Journey to Social Inclusion Aboriginal Worker

About Ngwala

Ngwala Willumbong is a leading provider of culturally safe and effective support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are committed to supporting individuals affected by alcohol and other drug misuse, providing them with pathways to recovery through holistic and culturally appropriate rehabilitation programs.

Employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People at Ngwala is essential to maintaining culturally aligned services. We STRONGLY encourage Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this role and others as they become available.

About the Role

Journey to Social Inclusion (J2SI) Aboriginal Worker is an innovative and evidenced based case management service for people experiencing long-term homelessness in Melbourne, Victoria. It differs from traditional homelessness services as it provides the time needed for people to not only access their permanent home but also have an improved quality of life and increased community connection. Staff have the ability to work intensively with small caseloads and use a combined key worker and team approach to deliver intensive individualised support for up to 3 years to each client.

The J2SI service model delivers 5 key service elements:

• Intensive case management and service coordination
• Rapid housing access and sustaining tenancies
• Trauma informed practice
• Skills for inclusion
• Fostering independence

This role provides long term case management and service coordination with low individual caseloads who have experienced chronic homelessness through the J2SI program. The role will work to ensure that the service provided is supportive, effective in achieving client goals, program outcomes, and are of the highest quality in accordance with Ngwala values and legislative and funding requirements. This role works in an individual outreach capacity.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload in an outreach capacity, providing intensive support, service coordination, referral and advocacy to achieve client goals successfully.
• Utilise persistent and assertive engagement techniques to establish and maintain a robust professional relationship with J2SI participants for the duration of the contract.
• Coordinate case conferences, support and exit planning with referring agencies.
• Apply the objectives and tools of the Case Management Framework and the Trauma Informed Care Framework.
• Monitor, progress, and achieve program targets and outcomes.
• Utilise the J2SI measurement and evaluation framework to capture outcomes of the J2SI program.
• Ensure accurate, professional and timely maintenance of client records and data collection in accordance with relevant policies and procedures.
• Contribute to a workplace environment that supports peers, develops teamwork and ensures the provision of quality services for ADD ORG clients.
• Ensure the engagement with and completion of risk assessment and safety planning for engaging with participants experiencing vulnerabilities in an outreach capacity.
• Work alongside local ACCO and First Nation Workers to provide culturally safe client support.
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings and service planning days and ADD ORG all staff meetings.
• Demonstrate commitment to continuous quality improvement to enhance systems and procedures in the operations of J2SI.
• Contribute to the implementation of the ADD ORG Strategic Plan.
• Comply with Occupational Health and Safety policies and procedures and contribute to a safe working environment.
• Contribute to collaborative communities of practice across the J2SI consortium.
• Ensure links are maintained with other ADD ORG services and partnership agencies contributing to J2SI.
• Actively contribute to collaborative practice across the ADD ORG Services Division and the J2SI
• Consortium, including attendance and engagement in community practice settings.
• Support J2SI research and evaluation activities
• Develop and foster positive relationships with local services and agencies. Attend relevant network meetings as agreed with the Manager/ Coordinator.

Skills & Experience

• Certificate IV in Community Services or relevant (Desirable)
• Experience in working with Aboriginal people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and/or Family Violence
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and commitment to the Aboriginal community
• Demonstrated skills in case management
• Good organisation and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a multi skilled team
• Skills in working independently, with initiative and as a team member
• Able to develop positive relationships with clients and work within a stressful environment
• Proficiency in computer skills, including the Microsoft Office suite and client management systems.
• Competent in using a mobile phone, apps, and all aspects of computer operation.
• Confident in driving a large vehicle.
• Compassion and a willingness to learn.

Mandatory Requirements

• Current Victorian driver’s licence
• National Police Certificate (not older than 3 months)
• Victorian Employment Working with Children Check

What We Offer

• Full Time role
• SCHADS Crisis Accommodation Level 3
• NFP Salary Packaging Benefits up to $15,900
• An opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• A supportive and culturally inclusive work environment.
• Ongoing professional development and training.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about supporting individuals on their recovery journey and promoting cultural safety, we would love to hear from you. Please provide the following:

• A cover letter outlining why you would be a great fit for this role
• A resume which outlines your educational and employment background

For further information, please contact recruitment@ngwala.org.au

*Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit pre-employment checks including a Police Check (no older than 3 months), Victorian Employment Working with Children Check, Health Declaration and/or a medical check as well as right to work in Australia Check.