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 opportunities for enthusiastic and committed Community Connections Workers to join our Family Violence team on a Permanent Part Time basis (9 day fortnight). 

 

This exciting new position presents the opportunity for the Community Connections Worker to assist Aboriginal victim survivors of family violence and clients who have used or are at risk of using family violence behaviours to make meaningful community linkages, to increase their connection to culture and to assist them engaging in positive social activities.  

 

These activities will range from cultural activities, sport and recreation activities, improving daily living skills, engaging with community organisations such as local Neighbourhood Houses or Men’s Shed’s, as well as creating links to employment/training and education opportunities.  The role requires the candidate to be flexible and creative as the coordination and facilitation of the above-mentioned activities will be delivered on an individual and group basis. 

 

The Community Connections Worker will support their case load to create and achieve personal goals.  The aim of the role is to empower Aboriginal victim survivors of family violence to engage in positive life changes for themselves and their children and ensure a strong connection to culture.

 

This position will work alongside the BADAC Person Using Violence Case Manager to support mutual clients in creating and achieving personal goals.  The aim of the role is to assist male Aboriginal community members to create long term positive changes, ensure a strong connection to culture that empowers a positive understanding and attitude towards better life choices ultimately reducing the risk of committing further family violence. 

 

A sound knowledge of Aboriginal culture and society and the ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people is an important prerequisite for this position.

 

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Development and facilitation of relevant activities i.e. basic cooking program, budgeting assistance, etc.

 

• Promote community inclusion for program participants to engage in cultural, educational, developmental, and recreational programs/activities.

 

• Build relationships based on trust, support and growth with all program participants ensuring cultural safety.

 

• Create individual support plans which identify short- and long-term goals with all program participants.

 

• Provide transport where appropriate for program participants to individual and group activities (relevant to Community Connections).

 

• Work in accordance with the MARAM framework, the Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme, and the Child Information Sharing Scheme.

 

• Create and maintain strong partnerships with local stakeholders/community agencies.

 

• Work with families and individuals to develop strategies that better manage behaviour, develop healthy relationships and respond to trauma caused through family violence in conjunction with the Person Using Violence Case Manager.

 

• Ensure that effective administration is completed including but not limited to: Case notes, data collection etc.

 

• Complete other duties as required and requested by the Program Manager and Team Leader.

 

• Maintain strict standards of confidentiality and act at all times in a professional manner in accordance with the policies & procedures of the Ballarat & District Aboriginal Cooperative.

 

Key Selection Criteria:

• Sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and values, and the ability to effectively communicate with Aboriginal people.

 

• Relevant tafe/tertiary qualification in Community Services, Welfare or the willingness to work towards a qualification.

 

• Sound knowledge and understanding of family violence, in particular working with perpetrators of family violence.  Demonstrated understanding of the MARAM framework, the Family Violence information Sharing Scheme and the Child Information Sharing Scheme.

 

• Demonstrated ability to facilitate and coordinate activities, and create/maintain/improve relationships with community agencies or organisations.

 

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

 

• Demonstrated skills in time management, prioritisation and professional integrity.

 

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.

 

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 15th September 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.