Windermere is a community services organisation working for those with varied and complex needs, and we truly believe that everyone is someone in our community.  

Join us at Windermere. Where we make the effort to understand every individual employee, what matters to them and recognise the value that each person contributes. Empowering them to grow and work in ways that bring out their whole and best self. 

We celebrate our diverse range of perspectives, people and ideas and there has never been a better time to join!

About the Team

Our dedicated Victim Assistance Program (VAP) assists individuals with their management of the impact of crime. Through the provision of consumer focussed case management services, we promote recovery and minimise secondary victimisation sometimes experienced in the criminal justice systems. We are experts in this space and on the verge of expansion - we currently support 3,000 consumers each year and this will grow as we expand into new regions.

About the Opportunity

This is a Part-Time (3 days per week) 6 Month Fixed Term Parental Leave Contract to February 2025.

The Aboriginal Engagement Worker (AEW):

• Supports Aboriginal victims of crime to access information, culturally safe and localised services and supports
• Assists to increase confidence of Aboriginal victims of crime about their rights and entitlements and access to a range of available services and supports
• Provides secondary consultation to other Victim Assistance Program staff supporting Aboriginal victims of crime who have chosen to access mainstream services
• Supported by the VAP agency, works together with local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to build trust and engagement with local communities to address systemic barriers for Aboriginal victims’ participation in the criminal justice system. 

This is an Aboriginal designated position, therefore only Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply.

Trauma has been endured by Aboriginal people for generations, as a result of colonisation and the dispossession of land and culture and is deeply rooted in communities. Aboriginal Engagement Workers (AEWs) help to mitigate the impacts of crime on Aboriginal victims and aid their recovery by providing practical assistance and access to therapeutic support. AEWs also provide victims with information and support to engage with the criminal justice system.

AEWs will be co-located with ACCOs for a minimum of one day per week. In some circumstances (e.g. on advice of the AEW or relevant ACCO), the AEW may also be co-located at other community organisations across the region. As a VAP employee, AEWs will be supported by a Team Leader and will work with management to develop and continuously improve the VAP.

Staff Benefits Galore

This is where we stand out from the crowd! Windermere offers staff a wide range of unique benefits beyond the salary.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural and Ceremonial Leave Entitlements
• Flexible Work - from home, in the office and on location
• Gifted days off (between Christmas and New Year)
• Above Award Personal Leave and 17.5% annual leave loading
• Employee Referral Program of $500
• Flexible Leave Scheme (50/52)
• Opportunities for professional development
• Generous salary packaging up to $15,800 per year (+ additional $2,650 meals and entertainment)
• Staff discount program for everyday items
• Rostered Days Off
  Many organisations talk about work-life balance and employee wellbeing, but at Windermere we deliver!

Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal culture and/or issues affecting the Aboriginal community, including the interconnections between, and effects of, violence, social and economic disadvantage, racism, dispossession from land and culture and removal of children on Aboriginal victims.
• Experience undertaking community engagement and service delivery.
• Appropriate professional experience, skills, and training that align with the requirements of a SCHADS Award Level 5.
• Tertiary Qualification in Social Work or other related discipline is desirable but not mandatory.
• Information technology and computer skills.
• Current Victorian Driver Licence.
• Willingness to undertake relevant pre-employment screening and checks.

Personal attributes:

• Motivated, enthusiastic and passionate about social justice.
• Self-discipline – Able to maintain a consistent and appropriate pattern of behaviour under pressure. Is able to recognise own limitations and works with others to ensure plans are achieved.
• Self-confidence - Trusting of own abilities.  Seeks feedback as appropriate.
• Relationship Building – Establishes and maintains relationships at all levels. Builds and maintains strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Teamwork – Demonstrates consideration, concern and respect for others. Collaborative with strong interpersonal skills.

If this job excites you, then click the 'Apply Now' button to submit your application. Please also ensure you address the Key Selection Criteria in your application letter.

If you require any specific access adjustments or support within the Windermere recruitment, interview or onboarding process please contact our Talent Acquisition Specialist via phone +613 8794 1311 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Aboriginal Engagement Worker enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Windermere is committed to equity & equality for consumers and employees, this by building diverse and inclusive services and work environments, where all peoples from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, CALD, LGBTIQ+ Communities and those living with disability will know and feel accepted, affirmed, safe and celebrated. Windermere is delivering this through the continued development and implementation of our Welcoming and Inclusion Strategy as we seek to provide a diverse workforce at all levels.

A position description is attached.