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Dandenong & DistrictAborigines Co-Operative Ltd

POSITION: /

Family Services Worker

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Review Date:

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15thMay 2017

REPORTS TO: /
Manager Social and Community Services
STATUS OF EMPLOYMENT: /
Full-time Negotiable
AWARD CLASSIFICATION: / SCHADS Award - level to be determined in accordance with qualifications and experience

About the Organisation:

The Dandenong & District Aborigines Co-operative Ltd (DDACL) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) which is governed by a community elected Board of Directors. It is committed to the provision of a high quality range of services which will foster and support positive and fulfilling lifestyles for individuals and families within our community. These services are delivered in a professional and efficient manner and in keeping with our culture, traditions and heritage.

DDACL is a family friendly, flexible, supportive workplace that supports staff and encourages training and development. This position provides a great opportunity to work with the Aboriginal community in Southern Metropolitan Melbourne.

Summary of Position:

Working within a Child Centred and Family Focussed Framework, The Family Services Worker will assist families with a range of support services that will strengthen their parenting competencies, enhance family well- being and ensure the Best Interest Principles to support child focused outcomes for the children in our Community.

The worker will be required to complete initial and ongoing assessments with children and families using the Best Interest Framework. The Worker will develop Family Action Plans, Case Manage, advocate for and support families and make referrals as required. The worker will also develop relationships with key agencies including Child First and Child Protection.

The overall aim of the position is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of aboriginal children and to support and empower vulnerable families to ensure they are able to care effectively for their children.

1. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

1.1.Qualifications in Social Work, Early Childhood Development, Education, Community Services, or a related field and relevant work experience.

1.2.Demonstrated understanding of local Aboriginal culture, community, their health and wellbeing needs and/or genuine interest in learning and understanding.

1.3.Commitment to child centred practice, family strengthening and empowerment and the ability to work in partnership with families to meet agreed goals that facilitate safe and nurturing environments for children and young people.

1.4.An understanding of Best Interests Framework and the Child Youth and Families Act 2005 is desirable.

1.5.A demonstrated ability to effectively engage Aboriginal families and apply case management practices in a respectful empowering manner.

1.6.A demonstrated ability to work flexibly and effectively communicate with Aboriginal people and to sensitively handle cultural issues of concern to families in crisis.

1.7.Excellent networking skills, high level diplomacy and communication skills, including the ability to work in partnership with key stakeholders, and to engage and consult with the local Aboriginal community.

1.8.Conceptual and analytical ability to deal with concepts and complexity comfortably and creatively.

1.9.Excellent communication skills – written and verbal.

1.10.A current unrestricted Victorian Driver’s Licence, a Working with Children Check and a Police Check are essential for the successful applicant.

  1. KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  2. Receive referrals as allocated and maintain case load as pro – rata for hours of service provision.
  3. Provide information and advice to support referral pathways.
  4. Meet Program Targets according to DHHS Service Agreement which includes short, intensive medium to longer term case management and casework.
  5. Provide Crisis Intervention and broker services appropriate to family needs.
  6. Demonstrate assertive outreach to reach/engage families.
  7. Undertake risk and needs assessments of Children and Families.
  8. Prepare reports, Service documents, Best Interests Assessments and maintain up - to - date case notes.
  9. Ensure required statistical information and data is completed on IRIS and that monthly board reports are complied.
  10. Engage and build partnerships with key stakeholders, including the participation in the South Eastern Family Alliance Operational Committee.
  11. Participate in supervision, training and professional development activities as outlined in a Personal Performance and Training Plan and an annual performance review.
  12. Participate in family services and staff meetings and other DDACL meetings as required.
  13. Development of supported playgroup sessions for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander parents and carers as a setting for family support and child development.
  14. Undertake additional task and responsibilities as requiredand approved in accordance with the role.

Personal Attributes Required:

  • Commitment: To the organisation’s goals and objectives and ability to take direction from management.
  • Empathy and Cultural Awareness: Communicates well, diplomatic, empathetic, caring and relates to and sees issues from the perspective of people from the local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander community.
  • Teamwork: Cooperates and works well with others in the pursuit of team goals; collaborates and shares information; shows consideration, concern and respect for others’ ideas; accommodates and works well with the different working styles of others; encourages resolution of conflict within a group. Focuses on the pursuit of best practice in service delivery. Able to develop strong working relationships with staff and external contacts.
  • Resilience: Perseveres to achieve goals, copes effectively with setbacks and disappointments; remains calm and in control under pressure; accepts constructive criticism in an objective manner, without becoming defensive.
  • Reliable and Punctual: A high level of punctuality and reliability is required.

OTHER

  • A probationary period of six months will apply.
  • Ongoing employment is subject to funding availability.

APPLICATIONS

Written applications, marked confidential, addressing the key selection criteria, and including the names and contact details of two current referees, should be forwarded to:

Christine Barca
Manager Social and Community Services
Dandenong &District Aborigines Co-operative Ltd
PO Box 683
Dandenong, Vic., 3175

Email applications are acceptable, please send to:

Approved: CEO Andrew Gardiner

Date:

Signature:

PD DDACL Family Services Worker – May 2017 Page 1 of 3