Wathaurong Family Services

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd.

Position Description

Aboriginal Cradle to Kinder SeniorCase Worker

Accountable to:Team Leader, Family Services

Conditions:Full time 38 hours per week12 month Fixed Term Contractsubject to satisfactory work performance, determined through ongoing monitoring and formal performance appraisal:

Probationary Period Performance Appraisal, at end of 6 months employment; Annual Performance Appraisal, every 12 months thereafter if circumstances dictate.

Hours of Work:38 hours per week9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday

Classification:Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 [MA000100] Level 5

Salary:Base hourly rate negotiable depending on qualifications and experience. 9.5% Superannuation, five weeks Annual Leave, 17.5% Annual Leave Loading, Salary Sacrifice available

Historical Background

The name Wathaurong (Wadda-wurrung) is a recognised tribe (community) which consisted of some 25 clans (family groups) that formed part of the Kulin Nation of Aboriginal people.

The traditional boundaries of the Wathaurong people span the coastline from the mouth of the Werribee River to Lorne peninsula and traverse inland in a north westerly direction towards Ballarat. The Wadda-wurrung people have lived within these regions for more than 25,000 years.

As custodians of the Wathaurong lands, we are committed to working together to provide a secure future for our community by upholding the dignity of our ancestors; respecting our Elders and instilling a sense of cultural pride and belonging for our children and children’s children.

The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd was formed in 1978 and achieved formal registration in 1980. It was established to support the social, economic, and cultural development of Aboriginal people, particularly within the Geelong and surrounding areas.

The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative provides a range of services including; family and community services, support to young people, justice support services; cultural heritage services, and health services. From time to time the organisation also undertakes special projects and economic development opportunities.

In 2004 the Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative expanded to include a community controlled health service, which contributes toward addressing the inequality in health status of Aboriginal people. The Wathaurong Health Service provides clinical and primary health care services and has adopted a holistic approach to healthcare in the Aboriginal community.

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd is the largest employer of Aboriginal people within the Geelong region.

Purpose

To provide intensive casework and direct support to highly vulnerable Aboriginal women (under 25 years) and their familiesante and postnatal with complex needs that are in contact with or in risk of contact with Child Protection Services. It is also a necessity to be able to provide culturally appropriate parenting support, mentoring, advocacy and guidance to vulnerable Aboriginal women and families with complex needs. It will also include building capacity of the parent/s to provide for their child health, safety and development, and support the parent/s self-reliance and sustainability through access to education, training and employment.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Lead as a Senior Worker mentoring and guiding caseworkers in the Cradle to Kinder roles in their case recording and case file requirements
  • Provide information between management and the team in relation to both practice and work place issues
  • Ensure the program works collaboratively with key stakeholders in a multidisciplinary team model around families
  • Prioritise case by case needs in discussion with Child Protection and Child First
  • Attend case allocation meeting
  • Be involved with risk assessment and risk management of cases and participate in discussions with the Community Based Child Protection Team
  • Conduct client assessments as required, determine the issues impacting the effectiveness of the family by working with the mother and family to establish an action plan for setting goals
  • Support appropriate assertive outreach, case management, intensive in the home support, parenting mentoring, educational and skill developments
  • To work in a team environment and accept directions regarding appropriate supports to the family
  • Advocate on behalf of children and young people to ensure cultural resources are being metwherever necessary
  • Provide support through direct casework service aimed at minimising the protective concerns and maximising personal development through a range of intervention techniques
  • Ensure that all relevant data collection and reporting is up to date
  • Maintain adequate case recording, prepare all reports and documents as required by DHHS, Wathaurong, Children’s Court or other relevant persons or services
  • Monitor all progress regarding client goals and action planning
  • Support the child or young person to maintain important links and connections with family of origin, friendship networks and the local community and events
  • To liaise with all relevant agencies and/or other professionals involved with the young person’s lives as required
  • To attend and participate in all relevant organisational meetings
  • To attend all mandatory training or a nomination of specific training requirements
  • To participate in supervision
  • To ensure that duty of care is undertaken with a professional manner at all times
  • Keep accurate and complete records of your work activities in accordance with legislative requirements and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative’s records, information security and privacy policies and requirements.

Staff Meetings

  • Family Services Team Meetings as required
  • Case Management meetings with relevant teams

Other Duties

  • Other duties as directed by the Team Leader or Senior Manager and consistent with the overall goals and responsibilities of this position

Performance and Accountability Requirements

  • Adherence to organisational goals, objectives, Policy and Procedures
  • Contribute to monthly reporting
  • Regular debriefing and supervision with Team Leader and external Reflective Practice
  • Probationary and Annual Performance Appraisal

Continuous Quality Improvement & Risk Management

  • Commit to providing quality service through taking personal responsibility for adhering to current standards of practice.
  • Participate in external review requirements such as accreditation and risk management to enhance continuous quality improvement
  • Participate in appropriate registered activities within the Wathaurong community
  • Ensure the health and safety of employees and other persons within the work environment
  • Report all hazards, accidents or incidents which have resulted or may result in an injury to others or damage to property
  • Be familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures and to participate in training in safety procedures
  • At all times act professionally and as an Ambassador of the Coop.

Key selection criteria

Essential

  1. A relevant tertiary qualification in Community Services, Social Work, Psychology, Early Childhood Specialist and/or related behavioural sciences at degree or diploma level and/or at least 2 years’ experience in providing support services to families
  2. Demonstrated ability to work with families in developing and implementing action plans, and maintaining comprehensive case notes and reports
  3. Demonstrate expert knowledge and understanding of the unique history and current circumstances of Aboriginal children, families and community
  4. Ability to maintain a high standard of confidentiality
  5. Expert knowledge of Aboriginal cultures and communities, preferably Victorian communities.
  6. Understanding of therapeutic, trauma informed practices
  7. Excellent communication, literacy and computer writing skills
  8. Demonstrated ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a team
  9. Current Victorian Drivers Licence
  10. Hold a current Working With Children’s check
  11. Satisfactory completion of a Police Check.

Highly Desirable

  1. Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

Confirmation and Agreement

Signing of this Position Description, confirms appointment to the Position and agreement of incumbent (Position Holder) to perform all duties and responsibilities as outlined above and in accordance with the requirements of this position.

Employment is subject to ‘Working with Children Check’ clearance.

Position:Aboriginal Cradle to KinderSenior Case Worker

Position Holder:

Signature: ______Date:______

Aboriginal Cradle to KinderSenior CaseWorker

Signature: ______Date:______

Herb Goonan

Family Services Manager

Wathaurong Aboriginal Health Service

Signature: ______Date:______

Rod Jackson

Chief Executive Officer

Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd

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