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 that 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.

Working within a Child-Centred and Family-Focused 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 are completed on IRIS and monthly DDACL Board reports compiled.

Qualifications

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

Knowledge and skills

• Case management - demonstrated experience in working with vulnerable and disadvantaged families in statutory settings, utilising evidence-informed models and theoretical approaches, in a casework or case management role.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 Licence, 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 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.