Aboriginal Family Preservation Manager (Identified)

Goodradigbee Cultural and Heritage Aboriginal Corporation; Penrith; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Supervision and mentoring

Flexible working

Culturally respectful workplace

Mental health support

Collaborative team

Meaningful impact

Job summary

Goodradigbee Cultural and Heritage Aboriginal Corporation in Penrith NSW is seeking an Aboriginal Family Preservation Manager (Identified). This full-time role leads our family preservation initiatives, delivering culturally sensitive, trauma‑informed support to Aboriginal families and upholding cultural continuity.

You will supervise staff, work with government agencies and community partners, conduct assessments, and advocate for families’ rights and cultural needs.

Qualifications

• Identification as an Aboriginal person per policy.
• Tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in family support.
• 3–5 years' experience in family services/child welfare.
• Knowledge of Aboriginal culture and issues affecting families.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice.
• Experience with statutory child protection and relevant acts.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and cultural competency.
• Current Working With Children Check (or willingness to obtain one).
• Valid driver’s licence and transport (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Lead development, implementation, and evaluation of culturally appropriate family preservation programs.
• Provide direct case management and family support services to at-risk Aboriginal families.
• Coordinate with government agencies, schools, and community organisations.
• Support families navigating child protection systems and advocate for cultural needs.
• Develop and maintain relationships with elders and extended family networks to strengthen kinship support.
• Conduct culturally sensitive assessments to inform support planning.
• Deliver training and capacity building to staff and community members.
• Maintain detailed case records and contribute to reporting.
• Supervise and mentor team members involved in family support services.
• Participate in supervision and professional development.
• Represent the organisation at community forums and interagency meetings.

Skills

Trauma-informed practice

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Cultural competency

Time management

Education

Tertiary qualification in social work/psychology or related field

Job description

Aboriginal Family Preservation Manager (Identified)

Goodradigbee Cultural and Heritage Aboriginal Corporation - Penrith NSW

Goodradigbee Cultural and Heritage Aboriginal Corporation is a community-based organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting Aboriginal culture, heritage, and wellbeing. We are committed to supporting Aboriginal families and communities through culturally appropriate and strength-based services. Our mission is to empower Aboriginal people by reconnecting them with their culture, language, and identity whilst providing essential family support services. We work collaboratively with families, elders, and community stakeholders to ensure our services reflect the values and needs of the Aboriginal community we serve.

About the role

We are seeking an Aboriginal Family Preservation Manager (Identified) to join our team in Penrith NSW. This is a full-time position that plays a crucial role in strengthening Aboriginal families and preventing family breakdown. As the Family Preservation Manager, you will lead our family preservation initiatives, ensuring that Aboriginal families receive culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support that honours their connections to culture, community, and kinship systems. This role is essential to our organisation's mission of keeping families together whilst maintaining cultural continuity and wellbeing.

Key responsibilities

Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of family preservation programs that are culturally appropriate and community-led

Provide direct case management and family support services to Aboriginal families at risk of breakdown, utilising strength-based and trauma-informed approaches

Coordinate with government agencies, schools, and community organisations to ensure holistic support for families and children

Support families in navigating child protection systems and statutory requirements whilst advocating for their rights and cultural needs

Develop and maintain strong relationships with Aboriginal elders, community leaders, and extended family networks to strengthen kinship-based support

Conduct culturally sensitive assessments of family needs and circumstances to inform individualised support planning

Deliver training and capacity building to staff and community members on family preservation practices and culturally responsive service delivery

Maintain detailed and accurate case records and contribute to program data collection and reporting

Supervise and mentor team members involved in family support services

Participate in regular supervision and professional development to enhance practice and support your wellbeing

Represent the organisation at community forums, government meetings, and interagency partnerships

What we're looking for

Identification as an Aboriginal person (as per the organisation's recruitment policy for identified positions)

Tertiary qualification in social work, community services, psychology, or a related field, or equivalent work experience in family support services

Minimum 3-5 years' experience working in family services, child welfare, or community support roles, preferably within an Aboriginal or First Nations context

Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal culture, history, and contemporary Aboriginal issues affecting families and communities

Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and its application to family support work

Experience working with statutory child protection systems and understanding of relevant legislation such as the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with families, communities, and colleagues

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders including families, elders, government agencies, and community organisations

Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple cases and priorities

Commitment to ongoing learning, cultural competency development, and reflection on practice

Current Working With Children Check (or willingness to obtain one)

Valid driver's licence and access to reliable transport (desirable)

What we offer

We are committed to supporting the wellbeing and professional development of our team members. We offer:

• A competitive salary commensurate with your qualifications and experience
• Professional development and training opportunities to enhance your practice and career progression
• Access to supervision and mentoring from experienced practitioners
• Flexible working arrangements where possible to support work-life balance
• A supportive and culturally respectful workplace that values Aboriginal voices and leadership
• Employee assistance programs and access to mental health support services
• A collaborative team environment where your contributions are valued and recognised
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Aboriginal families and communities