Job Description

South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS) is seeking an experienced and dedicated Out of Home Care (OOHC) Coordinator to join our team on a fixed-term 6-month contract.

The OOHC program sits under the Kwaba Bidi Team (Meaning Good Path, Good Journey) which hold the Children and Families programs Funded Under the Department of Communities within SWAMS.

A major reform to the Out of Home Care services (OOHC) is delivering a more culturally safe and responsible OOHC system to meet the needs of Aboriginal children and their families. South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS) has an important role in delivering services to meet the key priorities of the reform including greater stability for children in care, the involvement of more Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations’ (ACCOs), improved opportunities for early reunification, well-prepared young people leaving care, greater cultural connection and a flexible, needs-driven service system with improved accountability and regulation.

In conjunction with the Manager, Family and Kinship Services, the OOHC Coordinator will have the opportunity to develop and grow the SWAMS suite of OOHC programs to ensure high-quality client outcomes to strengthen and preserve Aboriginal families and that children and young people entering, in or transitioning out of out of home care arrangements are supported to lead flourishing lives.

SWAMS is dedicated to enhancing employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This position is designated under Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), and as such, only Aboriginal people are eligible to apply.

About the role

This position requires management skills, and leadership qualities. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to step into a leadership role which will include but not be limited to:

• Oversee the OOHC program for SWAMS, ensuring seamless coordination and execution.
• Lead and manage a team of majority Aboriginal team members, providing guidance and support to achieve program objectives.
• Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, discussing OOHC outcomes, identifying success factors, and addressing barriers to successful implementation.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and communication protocols tailored to the programs’ needs.
• Prepare comprehensive financial and program reports for senior management and stakeholders.
• Respond to critical incidences, debrief staff and provide clinical supervision for the team
• Increase the current carer pool through recruitment of Kinship and Foster Carers
• Continue to grow the OOHC program through new avenues that open up through the Department of Communities

Essential Criteria

• 5x years' experience working in the Out of Home Care Sector
• Previous Coordinator/ Management experience
• Have a deep understanding of Aboriginal Culture (Particularly across the South West) and a deep understanding of the Impacts that Governments have had on Aboriginal People.
• Working alongside the Department of Communities and maintain respectful relationships that will result in working together towards the best interests of the children.
• Can work In Collaboration with other Aboriginal Organisations across the South West and Statewide.
• Demonstrated experience and skills in coordinating Out of Home Care or other social services programs to deliver agreed outcomes within defined timeframes and budget
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and contemporary issues affecting them.
• The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with communities, families, children and young people.

Desirable Criteria

• Be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Descent

• Experience in working for an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation

Why SWAMS?

Along with working with passionate people and being able to feel like you have contributed to something every day, SWAMS offers the following:

• 17.5% leave loading
• Up to $18,550 salary packaging options and novated leasing options
• Discounted gym memberships
• Uniforms supplied
• Generous leave allowances
• Professional development opportunities

At SWAMS, child safety is our highest priority. We are committed to the wellbeing of all children and young people, with zero tolerance for abuse. All team members have a legal and moral duty to ensure a safe environment and are required to undergo a National Police Clearance. Roles involving direct contact with children also require a valid WA Working with Children Check as part of our pre-employment screening.

In addition to this, all applicants require satisfactory completion of a Drug and Alcohol test. Unsatisfactory pre-employment checks will result in the offer of employment being withdrawn.

For more information about SWAMS and the role:

About SWAMS, our great organisation - https://www.swams.com.au/about/

For queries – please contact Human Resources on (08) 9797 8111.

To Apply:

To apply for this role please follow the online application process of this platform or email your application through to: HR@SWAMS.com.au . We also welcome you to drop your resume to our office at 30 Wellington Street, Bunbury.

This role also requires a valid WA Working with Children Check and Department of Communities clearance as part of our pre-employment screening. These can be obtained after successful interviews.

In addition to this all applicants require satisfactory completion of a Drug and Alcohol test. Unsatisfactory pre-employment checks will result in the offer of employment being withdrawn.

This role will remain open until the successful applicant is found