• Make a difference in the lives of children
• Competitive salary and excellent benefits package including, phone, tablet and salary packaging
• Darwin location

The Australian Childhood Foundation has a strong reputation for delivery of therapeutic services, professional training and secondary consultation built upon up-to-date evidence based theoretical frameworks including the neurobiology of trauma, attachment and relational theories and child development. This theoretical framework provides the foundation upon which all elements of care and intervention are provided by the Foundations Therapeutic Services.

Back on Track is a new Northern Territory government initiative that will provide an alternative to detention and other pathways to divert young people away from the youth justice system. For ACF, the program will run across the Greater Darwin, Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy regions for at risk children and young people aged 8 – 17 years.

The Aboriginal Liaison and Support Worker will provide support to the assessment process for each child/young person in the service.

The Aboriginal Liaison and Support Worker will, at times, lead the case management process in conjunction with the Senior Clinician. The program will utilize a co-worker model between Senior Clinician and Aboriginal Liaison and Support Workers where such an approach is helpful to the needs of and engagement with the child/young person and/or family.

Your primary responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Senior Clinician in undertaking the assessment for each child/young person referred in to the program with the aim of facilitating engagement.
• Provide referral and linkage to a broad range of mainstream and specialist services to families that are engaged with the service.
• Provide graduated support that reflects the intensity of the family needs by utilizing a step up/step down case management approach.
• Build carer trust to talk about issues relevant to the safety, well-being and stability of the care of the child/young person as well as providing ongoing support to carers to consistently meet the needs of the child/young person.
• Work in partnership with the child protection service and other relevant organisations to ensure a coordinated, effective and timely response to children/young people, carers and families.
• Ensure that children, young people and families are provided with opportunities and assistance to participate in decisions that affect their lives.
• Work closely with families, where appropriate, in a supportive and inclusive way.
• Convene family group meetings as required.
• Regularly update client files and maintain quality records of all client engagements.

About You – Key Selection Criteria:

• A Diploma in Community Services or Youth Justice or equivalent or significant experience and capacity to undertake further education.
• Previous experience within a similar role working with children/young people in a support service setting.
• Experience or strong knowledge in the area of child abuse and/or in working with traumatised children.
• An understanding of the complexity of the service system and the issues involved in providing services to statutory clients.
• Extensive experience and working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Highly developed ability to provide culturally appropriate advice and services.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively and the capacity to negotiate and liaise with volunteers, including carers, Territory Families, other agencies and the community.
• A current Northern Territory driver’s licence or equivalent.
• A current Working with Children Check or equivalent.

Remuneration & Benefits:

This position attracts a competitive base salary + vehicle + phone + tablet + superannuation + salary packaging. The salary is determined on the basis of the employee’s experience and qualifications.

In joining a strong, values-based organisation, you will also have access to:

• Professional Development Allowance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Relocation and remote packages also available

For more information about the role or a copy of the position description please email [email protected] using the subject line: Aboriginal Liaison and Support Worker enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.

ACF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.