Kimberley Cultural Placement Advisor - ARO
Aarnja Ltd
Broome, Broome & Kimberley WA
Indigenous & Multicultural Services (Community Services & Development)
Full time
$90,000 – $109,999 per year
Who are we
Aarnja is a regional organisation for Kimberley Aboriginal people. Our vision is to empower Kimberley Aboriginal people, communities and organisations to have a strong Aboriginal identity and share in all of the social and economic opportunities of modern society.
We're leading the change from passive welfare to Aboriginal empowerment by ensuring a positive and strong Kimberley Aboriginal identity is fostered and sustained for individuals, families and communities.
Our Mission
Our mission is to work with all parties to create innovative and sustainable opportunities that empower Kimberley Aboriginal people.
The Aboriginal Representative Organisation (“ARO”) Pilot
In October 2021 the Western Australian Parliament passed amendments to the Children and Community Services Act 2004 in 2021; to increase the involvement of Aboriginal people in decision-making processes concerning Aboriginal Children in Care.
Amendments to the Act included provisions for an Aboriginal Representative Organisation (“ARO”) to be consulted before placement arrangement is made for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children in care, and given the opportunity to take part in the preparation and review of Cultural Support Plans for Aboriginal Children in Care.
Aarnja was awarded a two year grant to test the proposed amendments. The pilot will test service delivery and operational readiness of the draft service delivery model which will inform the state wide rollout of ARO services in future years.
About the Role
The Kimberley Cultural Placement Advisor is required to provide specialist advice and cultural knowledge to the Department, which will enable a broader and more comprehensive scoping of family to identify culturally connected placements and enhance cultural support planning. In doing so, this position is to develop a sound understanding of child protection processes and a strong working relationship with the Department that is built on trust and respect.
The position will also be responsible for managing intake of consultation requests from the Department.
In this role you will:
Manage and record intake of consultation requests from the Department.
Develop a positive and cooperative relationship with Department staff in the local area to ensure placement decisions and cultural support planning for Aboriginal children in care is informed by robust cultural consultation.
Participate in collaborative meetings with the Department to identify and locate Aboriginal family members who can provide support and care to the child.
Explore with families (when consent is given) their wishes and ideas for alternate care in a collaborative discussion with or without the Department.
Provide formal and documented advice, which includes the importance of strong connection to Aboriginal culture, community and family when making decisions in the best interest of the child.
Develop and maintain external relationships with other local Aboriginal agencies and businesses in the interests of the child.
In instances where the ARO does not hold the relevant cultural knowledge of the child, identify and consult with local Aboriginal organisations or Elders with cultural authority.
Undertake all the reporting requirements.
Maintains clear, concise and accurate records of statistics, meetings and case notes.
Ensures compliance with the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle.
Undertakes case contact notes and to complete appropriate documentation and other necessary administrative procedures.
Is aware of and familiar with current policies, legislation, programs and practices in relation to child welfare.
Participates in training sessions, team meetings and staff meetings.
Participate in ongoing Local Operational Working Group meetings with local child protection staff to address issues as they arise and inform pilot evaluation.
Contributes positively and proactively to team and organisation wide OH&S activities.
Ensures compliance with legislation, contract and policy requirements in your day-to-day work in order to meet the organisation’s audit, contract and registration obligations.
Proactively apply your specialist knowledge in the review and maintenance of policies, systems and processes.
Continue the development of a culturally strong and positive working environment using a continuous improvement approach.
Participates proactively in team project initiatives.
Supports other team members in periods of high demand and during periods of absence.
Participates in project groups and attend events.
Undertakes other duties as directed.
To be successful in this role it is essential you demonstrate the following.
Demonstrated awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal societies and cultures, and commitment to continually build knowledge of such, along with a high level of awareness of the key issues which impact upon Aboriginal communities.
Demonstrated understanding of the issues impacting on Aboriginal families that lead to child protection involvement.
Demonstrated ability and experience working independently and within a small team.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships to navigate conversations with families.
Demonstrated sound administrative skills, including computer skills, record keeping including maintaining case notes, file maintenance and data recording.
Ability to work in a pressured environment and prioritising work and meeting deadlines.
Possession of a current Western Australian 'C' Class Driver’s License or equivalent, and the ability to travel in response to organisational needs. This requirement continues for the duration of employment in this position and from time-to-time production of the license may be required upon request by the organisation.
Meeting a satisfactory Working with Children (WWC) check upon appointment.
Location:
Based in Broome WA however, travel is required throughout the Kimberley region.
Desirable
A relevant qualification in child protection, youth services and/or experience working in the sector
Experience working in the ACCO sector with Kimberley experience highly favoured
Salary and allowances
If successful, you will receive a generous salary package including;
Competitive base salary;
District allowance;
Rental or mortgage allowance;
Salary sacrificing;
Airconditioning subsidy;
Airfare allowance after 12 months service;
Training and development opportunities;
To apply, please head to: https://www.seek.com.au/job/72288377 before 5:00pm AWST Friday 19th January 2024.
