About BDAC

BDAC is an ACCO (Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation) registered as a member under the umbrella of VACCHO (Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation) and represented nationally through NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation).

BDAC was founded to represent and provide services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living on Djaara Country.

BDAC has a responsibility to ensure growth of services, development of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, better and improved health outcomes for our people, improved quality of life and be a lead agency in providing self-determination employment and career pathways for Aboriginal people.

What We Are Offering 

• Access to Salary Packaging
• 11% Superannuation
• Supportive work environment
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

About the Position 

Reporting to the Program Manager and supported by senior staff, Case Managers will lead investigations and make assessments if a child is in need of protection. If the child is found to need protection the Case Manager will work directly with children, families and community to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing. Where this is unable to be achieved voluntarily, it may include initiating legal proceedings and all work associated with making protection applications.

Travel to meet with families and for training, some overnight and interstate travel may be required.

Key Responsibilities

Supported by the Team Leader and senior program staff, the Case Manager will:

• Lead investigations into reports of harm received by child protection about Aboriginal children and young people, this will include interviews with children and families and documentation of investigation.
• Conduct outreach visits to family homes and manage conflicts as they arise.
• Make assessment and recommendations if the child or young person needs protection.
• Engage families on a voluntary basis, working with children, families, and community to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing, working from a strengths approach.
• Provide case management, including ongoing assessment and leading a care team.
• Refer children and or families to appropriate services, work with services to ensure that referrals are responded to in a way that acknowledges the needs.
• Complete written records and reports using the Client Relationship Information System and keep files in line with program requirements.
• Actively participate in teamwork in a manner that ensures a co- ordinated approach to service delivery.
• Lead and attend meetings to support the work with families and advocate for children and families as required.
• Make applications, prepare documentation, give evidence, and make recommendations to the Children’s Court on decisions and actions in the best interests of the child.Travel to meet with families and for training, some overnight and interstate travel may be required.

About You

• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal history, Culture and the ACCHO environment.
• Understanding of the Children’s, Youth and Families Act 2005.
• Skill to engage Aboriginal families through a relational approach, maintaining professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development and strategies for working with vulnerable children, young people, and their families.
• Experience or detailed understanding of completing investigations, interview strategies and documenting evidence.
• Strong reasoning skills, ability to make assessments and communicate rational for assessments.
• Understanding of self-care and resilience when working with children and families in crisis and who have experienced trauma.
• Strong computer skills, ability to use a range of software and IT based reporting systems
• Ability to prepare high quality plans, letters, emails, and reports, ensure written communications achieve their purpose.
• Demonstrated skills in managing competing demands in a structured thoughtful manner.
• Ability to transport children, conduct home visits and willingness to travel as needed.

Mandatory Education

A recognised Social Work degree or a similar welfare or behavioural related degree which includes: (a) a primary focus on child development, human behaviour, family dynamics and/or impacts of trauma; and preferably (b) a practical component such as counselling or case work practice

or

A recognised Diploma of Community Services Work, or similar qualification which is studied over a minimum of two academic years of full-time study (or part time equivalent) and includes: (a) a primary focus on child development, human behaviour, family dynamics and/or impacts of trauma (b) supervised fieldwork placements (ideally completed within the child and family welfare sector) and at least one unit of study in case management, case work practice or counselling.

*If you don’t meet these requirements but strongly believe and are able to demonstrate you have the knowledge and capacity to fulfill this role, please contact us.

How to Apply

If this role sounds like the role for you then click on the link below and apply by attaching your CV and a cover letter detailing how you suit the role.

Mandatory Requirements

Should an applicant be the preferred candidate, background checks (Police check, reference check and Working with Children's Check) will be completed prior to the candidate’s employment being confirmed.

For more information about this position please see the Position Description which can be accessed via our website bdac.com.au or contact our human resources team on (03) 5442 4947 or send an email through to [email protected], using the subject line: Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care Case Manager - Bendigo enquiry via EthicalJobs.

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