DDACL

Dandenong & Districts Aborigines Co-operative Limited

DDACL Vacancies December 2024

POSITION VACANT

Dandenong & Districts Aborigines Co-operative is advertising for the following position:

Family Services Case Worker

Location: Cranbourne West, Melbourne VIC

Department: Child Welfare, Youth & Family Services (Community Services & Development)

Hours: Full time

Salary Range: $85,000 – $91,500 per year plus salary packaging

Working within a Child Centred and Family Focussed Framework, The Family Services Support Worker will assist families with a range of support services that will strengthen their parenting competencies, enhance family well- being and ensure the Best Interest Principles to support child focused outcomes for the children in our Community.

The Dandenong & District Aborigines Co-operative Ltd (DDACL) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation which is governed by a community elected Board of Directors.  It is committed to the provision of a high-quality range of services which foster and support positive and fulfilling lifestyles for individuals and families within our community.  These services are delivered in a professional and efficient manner and in keeping with our culture, traditions and heritage.


The DDACL Family Services program facilitates effective and sustainable changes in families experiencing multiple and complex issues to keep Aboriginal-identified children safe so that they grow and thrive in their family and community.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

In this exciting role as a Full Time Family Services Support Worker, you will be responsible for:

  • Working directly with the parent and children to identify goals and develop and implement culturally secure Case Plans
  • Strengthening parent’s insight and competencies in caring for their children
  • Developing effective relationships within DDACL, Family Services Alliance, DFFH-CP, and the local support service providers
  • Engaging with the local Aboriginal community and Aboriginal-specific service providers to ensure cultural connectivity is central to practice
  • Providing Crisis Intervention and broker services appropriate to family needs, and
  • Demonstrating assertive outreach to reach/engage families.
  • Undertaking risk and needs assessments of Children and Families and developing safety Plans, or
  • Referring to specialist agencies (including Emergency Services and Child Protection) as appropriate.
  • Preparing reports, Service documents, Best Interests Assessments, maintaining up-to-date case notes, and ensuring required statistical information and data is completed on IRIS and monthly DDACL Board reports compiled.

 

Working within a Child Centred and Family Focussed Framework, The Family Services Support Worker will assist families with a range of support services that will strengthen their parenting competencies, enhance family well- being and ensure the Best Interest Principles to support child focused outcomes for the children in our Community.

In this exciting role as a Full Time Family Services Support Worker, you will be responsible for:

  • Working directly with the parent and children to identify goals and develop and implement culturally secure Case Plans
  • Strengthening parent’s insight and competencies in caring for their children
  • Developing effective relationships within DDACL, Family Services Alliance, DFFH-CP, and the local support service providers
  • Engaging with the local Aboriginal community and Aboriginal-specific service providers to ensure cultural connectivity is central to practice
  • Providing Crisis Intervention and broker services appropriate to family needs, and
  • Demonstrating assertive outreach to reach/engage families.
  • Undertaking risk and needs assessments of Children and Families and developing safety Plans, or
  • Referring to specialist agencies (including Emergency Services and Child Protection) as appropriate.
  • Preparing reports, Service documents, Best Interests Assessments, maintaining up-to-date case notes, and ensuring required statistical information and data is completed on IRIS and monthly DDACL Board reports compiled.

 

Qualifications

  1. A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Early Childhood Development, Education, Community Services, Counselling or a related field is expected.

 

Knowledge and skills

  1. Case management- demonstrated experience in working with vulnerable and disadvantaged families in statutory settings, utilizing evidence-informed models and theoretical approaches, in a casework or case management role.
  2. Cultural competency- demonstrated experience working in cross-cultural settings, preferably with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, families, and communities, and a demonstrated understanding of local Aboriginal culture, and the historical, family, and social issues impacting on Aboriginal people and/or genuine interest in learning and understanding.
  3. Communication skills- demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with Aboriginal people and to sensitively handle cultural issues of concern to families in crisis, including the ability to work in partnership with key stakeholders, and to engage and consult with the local Aboriginal community.
  4. Stakeholder management- ability to build and sustain fruitful relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

 

Desirable

  • Ability to communicate effectively with Koori people and handle cultural issues in a sensitive manner.

 

You would also possess a current Driver License, Working with Children check and be willing to undertake a Police background check and provide proof of vaccination status.

If working for an Aboriginal not-for-profit organisation where you can make a real difference to the community sounds appealing, apply now!

As an employee, you will have access to benefits such as flexible working (subject to the role), salary packaging and access to additional leave on NAIDOC day and between Christmas and New Year.

DDACL is committed to building a culture that values diversity and includes the unique contributions of all people. We encourage applications from individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and identities, especially those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

 

Employer questions

Your application will include the following questions:
  • Do you have a current Working With Children (WWC) Check?
  • Do you have a current Police Check (National Police Certificate) for employment?
  • Do you have experience working in the not-for-profit sector?
  • Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
  • Which of the following statements best describes your Covid-19 vaccination status?
  • Do you have a current Australian driver’s licence?
  • Have you completed a qualification in community services?
  • How many years’ experience do you have as a Community Service Worker?

 

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.

If working for an Aboriginal not for profit organisation where you can make a real difference to the community and working with a supportive experienced team who are purpose driven and focused on continuous improvement sounds appealing, apply now!

DDACL is committed to building a culture that values diversity and includes the unique contributions of all people. We encourage applications from individuals of all ages, backgrounds and identities, especially those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply by emailing your resume and covering letter to rachel.fenning@ddacl.org.au.

DDACL MAIN OFFICE

62 Stud Road

Dandenong VIC 3175

Tel: (03) 8902 9700

Email: info@ddacl.org.au

BUNURONG ABORIGINAL HEALTH SERVICE

3 Carroll Avenue

Dandenong VIC 3175

Tel: (03) 9794 5933

Email: info@ddacl.org.au

HALLAM OFFICE

87 Hallam South Rd

Hallam VIC 3976

Tel: (03) 8572 9100

Email: info@ddacl.org.au

(c) 2022 Dandenong & Districts Aborigines Co-Operative Limited