Aboriginal Family Preservation and Reunification Response Practitioner

Job description

Walk with Families. Reunite Kids with Kin. Create Lasting Change.

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation is seeking a Family Preservation and Reunification Response Practitioner to engage and support Aboriginal families currently involved with child protection, supporting safe and healthy family functioning and relationships. A key element of the role is reunifying children who have been removed from their home. This is a richly rewarding role that effects real, lasting change in Aboriginal families and communities.

About the role

Reporting to the Family Services Coordinator, you'll be part of a small, cohesive Family Services team working closely with Njernda programs, Child Protection and external service providers.

• Undertake outreach and home visits, providing families with support and practical strategies to build their parenting capacity
• Provide intensive, high-risk case management to help families meet their goals and reduce or avoid further child protection involvement
• Apply evidence-informed, strengths-based and trauma-informed intervention strategies within a culturally grounded service response that supports cultural healing
• Exercise professional judgement and autonomy in undertaking risk assessments for vulnerable families
• Prepare court reports and provide evidence in court proceedings as required
• Support families to participate in social and community events and activities
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes and records in line with DFFH requirements and Njernda policy

Why join Njernda?

At Njernda Aboriginal Corporation you'll be part of a values-driven, community-controlled organisation, guided by our values of Respect, Accountability, Resilience, Advocacy and Cultural Sensitivity.

• $99,000 annual salary (SCHADS Level 5.1) + Super
• Generous salary packaging benefits (not-for-profit)
• Victorian Ambulance Membership reimbursement (for you and your family)
• Supportive team environment and access to supervision
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Genuine work–life balance and the benefits of a regional lifestyle



Selection Criteria - these must be addressed

To be considered, your application must include a separate document responding to each of the numbered criteria below.

1. A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Child Development, Psychology or a related subject area, OR a relevant diploma-level qualification with significant professional experience
2. A minimum of 3 years' experience in a similar role
3. Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive, culturally responsive risk assessments and safety planning, using relevant structured decision-making frameworks (e.g. Best Interest Case Practice Model, MARAM)
4. Demonstrated ability in trauma-informed and attachment-based practice, including recognising and responding to the impacts of intergenerational and complex trauma
5. Ability to work in a culturally safe, respectful and competent manner with Aboriginal children, families and communities, fostering and maintaining cultural connections
6. Strong case management and caseload prioritisation skills, including the ability to manage multiple complex, high-risk cases concurrently
7. Advanced written communication skills, including preparing clear, objective, evidence-based case notes and court reports
8. Crisis intervention and de-escalation skills, responding calmly and effectively to families in acute distress
9. Negotiation and collaboration skills, working effectively with families, kinship networks and multiple service providers who may hold differing views
10. Local knowledge of Aboriginal history, culture and community, and the key issues affecting Aboriginal families involved with Child Protection

Desirable: Experience working in rural Victoria and/or at an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO).

How to apply

Applying is simple — just click the Apply button and complete the online form.

Your application must include:

1. An up-to-date CV
2. A cover letter
3. A separate response addressing each numbered Selection Criterion above
4. Contact details for at least two professional referees

Before applying, please ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Current and valid Victorian Working with Children Check
• National Police Check
• Current and valid full Victorian Driver's Licence
• Eligibility to work in Australia
• Vaccination status and pre-employment screening in line with Njernda's policies and procedures

Please note, late applications and incomplete applications without key selection criteria responses, will not be considered.