The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a safe, respected and valued life.

Our areas of focus are child protection, housing, disability, the prevention of family violence, multicultural affairs, LGBTQI+ equality, veterans, women and youth. The work we do benefits thousands of Victorians, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable.

We work in a variety of community-based settings, including people's homes, residential facilities and secure settings across metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated. All jobs can be worked flexibly, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse backgrounds and abilities. .

If you’re having any trouble viewing this ad and would like it or any attachments in an accessible format (such as large print), please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on the ad.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

THE ROLE

The Aboriginal Cultural Support and Awareness Advisor facilitates responses for Aboriginal children/families entering the child protection program at the Area level. The role supports the principles of self-determination for Aboriginal families, promoting continuity of family and community relationships and continuity of children's cultural identity that are essential to children's health and wellbeing.

The role will work in partnership with department programs, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), Community Services Organisations (CSOs), mainstream services and Aboriginal children, families and communities.

The Aboriginal Cultural Support and Awareness Advisor promotes family engagement, and supports cultural safety for clients. The role will be instrumental in the cultural planning process, providing cultural expertise and guidance that informs the development of cultural support plans to enable Aboriginal children to remain connected to community, build resilience and support them to remain connected with family and community.

This role will support early intervention responses for Aboriginal children and families. This begins with the early identification of Aboriginal children in the investigation and response phase, facilitating first responses including early referral to ACCOs, multidisciplinary conferencing and engagement in Aboriginal Family Led Decision Making (AFLDM) meetings. The role aims to support early intervention strategies to reduce statutory intervention and the reduction of Aboriginal children in care.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

1. Child centred and family focused relationship-based practice - focuses on the Aboriginal child and incorporates the family kinship groups and community in maintaining a child's cultural connection and self- identity.

2. Collaboration - engages, consults, and co-designs solutions with children and their families, other practitioners and teams, agencies, services and the community, in order to deliver the best outcomes for children and their families. Works hand in hand with Child Protection, attending care team or other meetings to provide advice on the development of cultural plans.

3. Knowledge sharing - exchanging critical information with Aboriginal families and both internal and external stakeholders, to ensure shared understanding, and timely and appropriate action for Aboriginal clients.

Please open the position description to read more.

COVID-19 VACCINATION

The department strongly recommends (but does not mandate) that employees maintain their COVID-19 vaccination status in accordance with current ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) advice, given their individual circumstances. As of June 2023, DFFH does not require evidence of COVID-19 vaccination status.

A SPECIAL MEASURE PROVISION APPLIES TO THIS ROLE
The Equal Opportunity Act 2010, provides for lawful 'Special Measure' provisions, therefore the following has been applied to this role. 
This is a Designated role - Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

All VPS employees (and ex-VPS employees with extended access to the Jobs and Skills Exchange website) MUST apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) <https://jse.vic.gov.au/user/login?destination=/new-home-page> portal.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria. 
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process. 
Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

Please apply to submit your interest in this position.