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 qualified 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
Strong 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