Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative – Family, Care and Early Years now has the following vacancy:
Kinship First Supports Worker
Full-time | 38 hours per week
This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act This employment opportunity is only available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
About Us
Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative (RAC) is a recognised leader among Aboriginal community-controlled organisations. Since 1980, we have proudly provided holistic, culturally safe services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the Goulburn Valley.
With a workforce of over 310 staff and an annual budget of $50M, RAC plays a significant role in health, wellbeing, and community development. We deliver services across:
* Health & Wellbeing
* Positive Ageing & Disability Services
* Justice & Community Services
* Asset & Infrastructure / Housing
* Engagement & Family Services
* Corporate Services
We are committed to ensuring ourpeople have access to quality, community-controlled services that strengthen family, culture, and community.
About the Role
The Kinship First Supports Worker reports to the Team Leader, Foster Care, and supports the delivery of culturally safe, compliant kinship services aligned with Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative's strategic direction and Aboriginal ways of working.
The role provides early, targeted intervention to stabilise new statutory kinship care placements expected to last three months or longer. It supports Aboriginal children and/or young people aged 0–17 and their carers during the critical early placement period, ensuring care environments are safe, stable, and culturally responsive.
The position delivers three core program components: comprehensive assessment, family support services, and flexible brokerage. This includes undertaking kinship assessments, identifying placement strengths and vulnerabilities, building carers' capacity to meet children's needs, and facilitating access to practical supports that promote development, wellbeing, and connection to family, community, and culture.
The role requires sound professional judgement, cultural awareness, and collaborative practice with carers, Child Protection, and other service providers to support placement stability, reduce the risk of breakdown, and, where appropriate, contribute to safefamily reunification.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
* Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity.
* A recognised qualification in Social Work, Community Services, or a related field (minimum Diploma level).
* Strong knowledge of the local Aboriginal community, culture, and the role of Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative.
* Understanding of Aboriginal culture, intergenerational trauma, and its impacts on children and families.
* Sound knowledge of the Victorian child protection and out-of-home care systems.
* Well-developed assessment and analytical skills, including the ability to gather and interpret information, identify risks and strengths, and prepare high-quality written reports to inform placement decisions.
* Strong communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with Aboriginal children, families, and carers.
* Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and compliance with legislative, program, and organisational requirements.
* Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, manage competing demands, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
What We Offer:
* Competitive pay and conditions based on the SCHADS Award, Level 4 – pay point 1 to pay point 4 (based on qualifications and experience).
* Salary packaging of $15,900 available for Part- or Full-time employees.
* Opportunities for additional incentives, which may include Christmas bonus days, recognition of NAIDOC day, periodic adjustments aligned with CPI increases, and the possibility of a relocation allowance when applicable.
* Professional development opportunities and support to help you grow in your career.
* Access to a free and confidential Employment Assistance Program and more.
* Provision of a laptop and mobile phone to support your work where applicable.
* Fleet vehicle to carry out daily tasks where applicable.
You will be required to undertake a pre-employment screening check, including providing a copy of your Confirmation of Aboriginality.
To apply, please submit the following:
* A current resume
* A cover letter that includes:
* Stating who your mob/clan is
* Addressing the Key Selection Criteria (outlined in the Position Description)
* A summary of your relevant experience and/or qualifications
Important: You must attach your cover letter and Key Selection Criteria response as a single file in the Cover Letter section of the portal.
If you experience technical difficulties using our online portal, please contact RAC Reception on and ask for Human Resources staff.
Applications Close: Wednesday, 28th January 2026
This is an "Indigenous Only" role under Special Measures of the EEO Act 2010, Section 12.