Acac Practice Leader

If you are passionate about working in an innovative space that will support the implementation of and operation of a new way of working within the child protection space this role may be for you. GEGAC are implementing the Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care Program (ACAC) and require an individual who is competent in expert case advice, guidance, and leadership to the ACAC team. The Practice Leader will work closely with the program manager to support the implementation and delivery of culturally centred practice, mentoring and professional development of staff, as well as legislation and policy administration.

Organisational Profile Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative (GEGAC) is a not-for-profit organisation based on Gunaikurnai Country in Bairnsdale, Victoria. GEGAC offers a comprehensive array of holistic, culturally appropriate services across the lifespan of community members—from early years to the elderly. These services are delivered through a wide range of programs, including but not limited to primary health and wellbeing, early years, family support services, alcohol and other drugs services, extended community care and elderly and community services.

These services are delivered through a number of Divisions including Children Youth and Division (CYF), Primary Health and Wellbeing, and Culture Divisions.

The Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care Program (ACAC) is a program which allows ACCOs to support the community in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children in community. The GEGAC ACAC program is delivered in the Children, Youth and Families Division of GEGAC.

Position Purpose The Practice Leader for the ACAC program is responsible for providing expert case advice, guidance, and leadership to the ACAC team. This role works closely with the ACAC Program Manager and is essential in supporting practitioners to deliver high-quality and safe case practices, ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and stability of children and young people.

Key responsibilities include: Culturally Centred Practice: Develop, implement, and embed culturally centred practices within the program ensuring that Culture is at the centre of practice. Mentoring and Professional Development: Provide mentorship and foster the professional growth of ACAC practitioners including but not limited to supervision live supervision, critical reflection and one to one mentoring. Child Protection Work: Oversee child protection efforts in accordance with GEGAC values, including documentation and engaging with children and families to promote cultural connections that enhance safety and wellbeing. Legislation and Policy Administration: Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and standards, while guiding staff in understanding risks and promoting holistic care and support to children, young people and their families. Skilled Engagement: Lead by example in engaging with children and families, and mentor staff to strengthen their engagement skills. The position requires travel, after-hours work, and participation in After Hours on-call service.

Key Selection Criteria Demonstrated knowledge of local Aboriginal community and the role GEGAC plays within our community. Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal Culture and ability to apply Cultural practice across all aspects of the program. Deliver expert case management and decision making, guided by Cultural principles and the CYFA 2005. Expert knowledge and ability to administer, the Children Youth and Families Act 2005 and the Child Wellbeing Act 2005 particularly relating to Aboriginal children and families. Solid understanding of using Culture and connection to promote the safety and wellbeing of children and families. Investigative and assessment skills regarding child safety and the ability to lead staff in identifying and responding to safety concerns. Knowledge of information sharing schemes and current developments in the sector. Expert knowledge of therapeutic approaches to working with people who have experienced trauma, ability to consult and provide case managers mentoring and support to imbed in practice. Strong collaboration skills and ability to work closely with Child Protection, as well as a range of internal and external stakeholders. Highly developed skills and ability to provide consultation on risk assessment and safety planning. Demonstrated self-care and resilience to supporting a team working with children and families in crisis and have experienced trauma. Capacity to make balanced and sound decisions in high-risk and high-pressure situations. Ability to manage crisis in a measured and reflective way. Understanding of debriefing and supporting staff through challenging events. Ability to work after hours and on call (when required) Ability to adapt rapidly to changing circumstances and organisational requirements. Qualifications and Registrations Requirement (Essential or Desirable). Driver Licence ESSENTIAL Qualification – a recognised Social Work Degree or a recognised Diploma of Community Services Work, or similar qualification which is studied over a minimum of two academic years of full-time study (or part time equivalent) and includes: (a) a primary focus on child development, human behaviour, family dynamics and/or impacts of trauma (b) supervised fieldwork placements (ideally completed within the child and family welfare sector) and at least one unit of study in case management, case work practice or counselling. ESSENTIAL A satisfactory Working with Children Check and Fit2Work Police Check ESSENTIAL A person of Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander background DESIRABLE Proof of COVID-19 vaccinated to align with mandatory vaccination directive applying to authorised workers ESSENTIAL How to apply for this job A copy of the position description can be obtained at GEGAC reception or by emailing ******.

Click here to view the Position Description Applicants must address the key selection criteria for shortlisting. Any applications that have not addressed the key selection criteria will not be considered during the shortlisting process.

Applications can also be emailed to ******.

Or posted to:

Human Resources
Gippsland & East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative
PO Box 634
Bairnsdale Vic 3875

Applications close 5pm Sunday 24 November 2024.

No late applications will be considered (unless under exceptional circumstances).

Previous applicants need not apply.

A valid Working with Children Check and Police check is mandatory to work in this organisation.

This advertisement is pursuant to the 'special measures' provision at section 8 of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth).

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