Aboriginal Cultural Support Adviser

State of Victoria; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Victoria is seeking an Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Advisor to guide child protection practitioners in culturally responsive practice, ensuring Aboriginal connections and family involvement are maintained.

The role collaborates with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to support cultural planning and self-determination reforms for Aboriginal children and communities in Melbourne. A strong emphasis on collaboration and cultural expertise is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience engaging with Aboriginal communities and service providers.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work within policy frameworks and cultural planning contexts.

Responsibilities

• Provide culturally informed guidance to Child Protection practitioners working with Aboriginal children and families.
• Engage with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to support self-determination reforms.
• Attend care team meetings and contribute to cultural planning and plan compliance.

Skills

Cultural awareness

Community engagement

Stakeholder collaboration

Job description

THE ROLEThe Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Advisor provides advice to and builds awareness of Child Protection practitioners working with Aboriginal children and engages with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and community services organisations to improve outcomes through progression of self-determination reforms for Aboriginal children, families, and communities. While the role does not develop cultural plans, it provides important cultural expertise and guidance which supports child protection practitioners with the cultural planning process, and cultural plan compliance.This crucial role enables Aboriginal children to remain connected to community, build resilience and support them remaining with family. The role will also focus on area improvement and implementation processes, aligning outcomes to relevant divisional policies and processes.ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDEChild 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.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.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.A SPECIAL MEASURE PROVISION APPLIES TO THIS ROLE(HR to select appropriate Prioritised or Designated statement if a special measure applies, otherwise remove section)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.This role requires a Working with Children Check.Further advice on obtaining this check can be found here: https://www.vic.gov.au/working-with-children-checkFor more information on what this means, and all other requirements, please see the Position Description.HOW TO APPLYApplicants 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.