Family Strengthening Worker 

Job description

Walk Alongside Families. Strengthen Culture. Raise Kids Strong and Proud.

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation is seeking a Family Strengthening Worker to walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with children aged 0–18 years, honouring the central role of family, community and culture in raising children strong and proud. Grounded in respect for self-determination, this is not a service done to families, it is a journey walked with them, supporting families to define their own goals and lead the way toward outcomes that are meaningful to them.

About the role

Reporting to the Families, Healing and Support Manager, you'll be part of Njernda's Family Services team, working closely with The Orange Door, DFFH and community services.



• Provide culturally safe, trauma-informed and strengths-based support across the full case management continuum, from assessment and co-developed planning through to closure
• Assist families to build parenting confidence, understand family dynamics and child development, and develop the skills and connections to care for their children safely
• Provide information, referrals, outreach and transport support to help families access services
• Centre Aboriginal self-determination in all practice, supporting families to lead their own goals and maintain meaningful connections to culture, kin and community
• Advocate for families with external services, and represent Njernda and community at forums, courts, panels and committees
• Apply MARAM-aligned practice to identify and respond to family violence risk, working collaboratively with The Orange Door and specialist services
• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential client records using CSNet

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.

• $91,000 annual salary (SCHADS Level 4.1) + 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.