The Strong Spirit, Strong Elders, Strong Communities model delivers an interconnected whole of life services to Aboriginal communities. This includes access to activities that promote wellness and community building, inclusivity in a non-judgmental space with respect for dignity, autonomy, kinship, identity, and culture. We offer culturally strong and safe health services, based on a social and cultural determinants model of healthcare.
Our Njernda Model of Care is aimed at culturally safe environments free of racism and which respects First Nations peoples’ wisdom, and knowledge. Our model of care has been developed by way of co-design, it is a First Nations informed and led program that provides wholistic early intervention activities and incorporates First Nations values and Cultures. Underpinning this model is the Strong Spirit, Strong Elders, Community Connector role which will provide a mix of case coordinator, outreach, and cultural connection support for our elders.
Walk alongside Community Elders and members over the age of 45 to enable ageing well, spiritually, physically, and mentally where reliance on connections to community, identity, person, place, and culture are central.
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 |
Case Coordination and Outreach Support:
Support access to activities that promote wellness and community building, that are respectful to kinship, identity, and culture. This will include understanding the Elders’ needs and goals holistically, physically, socially, and culturally connecting them with the services and programs both internally and externally that are required to meet these goals. This support needs to provide a holistic balance in mind; understanding the needs of the client, their family, and their responsibilities, which may include caring for grandchildren according to cultural Lore. Caring responsibilities and connection to whole family through understanding carer connections.
Culturally Safe Care
Cultural knowledge – wrap around services that is inclusive of community, free of racism and addresses impacts of colonialisation. Nurturing respect for the client and an understanding of Koori time and the importance walking alongside as part of the client’s journey. Enabling return to Country as part of wellbeing, utilising knowledge of a spiritual connection to Country. Detailed knowledge of Sorry business for the client, community, family, and self.
Culturally safe ways of care – whole of life approach, deep listening, culturally respectful communication. Understanding the impacts of colonisation and the relation to intergenerational
Connection to Culture
· Supported in participation in Elders governance where appropriate
· Connection in community
· Passing on of Cultural knowledge
· Reconnection with family
· Returning to Country
Applicants must possess:
· understand of and commitment to the Aboriginal Community
· understanding and excellent knowledge of the local community
· Connections to the local community
· Good written and verbal communication skills
· Be a respected role model within the community that promotes health and wellness
· Be flexible and willingness to adapt
· Ability to be an strong advocate for community
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
Qualifications & Experience
Experience in:
· Report writing
· Data entry and analysis (not mandatory but need to have a willingness to learn)
· Experience in a similar role
Other Relevant Information
The Applicant MUST address the Key Selection Criteria and include a recent resume.
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.
Address your application marked: “Private & Confidential”
To: Human Resources Department
Njernda Aboriginal Corporation
P.O. Box 21 Echuca Vic 3564
Email jobs@njernda.com.au
All applications close: 14th Jul 2024