees are encouraged and enabled to see their work not merely as a source of income but as providing a service and a benefit to others in society.

Benefits

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is an equal employment opportunity employer and promotes and supports a family-friendly workplace, including flexible work options such as:

• Free onsite parking (for staff working in our Canberra office)
• Generous leave provisions including:
  • additional Christmas leave
  • 14 weeks of paid parental leave
  • study support and leave
  • paid retreat and formation leave

Additional Information for Applicants

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is an inclusive workplace and encourages applications from people from diverse backgrounds. We are an equal employment opportunity employer and promote and support a family-friendly workplace. The successful applicant must be eligible to work in Australia and will be required to provide a suitable police check and working with vulnerable people check as part of the recruitment process.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference respects your privacy. In applying for this position, you will be providing the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference with personal information, including sensitive information. You consent to your application being kept in a confidential talent pool for future opportunities, in accordance with privacy and data‑protection requirements.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference regards its child protection responsibilities with the utmost importance. Our privacy collection notice and Safeguarding Policy can be obtained by visiting www.catholic.au.