*Please note that this is a position open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only.

 

Organisational Values

 

• CULTURAL SENSISTIVITY – Welcoming and serving our community with understanding and without judgement.
• RESPECT – Establishing relationships based on respect and trust.
• ADVOCACY – Working to transform the disadvantaged and challenge the causes that impact on our community.
• RESILIENCE – Encouraging cultural and spiritual growth to enable personal growth.
• ACCOUNTABILITY – Taking ownership and initiative of Njernda values to ensure trusted collaborations.

 

Agency Context

 

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation is taking significant steps in the development and implementation of a service network that provides a range of culturally specific and holistic programs and services, tailor-made for the needs of our community.  In doing so, we have identified the need to provide ‘healing strategies’ for our boori, youth, adults, Elders, and families; strategies which stem from a deeply cultural and spiritual place in our hearts, minds, and souls. In all that we do, we refer to our Ancestors who guide us on our path, and ensure that whilst we move forward, living and working in contemporary times, we continue to instil cultural and spiritual pride and strength in our boori, families, and community.

 

Position Context

 

The service network related to families and boori has historically been reactive/responsive, often leading directly to the removal of boori into out of home care; and rarely about working with families to empower them to identify strategies for prevention and lasting change.  This approach has not been by choice but has been driven by the types of responses we have and the lack of available resources available to work proactively with the entire family unit to equip and empower them to make positive change. And now we look to the future, with the vision of providing a responsive service, which can work beside families, in a safe and nurturing environment.

 

This vision has particularly been driven by past experiences and the need for strategies which ensure that boori remain in our community.

 

New funding has been awarded to provide a service focused on improving the outcomes for Aboriginal boori in their initial years of life including prenatal development. This will be achieved through building strong relationships with parents of unborn boori where there has been a report to Child Protection or parents need additional supports to prevent child protection involvement. Through a combination of teaching/coaching, linking, and supporting parents with accessing services both within Njernda and other universal services, it is hoped that the concerns that have arisen can be addressed, and the child’s development can be enhanced from in utero development through to two years old.

 

Commitment to Child Safety

All boori have the right to be boori 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 Best Interest and Child Safety Principles.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

• Engage expectant mother and families through intensive case management and active outreach, building empowering professional relationships.
• Take a creative, trauma informed and relational approach to resourcing families who have experienced discrimination and disempowerment within the system.
• Refer and support families to navigate appropriate prevention and early intervention services (within Njernda and other mainstream and universal services) to enhance referral pathways for parents at risk with unborn infants.
• Advocate with and provide support to stakeholders to ensure cultural needs will be met in service delivery.
• Use strengths-based coaching to support families understanding of child development and wellbeing from in-utero through to two years old.
• Recognise, respond to and support families to understand the impact of their experience of adversity and trauma and how this may impact their boori and their parenting.
• Work closely with Child Protection and other services to ensure the safety of boori.
• Represent Njernda in forums outside the agency (e.g. at Court, on panels, on Committees
• Other duties as required by the Family services Manager.

 

Key Selection Criteria

 

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal history and culture, local family networks and the ACCHO environment.
• Understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal parenting practices
• Skills to engage Aboriginal families through a relational approach, maintaining professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of child development, early childhood and parenting strategies and ability to coach families using strength-based, trauma informed and relational approaches.
• Resilience to work and support clients who have been exposed to trauma.
• Ability to build connections and advocate with stakeholders, including capacity to engage in task conflict discussions.
• Ability to work flexible hours to support families with attending classes such as antenatal, birthing and parenting classes.
• Strong computer skills, ability to use a range of software and IT based reporting systems.
• Self-motivated, ability to manage complex workload and work independently.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development and continuous improvement.
• Case work duties that compasses completing initial intakes, planning and assessments for parents pre-birth. Post birth into family services, universal and specialist services.

 

Qualifications

 

Experience and/or post-secondary qualifications (e.g. bachelor’s degree, Diploma, Certificate IV) in the field of Social Work, Social Welfare, Community Services or Early Childhood Intervention is desirable or with skills sufficient to perform at this level.

 

Additional Position Requirements

• Commitment to equal opportunity and OHS principles and practices.
• Model and abide by Njernda Corporation Staff Resource Manual and other internal policy or practice guidelines.
• Compliance with relevant legislative requirements
• Participate as a member of the Family Services Unit and promote a spirit of cooperation, respect, collaboration, and professionalism with all staff.
• Make an active commitment to the development of an integrated working environment and the maintenance of a cohesive multi-disciplinary team through, active participation in staff meetings, team meetings, supervision, and practice discussions.
• Participate in appropriate professional development opportunities and performance appraisal (including 3-month probational period review)
• Must hold a current drivers’ licence and provide a copy.

 

Salary and Conditions

Remuneration commensurate with experience and in accordance with the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award. Staff may be requested to work overtime. Salary packaging is available.

 

Pre-Employment Checks

All Njernda Corporation staff must pass pre-employment checks including police and criminal records check, Working with Children Check & Drivers Licence check prior to starting employment. Checks will be reviewed during the period of employment.

You will need to disclose any pre-existing illness or injury 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.

 

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:                 HR Department

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation

51-55 Heygarth Street, Echuca Vic 3564

PO Box 201, Echuca Vic 3564

Email            jobs@njernda.com.au

• 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 accepted by posted, email to below HR contact, hand delivered or faxed (provided that a hard copy is posted on the same day).

All applications close: 15th May 2024