Who We Are
* Employed by our community, to work for our community: engaging, educating, and empowering individuals, families, and our community in their journey to self-determination.
* MDAS has embarked on a commitment to become a leading Aboriginal organisation known for its ability to make a practical difference to client's lives, families and our community.
* This is underpinned by our LORE which is the foundation stone of who we are, what we do and why we do it.
* Our organisation's services, people and culture will be guided through strong leadership and engagement with community and MDAS teams.
Our Purpose
* Healing, supporting, serving, and protecting our communities throughout the Mallee Region.
* Healthy, resilient, and capable Aboriginal people and families who can be their very best selves and exercise true self determination.
* Caring for, strengthening, empowering, motivating and guiding our Mob.
Your Role
Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) is one of Victoria's largest Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.
We're looking for a dedicated Caseworker Youth Justice to support Aboriginal (Koori) youth, with multiple barriers, subject or at risk of subject to Youth Justice supervision to facilitate (re)connection training or employment pathways using a client focused and community development approach. This also includes identifying Koori young people who may be diversionary or at risk of entering the criminal justice system and utilising existing programs and services to support their needs, helping to lower the risk and likelihood of further re-offending.
As a Caseworker Youth Justice with MDAS, you will work in a culturally safe, trauma informed and gender responsive way, advocating for the best interests of Koori youth, particularly in regard to, education, training, employment, health, social and emotional wellbeing. You will help them reconnect with education, training and employment pathways, and build strong community and family connections to reduce the likelihood of re-offending.
This is a client specific role working exclusively with Koori youth, requiring a high level of cultural capability, sensitivity and professionalism.
This is a permanent, full time position based at our Swan Hill office location.
Key Selection Criteria
* Knowledge of relevant guidelines and principles pertaining to youth justice or other relevant experience.
* Sound understanding of the local Aboriginal community, family dynamics and issues faced within the local community.
* Demonstrated experience in assessment skills including the capacity to apply a range of intervention strategies.
* Highly developed organisational and time management skills, with a demonstrated capacity to work flexibly within set timeframes.
* Ability to communicate, consult, liaise and negotiate with a broad range of people both Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people at all levels to achieve broad project objectives and goals.
* Ability to take action to provide services that are inclusive of Aboriginal people and engage in learning about other cultures to better establish relationships and improve services
Qualification/s:
Qualification of Certificate IV in Community Services or higher or undertake study during first 12 months in the role.
Other Screening Requirements:
Valid Driver's License that allows you to drive in Australia.
Victorian Employee Working with Children Check card.
National Police Check.
MDAS is proudly a Child Safe Organisation committed to the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of Aboriginal children and young people.