Cultural Advisor

Kanda; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly RDO

Wellness app access

Rewards hub

Employee recognition programs

Travel club membership

Long-term career opportunities

Job summary

Kanda is seeking a Cultural Advisor to lead and drive cultural services for Children, Youth & Family Services across Queensland. Based in Cairns, you will guide teams, build strong community relationships, and shape services that respect each child’s culture.

The role offers real influence in how care is delivered daily. You will work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, DCYJMA, and community organisations to identify needs and strengthen connections to family, country and

Qualifications

• You are passionate about improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
• You have experience in human or youth services and understand trauma and complex care issues.
• You have knowledge of the Child Protection Act and ATSI Child Placement Principle.
• You communicate professionally, manage conflict and work confidentially with tact and diplomacy.
• You build relationships easily with a broad range of people, from young people and families to senior management.
• You hold a current Class C Driver’s Licence and can travel throughout Queensland.
• You hold or are working towards a minimum Certificate IV in Human Services with Blue Card, LCS2 and NDIS Worker Screening.

Responsibilities

• Leading cultural services across Queensland and guiding teams.
• Developing and delivering Cultural Support Plans for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
• Monitoring plans, assessing effectiveness, and recommending actions to strengthen cultural connections.
• Collaborating with Regional Managers, Case Managers and community organisations.
• Providing guidance on culturally respectful care and education for staff.
• Strengthening workforce cultural capability through advice and training.
• Advocating to keep young people connected to their culture and community.

Skills

Communication

Conflict management

Relationship building

Driver's license

Education

Certificate IV in Human Services

Blue Card, LCS2 approval and NDIS Worker Screening

Job description

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in care, connection to culture is not an extra. It is part of who they are. This role makes sure that connection is protected, valued and strengthened.

As Cultural Advisor, you will lead and drive cultural services for Kanda’s Children, Youth & Family Services across Queensland. You will guide teams, build strong relationships with community and help shape services that respect and reflect each child’s culture. It is a role with real influence, where your knowledge of community and culture shapes how care is delivered every day.

This role is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants and will be based in our Cairns office, with travel across Queensland as required.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting teams, children and young people in the development and delivery of Cultural Support Plans for children and young people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• Monitoring and reviewing Cultural Support Plans, assessing their effectiveness and recommending actions to strengthen each child’s connection to community and culture
• Working with Regional Managers and Case Managers to ensure each child’s file records how staff will support their cultural needs
• Providing guidance on how CYF services can deliver care that respects and values the individual’s culture
• Building the capacity of teams to deliver culturally sensitive, safe and responsive practice through advice and education
• Strengthening workforce cultural capability by sharing cultural advice, knowledge of communities and awareness of culturally significant events
• Guiding young people to stay connected to their culture and advocating to ensure their voices are heard
• Working in partnership with children and young people, DCYJMA, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and community to identify needs and build support networks that include connection to family, country and culture

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in care, connection to culture is not an extra. It is part of who they are. This role makes sure that connection is protected, valued and strengthened.

As Cultural Advisor, you will lead and drive cultural services for Kanda’s Children, Youth & Family Services across Queensland. You will guide teams, build strong relationships with community and help shape services that respect and reflect each child’s culture. It is a role with real influence, where your knowledge of community and culture shapes how care is delivered every day.

This role is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants and will be based in our Cairns office, with travel across Queensland as required.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting teams, children and young people in the development and delivery of Cultural Support Plans for children and young people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• Monitoring and reviewing Cultural Support Plans, assessing their effectiveness and recommending actions to strengthen each child’s connection to community and culture
• Working with Regional Managers and Case Managers to ensure each child’s file records how staff will support their cultural needs
• Providing guidance on how CYF services can deliver care that respects and values the individual’s culture
• Building the capacity of teams to deliver culturally sensitive, safe and responsive practice through advice and education
• Strengthening workforce cultural capability by sharing cultural advice, knowledge of communities and awareness of culturally significant events
• Guiding young people to stay connected to their culture and advocating to ensure their voices are heard
• Working in partnership with children and young people, DCYJMA, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and community to identify needs and build support networks that include connection to family, country and culture

You’re the right person if...

• You are passionate about improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people
• You have experience in human or youth services and a strong understanding of trauma and complex care issues for children and young people in care
• You have knowledge of the Child Protection Act and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle
• You communicate professionally, manage conflict and complaints well, and work confidentially with tact and diplomacy
• You build relationships easily with a broad range of people, from young people and families to senior management
• You hold a current Class C Driver’s Licence and can travel throughout Queensland
• You hold, or are working towards, a minimum Certificate IV in Human Services or related field along witha Blue Card, LCS2 approval and NDIS Worker Screening

Why Kanda
We're one of Australia's most established care organisations and we're building something worth being part of.

• Monthly RDO for full-time employees - an extra 12 days of leave per year
• Wellness initiatives plus24/7 access to the Sonder wellbeing app
• Access to an employee rewards hub providing savings and cashback across everyday purchases
• Employee recognition initiatives, including gift vouchers for Employee of the Month and service anniversaries
• Enjoy free Orbit World Travel Club membership - $100 travel voucher, exclusive offers, and dedicated support
• Genuine long-term career opportunities as Kanda continues to grow

Kanda considers that being Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

Kandais committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation.

We’re dedicated to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and comfortable to be themselves. At Kanda, every voice matters, every culture is valued, and we believe that diverse perspectives aren’t just welcome — they’re essential to who we are and what we do.