About Gugan Gulwan

Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation provides child and young person centered services with wrap-around supports for the family to address the individual needs of each client in a holistic approach to their success.

We are the only First Nations focused youth organisation in the ACT Region and the only Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) to deliver this holistic case management approach.

Our commitment is to protect, nurture and support children, youth and their families as they grow – from birth, through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood.

The Gugan team work with the community, and are also from the community. There is a strong sense of trust and friendship within the team and we are looking the right person to help build ourselves and our community.

Are you that person?

This role is currently available and applications will be assessed as they are submitted. The right person will be selected when we get their application. Please apply as soon as possible.

About the Role

As an Intensive Family Support Outreach Worker, you will work with the First Nations Intensive Family Support Program (IFS) based in Gugan's offices in Wannissa, Canberra.  

This is a First Nations Identified Position - You must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to apply

The IFS is a newly established and tailored program for children, young persons and families that have multiple and complex needs. The Program is designed to provide intensive in-home support services, case management for vulnerable First Nations children, young people, and their families.

The program plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being and stability of First Nations families and demands a strong commitment to provide cultural sensitivity and advocacy.

This position is supervised and supported by a Team Leader.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Motivation to provide service excellence.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• A demonstrated capacity to work effectively and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Knowledge of case management systems and experience writing and maintaining case management notes.
• Ability to provide written reports to team leader
• Provision of an intensive in-home support program for families
• Build on family skills and strengths
• Maintain and strengthen family bonds
• Work in partnership with children, young persons, families and communities
• Experience in identifying and using culturally safe appropriate methods, models, and external service providers.

Position Description

Direct Service Delivery:

• Provide case management to clients in the Intensive Family Services program.
• Provide parenting support and skills development according to individual family needs. When undertaking case work demonstrate an understanding of trans-generational trauma, community trauma and the adverse effects that underpins the work with the families. 
• Keeping a record of all completed work with families on the organisation’s case management system
• Develop holistic and comprehensive assessments of the needs of infants, children, young people, and their families within the established Model of Service. Whilst undertaking this have a sound knowledge of the local Aboriginal community, family dynamics, child rearing practices and issues faced within the local community.
• Provide assertive outreach to families in the community involved in the program, engagement with the family can occur through in home support, within the community or at times be office based.
• Monitor and assess risks to children and young people and liaise with other professionals when requested.

Administrative Capabilities:

• Attend staff meetings and case management meetings
• Contribute to and implement the sections Model of Service.
• Participate in service training as required
• Ensure all statistical data, record keeping, and other documentation are completed and maintained in a timely manner.

Stakeholder Management:

• Act as a key conduit and contact point between the child, young person and the family and other professional services ensuring relevant information is shared without jeopardizing confidentiality. This may include coordinating care team meetings, creating a holistic approach.
• Advocating for access to culturally-safe services when required.
• Work collaboratively with a range of multi-skilled specialists
• Establish strong working relationships with child protection services and other professional services critical to achieving the program objectives and key performance indicators.
• A sound understanding of Gugan Gulwan’s values, reputation, and application of these when interacting both internally and externally.

Planning and Reporting:

• Be aware and implement all Gugan Gulwan Planning documents – Risk assessment and Risk Management Plan, Business Plan, Strategic Plan.
• Provide section reports to Board of Directors, funding bodies as required.
• Participate in staff meetings, Case Management meetings, team-building events and annual planning days of the service.

Organisational Responsibilities

All Gugan Gulwan employees are required to acquaint themselves with the organisations policy and procedure manual and to always abide by them. It is expected that employees will:

• Be respectful of the organisation, colleagues, clients, and public.
• Maintain organisational reputation, confidentiality and continually uphold values of Gugan Gulwan.
• Sign and confidentiality agreement upon commencement
• Act in a safe and responsible manner always
• Assist with and support internal and external audit processes
• Carry out all responsibilities in relation to the Organisation’s Quality Improvement and Risk Management
• Utilise and implement screening tools and models of Service
• Compliance and Work Health and Safety frameworks

Selection Criteria

• A proven ability to communicate effectively with First Nations people, particularly in the Canberra regions and have a knowledge and understanding of their culture.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of child development, risk assessment, and family led and child focused practices.
• Possess a sound understanding of trans-generational trauma, community trauma and the adverse effects on the individual young person, the family and the community, along with a sound understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child rearing practices and issues facing community.
• Possess a sound understanding of the local Aboriginal community, family dynamics, childrearing practices and issues faced within the local community.
• Ability to provide a strengths-based approach, solve problems based on operational knowledge and experience.
• Ability to manage complex tasks, training initiatives and completing deadlines.
• Proven and competent written, oral and administration skills including computer skills with the ability to prepare case studies, board reports, funding body reports including online Case Management (Redicase) data system and correspondence relevant to the position.
• Proven ability to communicate, consult, liaise and negotiate with a broad range of stakeholders at all levels to achieve broad project objectives and goals. This also includes the willingness to receive and provide feedback in an honest and respectful manner.
• Proven ability to provide services that promote self-determination of First Nations young people and families and engage in learning about other cultures to better establish relationships and improve services. Actively promote connection to culture and provide families with pathways for healing.
• Demonstrated ability of ensuring a culture of child safety, preventing child abuse, and abiding by the Child Safety Principles and National Principals for Child Safe Organisations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a First Nations NGO or similar.
• Minimal Certificate 4 in chosen field

Essential

• Aboriginality – This is a first Nations identified position.
• A current ACT driver’s license is essential.
• A Senior First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain.
• Computer literacy
• 6-month probationary period and an Annual Performance Review and annual workplan.
• Actively participate in supervision, case reviews and team meetings.
• Gugan Gulwan is committed to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, mandatory training to be completed by all staff.

Working with Vulnerable People Check (Wwvpc)

All employees are required to provide their WWVP registration to Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation, or to carry out a WWVP pursuant to the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 (ACT), prior to starting in the position.

WHY WORK WITH US

Work with a strong, caring and connected team that always has your back.

NFP doesn't mean no gain! You'll received a highly competitive salary & extreme job satisfaction delivering for young people and community.

Work in a brand new purpose designed building opening in January 2025.