Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC)

 

Established in 1979 by the Ballarat Aboriginal community in the Ballarat district, BADAC’s vision is to be the strongest voice and presence in the Ballarat area, supporting and respecting their people, enhancing our community, growing their culture and honouring their heritage. BADAC is the Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) for the Ballarat and District area, covering 4 local government areas (LGAs). The organisation is extremely proud of the contribution and support they have provided the local Aboriginal community over the past 40 years delivering a comprehensive range of health, social, welfare and community development programs to local Aboriginal people.

 

Our vision

 

Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative exists to achieve self-determination for the Aboriginal community, enabling stronger families by ensuring equal opportunities in health, housing, education, employment and justice through a holistic and culturally relevant approach.

 

The Opportunity

 

 We currently have an opportunity for a committed and enthusiastic Cultural Support Worker to join our SEWB Team on a Part Time Fixed Term basis (9 day fortnight) (June 2026).

This role will work within the Alcohol & Other Drugs and Public Intoxication Reform program. 

 

The role of the Cultural Support Worker – PIR is to work within a multidisciplinary team, focused on supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community who are experiencing alcohol intoxication. This role will be responsible in monitoring and supporting clients who are referred into the Public Intoxication Reform (PIR) program, ensuring client wellbeing and cultural safety. 

 

This role will provide outreach support and transportation to a place of safety, including the persons home, a friend’s house or to BADAC Safe House. This role will require the incumbent to work after hours on call, on rostered shifts alongside AOD Workers to provide a culturally informed AOD service, and assist with ongoing service engagement.

 

A key focus of this role is cultural connection, support and advocacy. Working with BADAC’s AOD workers, the PIR Cultural Support Worker will ensure cultural safety and understanding of past trauma is at the forefront of treatment and interaction. A strong family and community focus is an essential aspect of the role.

 

Sound knowledge of Aboriginal culture and the ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait people is an important pre-requisite for this position. This position is based in Ballarat, with after hours, on call and outreach to LGA’s within BADAC’s catchment is required.

 

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• As part of a multi-disciplinary team, work closely and constructively with individuals and families in a culturally sensitive and safe way to reduce the impact of alcohol and other drugs on their lives.

 

• Provide an outreach service to Aboriginal people who are intoxicated, to ensure their safety and prevent contact with the justice system. This will include supporting them to get home, to a family or friends house (if safe to do so), or supporting as guests in BADAC Safe House.

 

• Support guests at the BADAC Safe House, duties will include assistance with basic care and monitoring. This may include some cleaning, handling and some infection control measures within the BADAC Safe House and vehicle. 

 

• Monitor and record basic observations and seek assistance from health services if required. Assist with basic care, such as hydration and dietary needs if requested.

 

• Assist service guests to connect with Aboriginal and mainstream community and health services, particularly when there is a change in circumstances or emerging alcohol and drug issues.

 

• Liaise with and maintain positive working relationships with other relevant organisations and agencies, to ensure that clients are in receipt of a high-quality service. 

 

• Provide a positive role model for individuals through the demonstration of positive life skills, connection to culture, appropriate communication and support of the principles of self-determination. 

 

• Compile statistical data and records of services provided, and supply reports to the SEWB Services Manager and BADAC Executive as required.

 

• Maintain strict standards of confidentiality and note writing, while always acting in a professional manner in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co‑operative.

 

• Carry out other duties as directed by the SEWB Services Manager and Chief Operating Officer.

 

• Lead a team of AOD Workers in the delivery of Alcohol and Other Drug programs at BADAC. This includes the implementation and delivery of a new program (Public Intoxication Reform).

 

• Conduct AOD assessments, counselling and referral to Aboriginal people and their significant others, who are affected by alcohol and drugs. This may include counselling and advocacy for forensic and court ordered clients requiring AOD services.

 

• Provide a support service that focuses on reducing harm to the individual, family and community through educational and service development activities to health service providers regarding culturally sensitive practices.

 

• Supervision of the AOD team in collaboration and under the guidance of the SEWB Manager. 

 

• Manage a caseload which includes risk assessment and management, develop and review case management plans which reflect the goals developed with the client and where possible their families.

 

• Maintain accurate documentation of client contact and outcomes, including data entry and reports relating to service provided, including DHHS reporting via VDAC.

 

• Liaise with staff at BADAC and other key agencies to provide information and education about alcohol and drug issues and their affects.

 

• Provide opportunities for Aboriginal clients to participate in health enhancing behaviours and culturally sensitive and appropriate health promotion activities. 

 

• Where appropriate, provide support and transportation to clients and their families who are being admitted and/ or discharged to a hospital and other AOD related facilities within the scope of the AOD Program.

 

• Where necessary, maintain hygiene and cleanliness of the BADAC Safe House and vehicle. This includes ensuring bodily fluids are cleaned, disposed and disinfected, using the appropriate spill kit and PPE. 

 

• Maintain strict standards of confidentiality and act at all times in a professional manner in accordance to the values, policies and procedures of BADAC.

 

• Carry out other duties as directed by the Program Manager and Chief Operating Officer.

 

Key Selection Criteria:

• Sound knowledge of local issues and needs of the Aboriginal community and culture. Understanding of the range of services available to the Aboriginal community, including welfare, education and health services, or demonstrated capacity to acquire this knowledge.

 

• Demonstrated experience in the Aboriginal community, including an understanding of the impact of transgenerational trauma and disconnection with culture. Be able to communicate with intoxicated people in a non-threatening, non-judgemental manner.

 

• Demonstrated ability to work in a way that promotes Aboriginal people’s cultural identity and promotes their connection to family, community and culture. 

 

• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including the development of effective liaison with families, government, community, health, education and welfare services.

 

• Willing to work on call, after hours, and weekends is essential. 

 

• Must have sound knowledge of OHS requirements & standards of practice.

 

• Up to date First Aid and CPR certificate or willingness to complete relevant training.

 

• Willing to maintain OHS, hygiene and cleanliness standards of the BADAC Safe House and vehicle. This includes ensuring bodily fluids are cleaned, disposed of and disinfected correctly using the appropriate spill kit and PPE. 

 

 

Other Info

 To be considered for roles with BADAC you will need to:

• Have (or be willing to have) a National Police Clearance and current Working with Children Check Clearance.
• Valid Australian Drivers License 

 

If this sounds like the sort of opportunity you would be interested in, please click ‘Apply Now’. 

 

Please Note: All applications will require applicants to provide a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria above and a copy of their resume. Applications without the required documents will not be accepted.

 

Applications close C.O.B on 11th December 2023.

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

BADAC is a Child Safe organisation and all employees are expected to adhere to our Child Safe Guidelines.
 

 

BADAC is committed to diversity in employment aiming to develop a workforce that reflects the diverse community that we operate in. We foster a workplace culture in which LGBTI employees feel included, safe and supported.