Job description POSITION OBJECTIVE
This position supports the delivery of youth support and family mental health support programs on remote central Australian communities. This position will promote the personal, social and educational development of children and young people; assist Aboriginal families to support children and youth at risk, and assist children/youth and their families to engage positively with appropriate services.
The Community Development Worker – Youth and Families will be based in Alice Springs with regular travel to the designated communities (out of Alice Springs 3 to 4 days in a week, 3 weeks in every 5). The communities are: Mt Liebig, Papunya, Titjikala, Santa Teresa and Aputula. This is a full-time position.
ACCOUNTABILITY
The Community Development Worker will be accountable to the Management Team, and will work in partnership with other Youth and Families team members. Professional supervision is provided by the Case Management Consultant to the Youth and Families program.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Provide support to children/youth and their families consistent with the objectives and requirements of Waltja's Reconnect and Family Mental Health Support Service programs. Support is to be based upon a strengths-based approach, the principles of self-determination, and respect for Aboriginal people, communities and culture
* Assist Aboriginal children/youth and their families to access other support, services and resources as required. Engage positively and collaboratively with other services to support them to provide appropriate and respectful services to Aboriginal people
* Assist Aboriginal families to actively engage in community and culture, and to generate culturally appropriate local strategies to address the problems of vulnerable and at-risk children and families
* Engage Aboriginal people from each community wherever possible as mentors, advisers, and co-workers to assist with Waltja's service delivery, and support the skills development of community members related to the program objectives
* Work collaboratively with other local service providers, agencies and institutions, to support young people and families at risk, to provide referrals, and to plan events and activities consistent with Waltja's program objective
* Complete and provide appropriate and up-to-date documentation related to community visits, travel plans, data reporting, and client/community support provided or requested; ensure that all DEX reporting is complete and up-to-date by the end of each month
* Represent Waltja at Conferences, Seminars, Meetings, and Committees and in other community forums
* Identify training and professional needs/opportunities, and undertake training as directed by Management Team. Participate proactively in case reviews and individual supervision with the Case Management Consultant
* A commitment to comply with all Waltja Policy and Procedures and Code of Conduct
SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential:
* Bachelor of Social Work or Community Development or equivalent relevant qualification
* Previous experience in community development work, including case management, community consultation, service delivery, performance and data reporting, and evaluation
* Previous experience working successfully in a dynamic team environment and managing a diverse workload accordingly; proven experience of successful time management in a complex work environment
* A commitment to Aboriginal self-determination, demonstrated ability to relate sensitively and effectively with Indigenous people and demonstrated awareness of the issues affecting Aboriginal children/young people and their families in central Australia
* Demonstrated capacity for strategic decision-making, and initiative to make appropriate decisions when required
* Current NT Drivers License or commitment to transfer current Drivers License to NT immediately upon appointment
* Current NT Working with Children and Vulnerable Persons (Ochre Card) authorization, or the capacity to acquire this within 6 weeks of provisional appointment
* Willingness to undertake a Police Check (for criminal history) – required within 6 weeks of provisional appointment
Desirable:
* Experience working in or with remote central Australian Aboriginal communities
* Experience working with Aboriginal families to assist them to make positive change and/or to address barriers to self-determination
* Experience driving 4WD vehicles
SALARY PACKAGE
* Wage: SCHADS Award Level 4-5 (depending upon qualifications): currently starting rate is $44.58/hr
* Superannuation: 12.0% standard and trainee rate, Waltja pays 14.0% as bonus for nonsmokers
* Travel: $100/night for remote travel
* Annual travel bonus: $950 per year
* Wellbeing allowance: Up to $800 reimbursement of personal well-being services costs
* Equipment: All digital/computer/phone equipment as needed, Swag supplied
A position description is attached.