Family Relationship Advocate - (50d)
Aboriginality is an essential criterion and is provided for in accordance with section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA)
ABOUT THE POSITION
The AFLDM Family Relationship Advocate is required to facilitate meeting(s) to provide culturally led and family-based approaches guiding inclusive case planning and decision-making to address the care, safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal children who are involved in the Child Protection system.
AFLDM encourages family members, extended family, Elders, Significant others in the child's life and where appropriate the child and/or young person, to meet and make decisions about their care, safety and wellbeing. Family Relationship Advocates are independent from the Department of Communities which is important to the integrity of the process to engage with all stakeholders to support families to reach decisions.
Family Relationship Advocates are required to have strong communication and engagement skills to empower families with meaningful opportunities to participate in the development of the case plan and/or decisions about their child's care, safety and wellbeing needs with compassion and empathy. Aboriginal cultural protocols and values will be central to the ways in which the Family Relationship Advocate will work with families and other stakeholders by listening carefully in an open, fair, and respectful manner.
ABOUT BUNDIYARRA ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY (ABORIGINAL CORPORATION)
Bundiyarra is committed to employing a caring, responsive and dedicated team of employees who provide services that enhance the quality of life in the community. Staff are called to behave in such a way that upholds the Bundiyarra's mission and demonstrates the values to work co-operatively and collaboratively.
ABOUT ABORIGINAL FAMILY LED DECISION MAKING
Aboriginal Family Led Decision Making (AFLDM) is prominent in other jurisdictions in Australia, in particular Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales and is being delivered in two WA districts – Mirrabooka and the Midwest-Gascoyne. AFLDM is a key process which supports the right to self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and creates a forum in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have input into the decisions made regarding their children. The process specifically provides the family with a culturally safe space where meetings are facilitated by an Aboriginal practitioner where families are supported to make culturally based and family driven decisions (SNAICC, 2018).
The underpinning principles of the AFLDM model in Western Australia are grounded in Family Group Conferencing and share several similarities with principles in the Children and Community Services Act 2004 and the WA Signs of Safety Child Protection Practice Framework, which guides child protection work undertaken in Western Australia.
The AFLDM process supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to participate in decisions made in relation to the care and protection of their children and effectively aims to address over-representation of Aboriginal children in the Out of Home Care System and child protection systems in general. ALFDM is used with the intention to create a culturally safe space in which families have agency to create their own plans for their children and make decisions about them.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
· Facilitate meetings that empower families to participate in case planning and decision making.
· Engage all stakeholders with compassion and empathy.
· Ensure Aboriginal cultural protocols and values guide all interactions.
· Listen openly and respectfully to support fair and inclusive outcomes.
· Treat all families and staff with respect and dignity.
Administrative:
· Follow Bundiyarra policies and procedures.
· Contribute to planning and decision making.
· Keep accurate records in line with privacy and policy requirements.
· Maintain strong skills in Microsoft Office, Excel, and relevant databases.
· Support continuous improvement in safety and quality.
· Apply Bundiyarra's Cultural and Family Framework and values in all work.
Service Delivery:
· Explain the AFLDM process to families, get consent, and ensure they know they can withdraw anytime.
· Organise family decision making meetings with Elders and the Department of Communities.
· Educate families and the community about AFLDM's purpose and benefits.
· Work with support services to help implement AFLDM's purpose and benefits.
· Work with support services to help implement AFLDM case plans.
· Facilitate AFLDM meetings.
· Build respectful relationships, support family-led decisions, and hold families accountable.
· Be respected by the community while staying neutral and unbiased.
· Commit to accountability to the Aboriginal community.
· Confidently lead AFLDM and challenge standard practices when needed.
· Hold open discussions, understand family decisions, and explain possible outcomes.
· Handle sensitive information carefully and maintain confidentiality.
· Engage families and stakeholders with integrity and trauma-informed practice.
· Work with AFLDM Steering Groups to monitor and improve the pilot program.
· Encourage reflection after meetings as a cultural learning tool for community and staff.
· Collaborate with service providers and Child Protection for effective support for Aboriginal children and young people.
· Communication and Reporting
· Accurate record keeping, including case notes, completed forms and reports as required according to program guidelines and agency registration obligations.
· Follow-up and provide relevant documentation.
Relationships and Stakeholder Management:
· Collaborate with team members and sector initiatives.
· Attend meetings, case conferences, supervision, and training.
· Participate in forums, working groups, and related events.
· Maintain respectful and supportive relationships with stakeholders.
· Build connections with Aboriginal agencies, government, and community organisations.
· Communicate clearly with staff, clients, and external agencies.
Child Safety:
· Always keep children and young people safe.
· Follow the code of conduct, policies, and procedures for child safety.
· Understand child safety risks in your role and help manage them.
· Declare anything that affects your ability to work safely with children.
· Report any concerns, suspicions, or breaches related to child safety.
Other:
· Perform other duties as required
· Complete training and keep all qualifications, licences, and clearances up to date.
· Commit to ongoing professional development.
· Promote AFLDM as a key model to empower Aboriginal families and communities.
· Lead initiatives that strengthen cultural practices aligned with AFLDM principles.
· Organise and run community healing groups and cultural healing activities for Bundiyarra clients.
· Follow dress standards as per the Uniform policy.
· Work contracted hours as per your employment contract.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION
Essential:
· Work in line with Bundiyarra's values.
· Must be Aboriginal as per Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.
· Good understanding of local Aboriginal culture, values, and community needs.
· Able to lead group discussions and resolve conflicts.
· Experience working in a culturally safe way with Aboriginal Communities, government, and service providers.
· Skilled in facilitating meetings and mediating outcomes.
· Knowledge of child protection, family and domestic violence, and cultural attachment.
· Strong understanding of AFLDM principles and guidelines.
· Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; able to build relationships with Aboriginal people and stakeholders.
· Able to work flexible hours.
· Committed to empowering and respecting children and young people.
· Able to create safe environments for children and protect them from harm.
Desirable:
· Knowledge of WA child protection laws, policies and practices.
· Experience developing, running, and reviewing programs.
· Relevant qualifications in Social work, Family support, Welfare, or Indigenous Studies, and willingness to complete training.
· Good computer skills, including MS Office and data management systems.
REGISTRATIONS AND LICENCES
· National Police Clearance
· Working with Children Check
· C Class Drivers Licence
To apply for this position, select "Apply" with your current resume along with a cover letter outlining your suitability for the position based on the qualifications and experience shown above and addressing the selection criteria.
Applications close 5th January 2026