Female Therapeutic Worker

Job description

Support Healing. Restore Safety. Strengthen Women and Families.

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation is seeking a Female Therapeutic Worker to deliver culturally safe, trauma-aware and accountability-based therapeutic interventions to Aboriginal women who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing, family violence. You'll support women on their healing journey, promote safety and wellbeing for women and children, and contribute to improved social and emotional wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal families. This is a part-time, 12-month fixed term contract, with the position reviewed after 12 months.

This is a designated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander position under a special measure in accordance with section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). This position is for a female applicant, given the nature of the role providing therapeutic support to Aboriginal women.

About the role

Reporting to the Family Safety Coordinator, you'll work collaboratively with Njernda's internal programs, Family Services staff and external Aboriginal and mainstream services to deliver coordinated, culturally appropriate responses.

• Deliver culturally safe, trauma-aware and client-centred therapeutic services to Aboriginal women affected by family violence, in line with program guidelines and legislative standards
• Provide individual and group therapeutic interventions that promote healing, empowerment, safety and resilience
• Undertake and contribute to family violence risk assessment, safety planning and risk management, prioritising the safety of women and children
• Work collaboratively with Family Services staff to plan, deliver, monitor and review client case plans and healing goals
• Provide secondary consultation and professional support to Family Services staff working with families affected by family violence
• Build collaborative relationships with Aboriginal and mainstream agencies, and engage women with internal programs and external services to support holistic wellbeing
• Maintain accurate, timely and compliant case notes, reports and data entry in electronic systems
• Actively participate in supervision, training and reflective practic

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.

• $46.70 per hr (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

This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identified position. To be considered, your application must include a separate document responding to each of the numbered criteria below.

1. A Degree or Diploma in Community Services or a related discipline, and a willingness to undertake further mandatory study to meet minimum qualification requirements
2. Relevant specialist family violence qualifications and/or professional development
3. A minimum of 3 years' experience in a similar role, or significant relevant experience
4. A proven knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal communities
5. Specialist knowledge of family violence systems, legislation and risk management frameworks, including Aboriginal-specific practice responses
6. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and the issues relating to the needs of Aboriginal families in the area
7. Experience working with Aboriginal women, children and communities in a culturally appropriate and trauma-aware manner
8. Demonstrated experience in program planning, design, development and implementation
9. Experience in budgeting, financial control, and providing clear written reports and statistical data, with well-developed computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel)
10. Demonstrated ability to develop and work collaboratively in partnership with external parties
11. Good negotiation skills, and excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong customer service focus
12. Ability to multitask with high attention to detail and work under pressure

Desirable: Work experience in an Aboriginal organisation (ideally an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation) and within the family violence sector or family services.

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.