Aboriginal Caseworkers (Lakidjeka ACSASS)
Job No:
20548
Location:
Dandenong, Footscray, Ballarat, & Swan Hill
- Are you of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander descent and looking to make a difference?
- Flexible working arrangements!
- Family-friendly environment!
- Commitment to staff wellbeing!
- Attractive remuneration circa $45,000 - $50,000 + super + generous salary packaging!
About the Organisation
The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) is recognised within the state of Victoria as the lead agency in the provision of Aboriginal child and family welfare services.
Since its inception the organisation has grown to the extent that it now employs over 150 staff members and runs a wide range of services across Victoria.
The current range of services and programs are aimed at empowering and strengthening Indigenous families through the provision of family support, placement and support, protection and care, counselling and reunification.
The Lakidjeka Aboriginal Child Specialist Advice Support Service Program
The Lakidjeka Aboriginal Child Specialist Advice Support Service (ACSASS) Program provides specialist consultation and advice to Child Protection on all reports (notifications) relating to Aboriginal children and young people.
The program aims to:
- Provide an indigenous perspective in DHS' risk and safety assessments;
- Contribute and participate in case planning and decision-making concerning Aboriginal children/young people who have been notified to Child Protection;
- Engage Aboriginal families and their children with relevant support services;
- Ensure Aboriginal family and community members are involved in the decision making and support of the Aboriginal Children and young people involved with Child Protection; and
- Reduce out-of-home placements for Aboriginal children and youth with non-Aboriginal carers.
About the Opportunity
The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) is seeking passionate and dedicated Aboriginal Caseworkers to join their teams across Victoria in Dandenong, Footscray, Ballarat and Swan Hill.
The Aboriginal Child Specialist Advice and Support Service (ACSASS) provide specialist consultation and advice to Child Protection on all notifications and significant decisions on Aboriginal children and young people.
In Victoria ACSASS is delivered by VACCA (except in LGA of Mildura) and is a key initiative in the implementation of the Protocol in Victoria between Department of Human Services Child Protection Services and VACCA ("2002 Protocol").
Working a member of the ACSASS team you would be covering the entire region.
More specifically, some of your daily contributions will include:
- Providing input into Child Protection risk assessments regarding Aboriginal children, young people;
- Managing a case load;
- Providing relevant cultural advice and input through joint visits with Child Protection;
- Participating in case planning meetings, Aboriginal Family Decision Making and other meetings involving Aboriginal children and young people;
- Consulting, negotiating and liaising with Child Protection and other agencies to ensure that the cultural rights of the child and or young person are respected;
- Documenting case notes and report writing.
To be successful in this position you will require a knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and values as well as an awareness of the issues facing Aboriginal children and families today. You will need the ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people in addition to a wide variety of stakeholders within the child and family welfare system regarding complex family issues.
In this role an applicants race is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised by Section 83 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 (the Act), by Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency Co-Op Limited.
Due to the nature of this role, it is also essential that you possess a proven ability to work independently or as part of a team and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Because of the sensitive and unforeseen aspects of this position you will need to be prepared to participate in an after hours on-call service. A current drivers licence is essential to carry out tasks as you may also be required to undertake intra-state travel.
Applicants with relevant qualification and an understanding of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 are encouraged to apply.
In return for your dedication, the VACCA will reward you with an attractive remuneration package circa $45,000 - $50,000 + super + generous salary packaging and a range of further benefits including:
- Flexible working arrangements!
- Family-friendly environment!
- Commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of their staff!
Choose a location that suits you and be rewarded personally and professionally in this varied role guaranteed to provide you with a high level of job satisfaction! Apply Now!