Summary of Position

DDACL are currently seeking an experienced Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program Coordinator & Senior Case Worker to support the Aboriginal community in Melbourne's South East on a full-time basis.

The successful applicant will work as part of the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Services Team to contribute and manage the improvement of the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the provision of quality casework and counselling services that respond to the diverse and changing needs of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

The Social and Emotional Wellbeing Services Team sits within the broader Aboriginal Health Programs and works closely with DDACL mental health clinical staff.

Key Duties

Service Provision:

• Provision of casework to clients with complex needs including family violence, intergenerational and cultural family conflict and high prevalence mental health disorders
• Provision of information and referral services as well as generalist support services in addressing the health and welfare needs of clients
• Provision of therapeutic counselling to clients with complex needs and in line with skills and experience
• Develop services and programs that meet the needs of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, as well as organisational goals
• Maintain current, comprehensive, and accurate client case files, care plans and statistical data as required, ensuring client confidentiality.
• Plan, implement and evaluate programs that respond to the needs of DDACL clients
• Provide a secondary consultation service to DDACL staff and external services.

Leadership:

• Provide team leadership and co-ordination of counselling, outreach and casework
• Seek out opportunities to increase services to the local community through new funding opportunities and partnerships
• Ensure staff are provided with appropriate levels of clinical supervision and support to undertake their duties safely and within a framework of high quality, client focused services
• Contribute to continuous improvement, quality and organisational goals
• Assist in developing work practices and procedures in line with team and organisational goals
• Contribute to, liaise, negotiate, and maintain links with various stakeholder, community, clients, governing bodies, sector forums and networks to enhance program effectiveness
• Prepare budget submissions for senior officers and/or on behalf of the organisation
• Supervise, support and encourage the professional development of staff
• Prepare reports and other relevant service related documentation
• Provide or assist with Student Placements and/or Lived Experience workers
• Participate in annual Performance Appraisal process, including for direct reports

The Successful Applicant Will Possess:

• Extensive experience in providing social work services in a community setting (experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander settings preferred).
• Experience in practicing a range of counselling interventions with clients and families with complex needs within a trauma-informed approach.
• Demonstrates experience in managing issues pertaining to Family Domestic Violence, Mental Health, AOD and complex family dynamics.
• Demonstrates experience in provision of secondary consultations to staff with minimal experience in managing issues pertaining to mental health and AOD issues.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Demonstrates leadership, staff and program management experience
• Tertiary qualification in social work or similar discipline
• Knowledge and ability to work on various computer programs including electronic health records
• Excellent written, communication, negotiation, time management and organisational skills

About Us

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 which 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.

DDACL is a family friendly, flexible, supportive workplace that supports staff and encourages training and development. As an employee, you will have access to benefits such as salary packaging and access to additional leave.

This position provides a great opportunity to work with the Aboriginal community in southern metropolitan Melbourne.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.

If working for an Aboriginal not for profit organisation where you can make a real difference to the community and working with a supportive experienced team who are purpose driven and focused on continuous improvement sounds appealing, apply now!

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.

Police Check, Working with Children check, and evidence of vaccination status will need to be provided before appointment of the successful applicant.