The position is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Out of Home Care team. The manager supports programs and services that address Kinship Case Contracting, Kinship First Supports, Kinship Placement and Support, Aboriginal Family Led Decision Making, Therapeutic Foster Care, Senior Advisor Cultural Support Plan (Keeping kids safe in culture), Wala Yarka (Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care) and Foster Care Program. The position assists the Director and staff to implement the policies and procedures of Njernda Aboriginal Corporation and works in partnership with Aboriginal and mainstream agencies to better service and support our children and carers.

**This is an “Indigenous Only” role under Special Measures of the EEO Act 2010, Section 12.

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

Respect

Establishing relationships based on respect and trust

Accountability

Taking ownership and initiative of Njernda values to ensure trusted collaborations are formed

Resilience

Encouraging cultural and spiritual growth to enable personal growth

Advocacy

Working to transform the disadvantage and challenge that causes impact on our community

Cultural Sensitivity

Welcoming and serving our community with understanding and without judgement

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position will, under the direction of the Executive Director lead the strategic and operational management of Out of Homes Care programs. It is an expectation that the incumbent will contribute to a constructive workplace culture which engages and develops the talents of staff and provides an excellent service to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait community.
• The manager is responsible for the delivery of culturally appropriate OOHC, Kinship, foster care and first supports program and achieving and recording of targets.
• Assist the Executive Director to develop, monitor, manage, analyse data, programs and continually improve Family Services programs and services.
• Maintain organisational culture, image and branding is supported by strong corporate ethics, personally and professionally throughout the organisation. The manager ensure staff operate in accordance with the vision and philosophy of the organisation and assist in the development of policy and programs.
• Facilitate staff workflows, budgets, and regulating expenses, and is responsible for implementing and monitoring the operations against key performance indicators and enhancing productivity.
• The manager is responsible for ensuring the operation has the funds, equipment, and other resources necessary to deliver the operational outcomes.
• Provide a structure that ensures professional supervision is conducted and support is provided to include ongoing training and development.
• The position requires hiring, supervising, and reviewing staff, as well as motivating staff.
• Assist the executive Director in developing policies and programs, and developing briefings, according to best practice for Family Services and its programs.
• Prepare submissions to federal and state governments and other bodies.
• Assist in the assessment, review, and evaluation of program models of care including costs, best practice, program focus, and guidelines to ensure they provide an effective service to our clients/community members.
• Foster a strong team spirit within the organization.
• Organize community meetings to gain feedback from the community on programs and services.
• Represent where directed to sit on committees and attend in forums outside the agency (e.g., on panels, on Committees etc).
• Facilitate the development of the carer program including kinship and foster care.
• Participate in research and development keeping a pulse on trends and advancement in family and child protection activities. Especially OOHC, kinship, foster care and first supports.
• Other duties as directed by the Executive Director

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants must possess:

• Significant experience in a senior role, preferable in the child and family sector or relevant field is desirable.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and issues relating to the needs of Aboriginal families in the area.
• Experience in managing staff, developing strong team spirit, and managing conflict within the team.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Child Youth and Families Act and child protection procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to connect with Aboriginal children and carers in cultural appropriate manner.
• Demonstrated experience in program development and implementation and ensuring that programs are delivered in a cultural appropriate way.
• An ability to communicate effectively with aboriginal people and handle issues in a sensitive manner.
• An ability to conduct professional supervision, assess staff learning needs, review performance, and address staff Human Resource issues including performance issues.
• An ability to advocate or mediate on behalf of individuals and families.
• Demonstrated strong written, verbal communication skills and information systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiskilled, diverse teams to drive cooperation to deliver effective outcomes to community.
• Demonstrated ability develop and work collaboratively partnerships with external parties
• Understanding financial controls and procurement procedures required by programs and overseeing staff procurement.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• An appropriate tertiary qualification.

Commitment to Safety

All children have the right to be children and live free of abuse and neglect, so they can grow, learn, and develop. Everyone within Njernda is responsible for ensuring a culture of child safety; preventing child abuse and abiding by the Child Safety Principles

Other Relevant Information

• The successful applicant will be required to undergo satisfactory pre-employment checks, including providing at least two professional referees, completion of a medical declaration, Police Records Check, Working With Children Check, Victorian Driver’s License, and proof of identify and qualifications
• Commitment to equal opportunity and occupational health and safety principles and practices is required
• You will need to disclose any pre-existing illness or injury you know about which could be affected by the described work duties. Under section 82 (7) of the Accident Compensation Act, failure to disclose such a pre-existing illness or injury will mean that, if employed, you will not be paid compensation for that condition.

Please visit our website for more information and to apply: www.njernda.com.au

To be Eligible for an Interview

The Applicant MUST address the Key Selection Criteria and include a recent resume. Address your application marked: “Private & Confidential”

To:            Corporate Services Manager

                  Njernda Aboriginal Corporation

                  P.O. Box 21 Echuca Vic 3564

Email         [email protected]

All applications close:       5pm Wednesday October 26, 2022

Written applications should include a covering letter. Please include the names and telephone contacts of at least two referees. Please check the closing date to ensure your application is received within the specified time. Applications may be posted, emailed, hand delivered or faxed (provided that a hard copy is posted on the same day).