NGATANWAAR (Welcome)

Work in an appreciative and supportive environment, that offers generous remuneration – including tax savings and additional leave where you will achieve real and meaningful outcomes that positively affect our community.

Established in 1979, Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative’s vision is simple: “Empower the individual the family wins, Empower the family the community wins, Empower the community our culture wins”. Our team of dedicated professionals work together to achieve this outcome as evidenced in our latest audit where we received two rare commendations Workforce Development and Diversity & Cultural Safety. Put simply, this is a great and highly supportive place to work.

IDENTIFIED POSITION

This is an identified position. The Equal Opportunity Act permits special measures that help people who experience disadvantage to access equal opportunity in employment. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are eligible to apply for this position, which is exempt under the Special Measure Provision, Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2011 (Vic).

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

The purpose of this role is to facilitate healing and improve wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 5 to 12 years by:

• Assisting and supporting local Aboriginal children experiencing social and emotional well-being issues.
• Providing culturally appropriate support, mentoring and advocacy to Aboriginal children using Gunditjmara’s SEWB Case Management Model.
• Providing support, advocacy, and relevant programs to eligible clients and work closely with internal Gunditjmara programs and services and external services as required.
• Providing goal-based support and guidance assisting Aboriginal children in accessing specialist services.
• Focusing on a cultural therapeutic approach.
• Developing and implementing cultural activities which focus on Aboriginal cultural healing practices in partnership with Gunditjmara and local Elders.

THE IDEAL PERSON FOR THIS ROLE

Essential

• Aboriginal person, with knowledge of and affinity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, Community, and community control.
• A sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kinship systems – especially as they apply to children aged 5-12 years of age.
• A sound knowledge and understanding of Intergenerational challenges faced by Aboriginal men and families. 
• A sound knowledge of the social and emotional wellbeing framework (Balit Murrup).
• Formal tertiary or vocational qualifications in counselling, psychology, mental health, or a related area, with a minimum Certificate IV qualification or currently studying at a recognised course, and/or at least 2 years’ experience providing client support services and a willingness to complete formal study, with training expenses being met by Gunditjmara. 
• Demonstrated understanding of the removal/separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from families, and the effects of that removal including an understanding of contemporary issues.
• Case management skills, including assessment and counselling skills.
• Sound communication, writing and computer skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cultural respect and how to apply this to practice.

Desirable

• Experience working with families, individuals, and children with a broad knowledge of theories and interventions relevant to people involved with child protection and / or justice systems, and affected by family violence, drug, alcohol, or gambling issues.
• Experience working with Aboriginal men experiencing SEWB issues.
• A good understanding of the National Aboriginal Social & Emotional Wellbeing Framework.
• Sound knowledge of cultural safety in practice or a willingness to learn.

HOW TO APPLY

Position descriptions are available at https://www.gunditjmara.org.au/current-vacancies.

Please forward your covering letter (addressing the key selection criteria) and resume to [email protected] .

We are looking to fill these position ASAP, however we will wait for the right candidate, so get in quick.

We are a Child Safe organisation. This means that any job offer will be subject to strict screening processes and proof of immunisation (both childhood & Covid). See the position description for further information. 

For further information, please contact Danny Pearson on (03) 5559 1234.