About the organisation

The Dandenong & District Aborigines Co-operative Ltd (DDACL) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) 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. This position provides a great opportunity to work with the Aboriginal community in southern metropolitan Melbourne.

About the Opportunity

The position is a non-clinical role working directly with clients referred into the SEWB program, their families and the community in the delivery of SEWB services. Working as part of a team under the supervision of the SEWB Senior Case Worker and Coordinator, the role facilitates a holistic and client-centred response to clients presenting with a range of needs and issues that impact (or have the potential to impact) on their social and emotional wellbeing. The role will also focus on prevention, healing and recovery and connection to community and culture as a pillar for ongoing social and emotional wellbeing.

Key duties include (but not limited to) the following:

1. Provide practical, social, emotional and cultural support by:

• • assisting with making appointments, transporting clients and any other practical support to ensure timely access and attendance at health services
  • providing client referral, advocacy and support following an initial intake and assessment to identify immediate and medium term needs (brief intervention)
  • work with the SEWB team, Bunurong Health Service (BHS) clinicians and external providers to support clients to access social, cultural and community services that support their connection to culture and community
  • develop and maintain links to a range of social, community and health services (internal and external) to ensure timely and effective referral pathways for clients

2. In accordance with the SEWB team workplan, engage in a range of activities including:

• • Participating in preventative and health promotion / education activities and with DDACL and external health promotion programs
  • Working with the SEWB team to engage with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, the ACCO and ACCHO service system to promote and support healing, connection to country and culture as a key pillar of social and emotional wellbeing
  • Working with the SEWB team to support the design and delivery of group work and/or other program activities that support healing and recovery
  • Collecting health related statistics and data as required and providing these to the SEWB Coordinator for reporting
  • Attend communities of practice and/or networks meetings as required
  • Under the guidance of Coordinator develop referral pathways to get the right support, at the right time
  • Employees require skills in managing time, setting priorities, planning and organising their own work and that of lower classified staff and/or volunteers where supervision is a component of the position, to achieve specific objectives.

3. Support the SEWB team to deliver program activities that are driven by client and community feedback, program data and best practice

4. Participate in ongoing professional development including training and supervision.

This hands-on role is well suited to a person with the following skills and attributes:

Key Selection Criteria:

• Ability and/or experience in communicating effectively with Koori people and to handle cultural issues in a sensitive manner
• Ability and/or experience in working with people with complex needs and through a trauma informed lens

• Ability and/or experience in health and service promotion, preferably in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the south-east

• Ability and/or experience in communicating and working constructively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• Demonstrates an understanding of the social determinants of health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, children and families

• Demonstrates a good understanding of the local health and community services system; access, linkages and referral pathways to maternity and child health services; community and welfare service system
• Proven record of well-developed interpersonal, written and communication skills

Essential Qualifications and Requirements:

• Qualification in community, social and health services (Certificate IV and above)
• Working with Children’s Check
• Valid Victorian Drivers Licence
• Undergoing a satisfactory Police Check

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.