Job Description

Employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People at Ngwala is essential to maintaining culturally aligned services. We STRONGLY encourage Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this role and others as they become available.

About Ngwala:

Ngwala Willumbong is a leading provider of culturally safe and effective support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are committed to supporting individuals affected by alcohol and other drug misuse, providing them with pathways to recovery through holistic and culturally appropriate rehabilitation programs.

About the Role:

The Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) & Family Violence Team Leader is responsible for providing day-to-day leadership, supervision, and operational support to the Alcohol and Other Drugs and Family Violence teams within Ngwala's Southern Region.

The Team Leader will support a multidisciplinary team to deliver culturally safe, trauma-informed, and person-centred services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families, and communities experiencing alcohol and other drug issues and/or family violence.

Working closely with the Manager, the Team Leader will provide leadership, mentoring, supervision, case consultation, referral allocation, and operational oversight to ensure high-quality service delivery. The role is also responsible for supporting staff wellbeing, maintaining quality practice, promoting continuous improvement, and ensuring compliance with organisational policies, funding requirements, and legislative obligations.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Provide day-to-day leadership, supervision, mentoring and support to the AOD and Family Violence teams.
• Conduct regular supervision, probation reviews, performance development and reflective practice sessions.
• Support staff wellbeing and promote a positive, culturally safe team environment.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding and induction of new staff.
• Work collaboratively with the Manager to address performance, development and operational matters.

Service Delivery

• Allocate referrals and monitor staff caseloads to ensure equitable workloads.
• Provide guidance and support with complex client presentations.
• Support staff with risk assessments, safety planning and case management.
• Ensure timely engagement, assessment, referrals and follow-up with community members.
• Promote culturally safe, trauma-informed and strengths-based practice.

Operational Oversight

• Monitor referral timeframes, waitlists and service delivery outcomes.
• Ensure accurate and timely SHIP documentation and case notes.
• Support compliance with MARAM, CIMS, organisational policies and funding requirements.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement activities.
• Assist with monthly reporting and program data as required.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Attend case conferences, care team meetings and network meetings.
• Advocate for Aboriginal community members.
• Strengthen referral pathways across Housing, Family Violence, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Justice and Health services.

Skills & Experience:

• Leadership skills to lead and inspire a team, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Experience working within and understanding of Alcohol and Other Drugs and Family Violence.
• Ability to provide supervision, leadership, coaching, mentoring and support to a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and a commitment to working respectfully
  with Aboriginal communities.
• Demonstrated skills in case management, risk assessment and service coordination.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally safe practice, MARAM Framework and Family Violence practice.
• Excellent communication, organisational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with clients, staff and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• High level computer skills, including Microsoft Office and client management systems.

Mandatory Requirements:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Community Services, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Family Violence, Psychology or a related discipline.
• Current Victorian driver's licence
• National Police Certificate (not older than 3 months)
• Victorian Employment Working with Children Check

What We Offer:

• Full Time role, Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5 PM
• Social and Community Services Level 5
• NFP Salary Packaging Benefits up to $15,900
• An opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• A supportive and culturally inclusive work environment.
• Ongoing professional development and training.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about supporting individuals on their recovery journey and promoting cultural safety, we would love to hear from you. Please provide the following:

• A cover letter outlining why you would be a great fit for this role
• A resume which outlines your educational and employment background

*Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit pre-employment checks including a Police Check (no older than 3 months), Victorian Employment Working with Children Check, Health Declaration and/or a medical check as well as right to work in Australia Check.