About BDAC

The Bendigo & District Aboriginal Cooperative (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 provides a range of specialist services for clients based primarily on Dja Dja Wurrung Country, including Health and Wellbeing services, Family and Community Services and a Kindergarten.

About The Program

The Culture Care Connect Program will bring together key streams of suicide prevention planning, coordination and activity across the region, including raising awareness, early intervention, crisis management and supports to the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community.

The integration of suicide prevention planning and support services enables an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led, coordinated approach to reduce the prevalence of self-harm, suicide ideation and suicide in a way that meets the needs and priorities of the local Community.

About the Position

The Culture Care Connect Worker will provide support services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community members who have been referred following a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis in line with agreed service delivery model.

Working within the Culture Care Connect program, this role will build and maintain strong referral pathways and will provide care and support to individuals as their case manager for this program.

What We Are Offering

• Full Time, 38hrs per week
• SCHADS award, Grade 5.1 ($47.50 an hour)
• Access to Salary Packaging
• 2.5 year contract (fixed term)
• 10.5% Superannuation
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Supportive and inclusive workplace

Some Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to a localised service delivery model for suicide support services through a co-design approach with local Community, using NACCHO’s National Model of Care, and other resources, as a framework.
• Provide support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals who have been referred following a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis in line with agreed service delivery model
• Act as a case manager for individuals who have been referred to this program to help them navigate available resources and supports
• Advocate for the needs of individuals with external service providers
• Build and maintain strong referral pathways, including but not limited to the following services: acute care services, primary care services, schools, police, Alcohol and Other Drug Services, mainstream and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led mental health services
• Participate in the Aftercare Services Community of Practice, established to support ACCHOs in setting up and maintaining Aftercare Services, and facilitate sharing of best practice and expertise
• Undertake reporting on support activities in line with Contract requirements including ensuring appropriate data collection

About You

• Previous experience working as a case manager in a community services organisation or healthcare setting
• Experience working in mental health services or primary care, such as AOD, Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB), nursing or as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner / Worker
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of suicide prevention and after care methodologies or strategies
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders
• Ability to advocate on behalf of clients / patients
• Demonstrated ability to build effectively relationships with internal and external stakeholders and service providers
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal Culture and the ACCHO environment and a commitment to providing culturally safe service to Community members and continuing to develop your understanding of the experiences of Aboriginal people, specifically the direct relationship between colonisation and intergenerational trauma.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment, participating in team meetings, supervision and planning as well as co-working with other BDAC programs to best support individuals and their families.
• Strong computer skills, ability to use a range of software and IT based reporting system.

Preferred / Desired / Mandatory Education, Training and/or Competencies

• Qualification or experience working in mental health, nursing, Aboriginal health, SEWB or AOD, community services or social work.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

If this role sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, then please apply by providing your CV, and a cover letter entailing how you suit the role by the closing date.

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.

You must also be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to work at BDAC.

For more information about this position:

• Please see the Position Description attached below or available on our website.
• or Contact Julie Halfacre - Program Manager Culture Care Connect at [email protected] using the subject line: Culture Care Connect Worker - Suicide Prevention Project - Bendigo enquiry via EthicalJobs or via phone on 0488 240 937.