Please note: This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under ‘special measures’ of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

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 

• Full time
• Ongoing
• Access to Salary Packaging
• 11.5% Superannuation
• Supportive work environment
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

About the Position

The Mutjang bupuwingarrak mukman Program (a Dja Dja Wurrung name meaning “keeping our kids safe”) is responsible for administering the Children’s, Youth and Families Act 2005 (CYFA) for children authorised to BDAC under section 18 of the act.  

This includes all aspects of case planning, decision making, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children authorised to BDAC.  State-wide the name for the program is Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care or ACAC.

Reporting to the Director of Operations the Program Manager oversees the operation and ongoing development of the Mutjang bupuwingarrak mukman program. The position is responsible for the supervision of Team Leaders and Practice Leader and will ensure the program is a healthy and positive work environment that promotes staff growth and that leads to best possible outcomes for children authorised to BDAC. The Program Manager is responsible for ensuring high quality administration of the CYFA as well as compliance with relevant guidelines and MOU’s.

This position will require some travel, after hour’s work and will manage an on-call service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Mutjang Bupuwingarrak Mukman program using a solution-focused, strengths-based approach to foster a healthy work environment and achieve the best outcomes for families and children.
• Collaborate with the BDAC Chief Financial Officer to monitor and evaluate the budget, adjusting as necessary.
• Ensure adherence with the DHHS program requirements for ACAC and MOU’s.
• Administer the CYFA 2005 effectively under section 18 of the act.
• Adhere to BDAC policies and procedures for the Mutjang Bupuwingarrak Mukman program.
• Oversee and review all program policies and procedures, including the program manual and legal delegations, making updates as needed.
• Lead and support program staff to practice guided by the Mutjang bupuwingarrak mukman approach.
• Represent BDAC in reviewing MOUs, program requirements, and Victorian legislation.
• Manage all staffing aspects within the program, including recruitment, retention, supervision, and performance management, in collaboration with BDAC HR.
• Provide expert advice and direction to the program on child protection matters working under section 18 of the CYFA  
• Maintain BDAC’s arrangements for legal representation and consultation in Child Protection matters.
• Facilitate the authorisation of children in line with program requirements, manage BDAC’s responsibilities in the authorisation process of children including, selection, briefing and compliance with section 18 CYFA 2005               
• Audit and review all client files (written and electronic) to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Ensure court applications and reports are submitted to ensure all protection orders are current and updated (if required) prior to expiry date and that no protection order is allowed to lapse unintentionally

About You

• Understanding of program management including budget, staffing and program development
• Demonstrated leadership that leads to a healthy work environment, staff growth and retention and attains best possible outcomes for families and authorised children.
• Ability to administer Children’s, Youth and Families Act 2005 as authorised under section 18.
• Understanding of the administration of legal delegations and ability to review and implement in policy.
• Ability to build and maintain high quality collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal Culture and the ACCHO environment.
• Evidence of advanced report writing skills.
• Capacity to make balanced and sound decisions in high-risk and high-pressure situations.
• Ability to manage crisis situations with a measured and reflective approach.
• Solid understanding of risk assessment and management in child protection work.
• Understanding of debriefing and supporting staff through traumatic events.
• Ability to work after hours and on call (when required)

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND/OR COMPETENCIES

Mandatory

• 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.

Preferred/ desired

• Previous experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members or in an Aboriginal organisation (preferred)

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 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.

For more information about this position please see the Position Description attached below or contact our human resources team on (03) 5442 4947 or send an email through to [email protected] using the subject line: Program Manager (Identified) - Mutjang Bupuwingarrak Mukman enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Please note: This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under ‘special measures’ of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

A position description is attached.