About the Role

This role is in partnership with Wathaurong. Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative Limited is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation governed by an Aboriginal Board who are elected through the Annual General Meeting process annually, with their Chief Executive Officer to operationalize the strategic directives of the Board. For more information please visit wathaurong.org.au.

This trial builds on established partnerships between health, education, community and social care that aims to ensure young people and their families can access appropriate supports at appropriate times in their local communities via the services and supports they know and trust.

Working alongside existing Adolescent Violence in the Home (AVITH) programs in both Meli and Wathaurong, this role will be responsible for providing high quality assertive outreach to young people and families to address identified risk factors, delivering additional support options after hours to reduce the prevalence of AVITH related behaviours and concerns and increasing the safety of affected family members and strengthening the capacity of families to manage independently.

This program provides targeted supports to highly vulnerable and complex needs individuals and families from both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

The key objectives of this role are:

• Within a place-based model, deliver flexible and culturally considerate outreach, assessments and resources to young people and families to reduce the use of violent and aggressive behaviour being used by the young person in the home and increase safety for all members of the family.
• Using a Continuous Improvement Approach, implement responses focusing on behaviour change and skills development in areas such as respectful communication, coregulation strategies, stress management, awareness of and alternative responses to triggers.
• Focus on the young person’s safety, stability, health, development and learning.
• Ensure that interventions are guided by evidence based practices.
• Provide a range of tailored interventions to the targeted cohort in line with the Best Interests Framework.

Vacancy Details

• Part-time role, working 22.8 hours per week
• Fixed term to 30 June 2024
• $94,077 p/a (pro rata) + super + salary packaging
• To view the Position Description, please go to ‘Careers’ at www.meli.org.au

About You

• Bachelor of Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Diploma Welfare Studies, Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs or equivalent qualification
• Knowledge of the factors that can contribute to AVITH and knowledge of the service system and resources available that can support young people and their families.
• Experience supporting complex cases and competing priorities with strong case practice including client advocacy, counselling, therapeutic interventions and support in line with the Best Interest Framework.
• Sound Knowledge of or experience in Aboriginal Culture, issues affecting Aboriginal people, and Aboriginal Service Sector with particular understanding of social, physical, economical, and cultural strengths and challenges affecting Aboriginal communities and their ability to access adequate and quality services.
• Demonstrated skills in risk and needs assessments with particular focus on MARAM Framework.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to develop positive stakeholder relationships and communicate with diverse individuals in a culturally appropriate manner.

Application Process

• Applicants must address each of the Qualifications, Skills and Experience listed in the following questionnaire and provide a current resume in order to be considered.
• Successful applicants will be required to provide a current Working with Children Check and undergo a National Police Check prior to commencement.
• Meli reserves the right to interview and appoint before the closing date of this position, so please don’t delay in applying.

Contact Details

For more information about the position please contact Jo Baillon, Coordinator Child and Family, on 0421 821 695.

Meli is committed to providing a child safe environment. We have zero tolerance of any abuse or maltreatment of children.

Meli values and celebrates diversity and are working to create a team of people who reflect the diverse community we support. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, culturally diverse people, those living with a disability, and those looking to return to the workforce following a break in their career are encouraged to apply for our roles.

If we can assist you with any reasonable adjustments in order to submit your application for this role, please contact the Recruitment team via email at [email protected]

Applications close 9:00am Wednesday 3 January 2024

V.I.D 2301114