Job Description

MacKillop Family Services is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The position/s will only be open to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants.

The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) and s 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) and s 8(4) of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic)

About the role

The Senior Aboriginal Practice Lead will provide culturally safe professional child and family counselling, cultural guidance & advocacy support services based on Trauma Informed Cultural Healing Practices in supporting recovery from complex trauma and assist in establishing connections with Culture, family, and broader communities of care. In consultation with the broader clinical team within MacKillop Family Services and Esmai Manahan, National Director, Nanyubak Unit – First Nations Practice and Partnership.

The Senior Aboriginal Practice Lead aims to assist children and young people to recover from harmful impacts of complex trauma (current, transgenerational, and intergenerational), child sexual abuse and/or family violence, and assist families, communities of care and communities of practice to support children and young people in the healing process through culturally sound healing, professional practice and therapeutic outcomes.

This is a Permanent Full-Time opportunity based in Victoria within the Nanyubak Unit. The position reports to the National Director, Nanyubak Unit – First Nations Practice and Partnership.

Our offer:

• SCHADS (Level 6) $55.72– $58.19 – Dependent on qualifications & experience
• More money in your pocket – salary sacrifice up to $18,550 per year, which allows you to reduce the amount of tax you pay.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employee Assistance Program and Hotline - Free access to a wide range of options with all aspects of life such as social, financial, physical, mental health by providing counselling and coaching supporting relating both to your circumstance, including health advice from qualified nutritionists.
• Sanctuary Organisation - MacKillop’s work is underpinned by the Sanctuary Model, an evidence supported, whole of organisation framework that brings our values to life. The model reinforces our ability to create a safe environment that teaches people to cope effectively with stress and trauma, and to heal.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Career Pathways – Warrungarli Strategy supporting recruitment, retention, and professional development.
• Community & Connection – Opportunity to join Ngindaay Guumaldanha, our Aboriginal Staff Network.

Key Selection Criteria:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and values and an awareness of the current issues faced by Aboriginal children, young people and their families.
• An extensive knowledge and understanding of issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children, young people, their families/kin and communities, in contemporary society and an ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with them.
• A Degree in Family therapy, Social Work, Psychology or Counselling (preferably Indigenous specific study)
• Counselling experience, working with Aboriginal children, young people, and families in a therapeutic setting with the foundation approach focused on building connections back to cultural strengths, if previously unknown or disconnected from.

For a full listing please view the Position Description at the bottom of this page.

For Seek applicants, the Position Description will be available when you click 'apply'

For more information, please contact:

Esmai Manahan at Esmai.Manahan@mackillop.org.au

You must have a:

• Valid and current Driver’s Licence;
• Satisfactory Criminal History Check (paid for by MacKillop);
• Valid Employee Working with Children Check;
• Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check (for risk assessed / client facing roles). MacKillop can assist successful candidates with their application.

Our Commitment:

MacKillop celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. Every person has the right to be safe and to be treated justly. We value every person’s ability, cultural or linguistic backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex status, relationship status, religious or spiritual beliefs, socio-economic status, and age.

We value the unique knowledge, perspectives, and cultural contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Your experience and insights are important to us.

Shortlisting to commence immediately, so please apply as soon as possible.