THE ROLE The Aboriginal Cultural Support and Awareness Advisor facilitates responses for Aboriginal children/families entering the child protection program at the Area level. The role supports the principles of self-determination for Aboriginal families, promoting continuity of family and community relationships and continuity of children's cultural identity that are essential to children's health and wellbeing. The role will work in partnership with department programs, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), Community Services Organisations (CSOs), mainstream services and Aboriginal children, families and communities. The Aboriginal Cultural Support and Awareness Advisor promotes family engagement, and supports cultural safety for clients. The role will be instrumental in the cultural planning process, providing cultural expertise and guidance that informs the development of cultural support plans to enable Aboriginal children to remain connected to community, build resilience and support them to remain connected with family and community. This role will support early intervention responses for Aboriginal children and families. This begins with the early identification of Aboriginal children in the investigation and response phase, facilitating first responses including early referral to ACCOs, multidisciplinary conferencing and engagement in Aboriginal Family Led Decision Making (AFLDM) meetings. The role aims to support early intervention strategies to reduce statutory intervention and the reduction of Aboriginal children in care. ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE Child centred and family focused relationship-based practice - focuses on the Aboriginal child and incorporates the family kinship groups and community in maintaining a child's cultural connection and self- identity. Collaboration - engages, consults, and co-designs solutions with children and their families, other practitioners and teams, agencies, services and the community, in order to deliver the best outcomes for children and their families. Works hand in hand with Child Protection, attending care team or other meetings to provide advice on the development of cultural plans. Knowledge sharing - exchanging critical information with Aboriginal families and both internal and external stakeholders, to ensure shared understanding, and timely and appropriate action for Aboriginal clients. Please open the position description to read more. A SPECIAL MEASURE PROVISION APPLIES TO THIS ROLEThis is a Designated role - Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply. HOW TO APPLY Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria. Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process. Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening. For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs) Please apply to submit your interest in this position.