Project Lead

POSITION DESCRIPTION Position: Project LeadProgram: Bugmy Justice ProjectClassification: (Classification will be dependent on qualification and years of experience within the relevant field consistent with the SCHADS Award)Hours: Full-Time Hours per week: 35Duration: 12 monthsLocation: Sydney, NSW (City of Sydney and Inner West LGA's)Accountability: This position is directly accountable to the Team Leader/CEO.Date: March 2023 INTRODUCTION At Deadly Connections Community and Justice Services Limited, our focus is on disrupting the inter-generational cycles of systemic racism, disadvantage, trauma, oppression, child protection and justice system involvement of First Nations people, families and communities. Our work is based on four guiding pillars: Culture, Respect, Change and Empowerment. We offer culturally competent support combined with a comprehensive network of services and seek to ensure the provision of high-quality services that will improve outcomes for our people, families and communities. OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM The Bugmy Justice Project seeks to improve the sentencing processes and outcomes for Aboriginal people identified as defendants and appearing before the District Court for sentencing matters by providing courts with additional information that addresses the personal and community circumstances of the individual Aboriginal person and relevant sentencing options that work to divert mob from custodial sentences. POSITION OBJECTIVES Within a team approach and under the supervision of the Team Leader/CEO, the Caseworker will: Lead and contribute to the delivery of the Bugmy Justice Project and other community legal education projects designed to raise rights awareness and educate the community, break the cycle of incarceration and disrupt systemic racism, disadvantage and trauma; Contribute to a wide range of strategic projects, cases, advocacy and initiatives; Prepare and develop Bugmy reports for submission to the District Court; Undertake administrative and project management activities; Maintain clear records; Develop and maintain a strong and sensitive working relationship with clients, stakeholders and the communities we work within; Provide day-to-day guidance to any team member that is allocated to assist you with their duties and responsibilities, including volunteers and new or junior staff; Represent and participate in University clinical placements throughout the year, including in the allocation of work, provision of training and providing supervision to the students; Promote the program to stakeholders, community and potential participants to increase referrals; Work closely with our other internal/external service providers to provide a wrap-around service for participants; Work within the decolonising model and abide by relevant policy practice guidelines; Collaborate with a team of stakeholders, including Courts, Solicitors, health services, other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal agencies, to promote best outcomes for participants. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES This position is targeted to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants, however Expressions of Interest will be accepted from all candidates: Candidates must be comfortable working with confronting subject matter and with traumatised communities; Candidates must have completed tertiary level education, training or equivalent in one of the following fields (or similar): Arts; Communications; Criminology; Public Health; Allied Health; Social and Political Sciences; Law; Social Work; Policy and Research; Indigenous Studies; Education and Training; Community Development; Youth and Community Services; The successful candidate will apply their training and skills, lived experience and knowledge to practical and administrative tasks to seek justice and accountability for our clients and the wider community; Provide reflective reports over the course of the year; Work collaboratively with communities and stakeholders; Support participants through other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Services; Actively participate in teamwork to ensure a coordinated approach to services for young people and their families; Undertake intake & response functions, including preliminary assessments, making referrals, timely follow-ups, data entry, and ongoing communication with key stakeholders. WORK HEALTH & SAFETY (WHS) Deadly Connections is committed to ensuring the workplace health and safety of its employees, clients and visitors. All Deadly Connections employees, contractors and volunteers are required to: Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and for that of others in the workplace; Cooperate with any reasonable directions, policies and procedures relating to health and safety; Report all injuries, illness or 'near misses' to their Supervisor or Manager; Participate in relevant health and safety training based on roles and responsibilities; Participate in the development and implementation of specific OHS hazard and risk management strategies. Program Specific Responsibilities: Apply decolonising models of intensive support which place culture at the centre of all support provided; Encourage and facilitate connection to culture, family, community, and country; Facilitate positive contact with stakeholders, and Justice (DCJ), and act as a support for participants during their incarceration and Court processes; Organise and implement a safe and appropriate environment for participants that engage in a culturally safe, calming and positive manner. Other Service Delivery Responsibilities: Maintain confidentiality and duty of care, including identification of challenges within the family unit; Maintain appropriate files and case notes as per organisational policies and procedures; Meet legislative and funding requirements; Commit to supervision and professional development; Support families to reduce incidences of school suspension and increase school engagement and wellbeing of program participants. Administrative Responsibilities: Maintain a computer-based diary management system to enable effective and informed client and agency meetings; Assist with other aspects of the program including administrative duties, which may include reception, telephone, resource filing, and general office duties. Organisational Responsibilities: Adhere to the Code of Conduct in a manner consistent with its spirit and intent; Adhere to all organisational policies, procedures, standards and practices; Act in ways that advance Deadly Connections objectives, values and reputation; Act with honesty, integrity, transparency and good faith at all times; Raise any issues or concerns in a manner consistent with Deadly Connections complaints and grievance processes; Perform other duties, consistent with skills and experience, as directed by the reporting manager. Desirable skills, knowledge, and experience Skills in the delivery of knowledge of Aboriginal culture, substance abuse, child protection, early years, family violence, therapeutic interventions and/or mental health will be an advantage. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION All offers of employment at Deadly Connections are subject to a six-month probationary period. The staff member will be asked to participate in an annual performance review linked to objectives set out for the position. All offers of employment are subject to full disclosure of any criminal histories, a Criminal History Check (if required), a current Driver's License and an Employment Working with Children Check prior to commencement (if applicable). Please email applications to or apply via Ethical Jobs. #J-18808-Ljbffr