Aboriginal Family Preservation and Reunification Response Practitioner

Echuca, VIC | Full time, 37.5 hours per week

Walk with Families. Reunite Kids with Kin. Create Lasting Change.

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation is seeking a Family Preservation and Reunification Response Practitioner to engage and support Aboriginal families currently involved with child protection, supporting safe and healthy family functioning and relationships. A key element of the role is reunifying children who have been removed from their home. This is a richly rewarding role that effects real, lasting change in Aboriginal families and communities.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Family Services Coordinator, you'll be part of a small, cohesive Family Services team working closely with Njernda programs, Child Protection and external service providers.

- Undertake outreach and home visits, providing families with support and practical strategies to build their parenting capacity

- Provide intensive, high-risk case management to help families meet their goals and reduce or avoid further child protection involvement

- Apply evidence-informed, strengths-based and trauma-informed intervention strategies within a culturally grounded service response that supports cultural healing

- Exercise professional judgement and autonomy in undertaking risk assessments for vulnerable families

- Prepare court reports and provide evidence in court proceedings as required

- Support families to participate in social and community events and activities

- Maintain accurate,



up-to-date case notes and records in line with DFFH requirements and Njernda policy

WHY JOIN NJERNDA?

At Njernda Aboriginal Corporation you'll be part of a values-driven, community-controlled organisation, guided by our values of Respect, Accountability, Resilience, Advocacy and Cultural Sensitivity.

- $99,000 annual salary (SCHADS Level 5.1) + Super

- Generous salary packaging benefits (not-for-profit)

- Victorian Ambulance Membership reimbursement (for you and your family)

- Supportive team environment and access to supervision

- Ongoing professional development opportunities

- Genuine work–life balance and the benefits of a regional lifestyle

SELECTION CRITERIA — YOU MUST ADDRESS THESE

To be considered, your application must include a separate document responding to each of the numbered criteria below.

- A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Child Development, Psychology or a related subject area, OR a relevant diploma-level qualification with significant professional experience

- A minimum of 3 years' experience in a similar role

- Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive, culturally responsive risk assessments and safety planning, using relevant structured decision-making frameworks (e.g.



Best Interest Case Practice Model, MARAM)

- Demonstrated ability in trauma-informed and attachment-based practice, including recognising and responding to the impacts of intergenerational and complex trauma

- Ability to work in a culturally safe, respectful and competent manner with Aboriginal children, families and communities, fostering and maintaining cultural connections

- Robust case management and caseload prioritisation skills, including the ability to manage multiple complex, high-risk cases concurrently

- Advanced written communication skills, including preparing clear, objective, evidence-based case notes and court reports

- Crisis intervention and de-escalation skills, responding calmly and effectively to families in acute distress

- Negotiation and collaboration skills, working effectively with families, kinship networks and multiple service providers who may hold differing views

- Local knowledge of Aboriginal history, culture and community, and the key issues affecting Aboriginal families involved with Child Protection

Desirable: Experience working in rural Victoria and/or at an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO).

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

- Current and valid Victorian Working with Children Check

- National Police Check

- Current and valid full Victorian Driver's Licence

- Eligibility to work in Australia

- Vaccination status and pre-employment screening in line with Njernda's policies and procedures

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📌 Aboriginal Family Preservation and Reunification Response Practitioner (Echuca)
🏢 Njernda Aboriginal
📍 Echuca