Out of Home Care (OOHC) Coordinator

Job description

Lead with Culture. Strengthen Teams. Keep Kids Connected to Kin.

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation is seeking an Out of Home Care (OOHC) Coordinator to coordinate the day-to-day running of our OOHC programs and services within the Families, Healing and Support Services division. You'll lead a team that currently numbers 14, providing expert advice and support to deliver culturally safe, trauma-aware services that keep Aboriginal children connected to family, culture and community, in close partnership with Aboriginal and mainstream agencies.

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).

About the role

Reporting to the Families, Healing and Support Manager, and working closely with the OOHC Manager, you'll oversee programs including Kinship Case Contracting, Kinship First Supports, Kinship Placement and Support, Foster Care, Therapeutic Foster Care, Aboriginal Family Led Decision Making, Community Connections, Cultural Support Plans, Therapeutic Interventions for Family Violence and the Caring for Yarka Traineeship.

• Coordinate the day-to-day operations of OOHC programs, ensuring service delivery is timely, culturally safe and within program guidelines, budget and staffing
• Provide expert advice on culturally safe, trauma-aware service delivery across kinship, foster care, therapeutic and family-led decision making programs
• Provide regular professional supervision and on-the-job support to program staff and trainees, ensuring compliance with case management requirements and accurate reporting
• Assist and advise team members and families to risk assess, plan, deliver and review case management plans
• Identify training needs, orient new hires and trainees, and contribute to recruitment, performance appraisals and reviews
• Monitor staff workflows, department budgets and resources, escalating issues with recommendations
• Support the development of policies, funding proposals, government submissions and program evaluations
• Backfill the OOHC Manager and Family Services Coordinator during periods of leave



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.

• $114,000 annual salary (SCHADS Level 6.1) + 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 Bachelor's degree or postgraduate qualification in Social Work or Community Services
2. A minimum of 5 years' experience in a similar role
3. Demonstrated capacity and knowledge in managing intensive support programs relevant to preventing the removal of children from family
4. Demonstrated understanding of the Children, Youth and Families Act and child protection procedures
5. Demonstrated ability to connect with Aboriginal children and carers in a culturally appropriate manner
6. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and the issues relating to the needs of Aboriginal families in the area
7. Ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people and handle issues in a sensitive manner
8. Experience managing staff, developing strong team spirit and managing conflict within the team
9. Demonstrated ability to manage multiskilled, diverse teams to drive cooperation and deliver effective outcomes for community
10. Demonstrated experience in program development and managing team implementation
11. Ability to conduct professional supervision, assess staff learning needs, review performance and address staff human resource issues, including performance issues
12. Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills, and strong computer and information systems skills
13. Demonstrated ability to develop and work collaboratively in partnership with external parties
14. Understanding of the financial controls and procurement procedures required by programs, and overseeing staff procurements

Desirable: Work experience in regional Australia, in an Aboriginal organisation.

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.