Aboriginal Rapid Engagement & Diversion (ARED) Practitioner – Youth

Make a Lasting Difference for Aboriginal Young People

Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Ovens Murray region. Our work is guided by principles of self‑determination, cultural respect, community leadership and improved wellbeing for Aboriginal families and communities.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated ARED Practitioner – Youth to join our Family Services team. In this role, integrating Integrated Family Services (IFS) and ARED approaches, you will work with young people aged 10-17 and their families, providing culturally safe, family-led support to re-engage them in education, training and positive community pathways, helping to create safer, stronger futures.

About the Role

This is a dynamic, community focused position delivering early intervention and culturally responsive support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people at risk of disengagement from education, family, and community.

As the ARED Practitioner, you will work within a strengths-based, culturally led framework to build trust, promote positive pathways, and support young people and their families to achieve sustainable outcomes across education, wellbeing, and community connection.

You will

- Provide timely, proactive engagement and culturally safe assessment following referrals, ensuring young people and families feel supported from first contact

- Build strong, trusting relationships with young people, families, Elders, schools, and key stakeholders, working collaboratively to support positive outcomes

- Develop, implement, and regularly review individualised, goal focused support plans, keeping the young person at the centre of all decision-making

- Work closely with schools and education providers to address barriers to attendance, develop re-engagement strategies, and support transitions into alternative or flexible learning environments

- Support young people to access employment, training, and skill development opportunities, including job readiness, resume building, and connections to local pathways

- Provide practical and therapeutic family support, helping to strengthen parenting capacity, stabilise home environments, and build safe, connected family relationships

- Facilitate and encourage participation in cultural activities, mentoring, and community programs to strengthen identity, belonging, and resilience

- Advocate on behalf of young people and families to ensure culturally safe, inclusive,



and responsive service delivery across systems

- Maintain accurate, timely and confidential case records, reporting, and data entry, ensuring compliance with organisational and legislative requirements

- Contribute to a collaborative team environment and actively participate in supervision, reflective practice, and continuous quality improvement

About You

You are a passionate practitioner committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal young people and families. You bring a culturally respectful, strengths-based approach and thrive in community focused work.

- Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with young people, families, Elders and stakeholders

- Strong understanding of culturally safe practice and commitment to Aboriginal self determination

- Experience supporting young people facing disengagement, complex needs or vulnerability

- Confident in case management, advocacy and coordinating support services

- Excellent communication, organisation and problem solving skills

- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment

Key Selection Criteria

Essential

- A relevant qualification in Community Services, Youth Work, Social Work, Human Services or a related discipline, or formal qualifications at a lower level combined with substantial experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families.

- Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal children, young people and families.

- Strong understanding of Aboriginal culture, community, self-determination and culturally safe practice.

- Experience in case management, youth work, family support or a related field.

- Ability to build strong, respectful relationships with young people, families, Elders and stakeholders.

- Solid communication, advocacy, engagement and organisational skills.

- Ability to manage competing priorities, client caseloads and service delivery requirements.

- Demonstrated commitment to child-centred practice and advancing Aboriginal self-determination.

Desirable

- Identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

- Experience working within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation.





- Knowledge of education systems, school re-engagement strategies and flexible learning pathways.

- Experience supporting young people at risk of disengagement, offending behaviour or contact with the youth justice system.

- Experience facilitating access to employment, training and community participation opportunities.

- Experience conducting outreach work with young people and families in home and community settings.

- Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based and family-centred practice frameworks.

- Experience working collaboratively with schools, education providers and community support services.

Mandatory Requirements

- Current Driver’s Licence

- Working with Children Check (VIC)

- National Police Check

- Pre-employment Health Declaration

What We Offer

- Meaningful work that creates real change in community

- A culturally strong, supportive organisation

- Opportunity to work alongside Elders, families and community leaders

- Professional development and ongoing support

- A role aligned with Victoria’s Family Services Framework

Important Information

Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation is a Child Safe Organisation with zero tolerance for child abuse and a strong commitment to ensuring children are safe, happy and empowered. We strongly uphold our child safety policies and procedures.

We are committed to cultural safety and inclusion for Aboriginal children, families and community, as well as people from diverse backgrounds and identities.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position is paid under Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2020 – Level 4.1

How to Apply

If you're passionate about working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, supporting families to achieve the best possible social, emotional and educational outcomes for their children, and working within an Aboriginal-led organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply via SEEK or email your application to ****@workbetter.net.au using the subject line: Aboriginal Rapid Engagement & Diversion (ARED) Practitioner – Youth.

Ensure you include your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, addressing the Key Selection Criteria.

Email ****@workbetter.net.au and we will answer any questions and provide a Position Description.

Or for a confidential discussion please call our WorkBetter HR team on 02 6009 1***.

Applications close 04/09/2026

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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