Orange Door Practitioner

Dandenong and District Aborigines Cooperative; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-operative Ltd (DDACL) is seeking an experienced Orange Door Practitioner to support Aboriginal families and communities across Melbourne's south-east. The role focuses on culturally safe intake, assessment, planning and coordination of services for women, children, men and families affected by family violence and child wellbeing concerns.

You will assess risk, develop safety plans, coordinate referrals and work within a multidisciplinary team to promote

Qualifications

• To be successful in this role you will demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication and engagement skills.
• Experience in case management, assessments and support planning.
• Knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and community-controlled approaches.
• Experience in family violence and child wellbeing settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide culturally safe intake, assessment and planning services.
• Deliver screening, triage, risk assessment and crisis responses.
• Develop and implement service and safety plans.
• Coordinate referrals and access to support services.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Participate in case conferences and professional supervision.
• Maintain accurate client records and case notes.
• Ensure privacy and information sharing compliant practice.
• Build relationships with Aboriginal community members and service providers.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Engagement skills

Team collaboration

Cultural safety

Education

Degree in Social Work or related discipline

Tools

Case management software

Job description

Dandenong and District Aborigines Cooperative – Cranbourne VIC

Make a Difference in the Lives of Aboriginal Families and Communities

Dandenong & District Aborigines Co-operative Ltd (DDACL) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation governed by a community-elected Board of Directors. DDACL is committed to delivering high-quality services that support the health, wellbeing and empowerment of Aboriginal individuals, families and communities across Melbourne's south‑east.

We provide a diverse range of services including Aboriginal Health Services, Child and Family Services, Community Services, Aged Care, Disability Services and Corporate Services.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Orange Door Practitioner to join our Family Services Team.

About the Role

As an Orange Door Practitioner, you will be part of the Aboriginal Response Team, providing culturally safe intake, assessment, planning and support to Aboriginal women, children, men and families experiencing family violence and child wellbeing concerns.

Working within The Orange Door service model, you will support community members through risk assessment, safety planning, referrals and coordinated service responses that promote safety, wellbeing and family stability.

Key Responsibilities

Provide culturally safe intake, assessment and planning services.

Deliver screening, triage, risk assessment and crisis responses.

Develop and implement service and safety plans.

Coordinate referrals and access to support services.

Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

Participate in case conferences and professional supervision.

Maintain accurate client records and case notes.

Ensure compliance with relevant privacy, information‑sharing and practice frameworks.

Build and maintain strong relationships with Aboriginal community members and service providers.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, communities and the principles of Aboriginal Community Control.

Experience working with Aboriginal individuals, families and communities in culturally safe ways.

Knowledge of family violence, child wellbeing and associated risk factors.

Experience in case management, assessments and support planning.

Strong interpersonal, communication and engagement skills.

Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.

Sound judgement, professional boundaries and a commitment to ethical practice.

Strong administration and computer skills.

Degree in Social Work or a related discipline, or willingness to work towards qualification requirements under the Mandatory Minimum Qualifications Policy.

Minimum two years' experience in the Family Violence and/or Child Wellbeing sector.

Current Working with Children Check.

Ability to obtain and maintain a satisfactory National Police Check.

Current right to work in Australia.

Please note: Where a degree has been commenced but not completed, salary will be fixed at SCHADS Award Level 4 until qualification requirements are met.

Why Join DDACL?

Work within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation.

Contribute to meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal families and communities.

Supportive and culturally safe workplace.

Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

Family-friendly work environment.

Opportunity to work alongside a dedicated and passionate team.

DDACL is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value the unique contributions of all people and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.