Nyal Kolima Clinician - Full Time Fixed Term

Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC)

Established in 1979 by the Ballarat Aboriginal community in the Ballarat district, BADAC’s vision is to be the strongest voice and presence in the Ballarat area, supporting and respecting their people, enhancing our community, growing their culture and honouring their heritage. BADAC is the Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) for the Ballarat and District area, covering 4 local government areas (LGAs). The organisation is extremely proud of the contribution and support they have provided the local Aboriginal community over the past 40 years delivering a comprehensive range of health, social, welfare and community development programs to local Aboriginal people.

Our vision:

Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative exists to achieve self-determination for the Aboriginal community, enabling stronger families by ensuring equal opportunities in health, housing, education, employment and justice through a holistic and culturally relevant approach.

The Opportunity:

We currently have an opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed Nyal Kolima Clinician tojoin our dynamic Social & Emotional Wellbeing team on a Full Time Fixed Term Basis (3 years).

The Program

The Nyal Kolima Sexual Abuse Program, funded through Family Safety Victoria, aims to provide a culturally sensitive healing and support service for children and adults who have experienced sexual abuse and assault. The Strengthening Women’s Safety Package expands the program within the Central Highlands Area. The objective is to include service delivery provided to people who have experienced sexual violence, their immediate and extended family members and community members to heal from their experiences of sexual abuse and sexual assault.

The Nyal Kolima Program accepts referrals for adults and their families who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders for assessment.

The program will utilise a variety of healing interventions including but not limited to; one on one counselling, yarning circles (men’s and women’s), family work and cultural activities.

The Nyal Kolima Clinician will work within BADAC’s Social and Emotional Wellbeing Service, working in collaboration with a trans-disciplinary team of Mental Health Clinicians, Cultural Support workers, AOD staff, and student placement members.

The Role

Reporting to the SEWB Program Manager, the role of the Nyal Kolima Clinician is to provides case management, therapeutic support, and cultural healing to Aboriginal women and their families who have experienced sexual abuse. The successful incumbent may have the chance to contribute to the development of models of holistic health incorporating continuity of care.

The Nyal Kolima Clinician will work within a clinical team environment with the aim of improving the mental health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the provision of comprehensive and culturally safe healing. The incumbent will have access to external supervision provided by the Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) as well as professional development opportunities.

The incumbent will be responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments to develop personalised healing plans, provide secondary consultation and advice to external stakeholders (Child Protection, Victoria Police, Centre Against Sexual Assault etc), attend regular case planning and review meetings,



maintain detailed case notes and entries to client case files.

The incumbent will need to be highly motivated, enthusiastic & have a sound knowledge of Aboriginal culture & an ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people and the impact of sexual abuse/assault trauma, which may include the loss of culture, family and community connection and self-identity.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

- Engage Aboriginal women who have experienced sexual abuse and support them culturally to heal from their abuse experiences.

- Provide effective case management and risk assessment to Aboriginal Women engaged in the Nyal Kolima Program.

- Write detail case notes from each session, ensure all information is documented as well as other client related information. This includes but is not limited to: maintaining accurate records of all contacts and appointments for reporting purposes, activities and achievements with each client and contribute entries to the client’s case file.

- Provide consultation and referrals within internal programs when indicated including; SEWB, Cultural Support, Family Violence Programs, or other supports as required following the assessment.

- Providing secondary consultation and advice to external services involved with the child, young person or adult, including (but not limited to) Child Protection, CASA, Family Services and Victoria Police.

- Advocate on behalf or alongside the client with other services involved including (but not limited to) Child Protection, CASA, legal support services or internal programs.

- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the client’s Social, Emotional, Spiritual Wellbeing and establishing detailed personalised healing plans.

- Ensure continuity of care through onward referrals, liaison, case conferencing or collaborative work with other service providers.

- Attend regular case planning and review meetings training, relevant communities of practice opportunities and interagency liaison.

- Educate clients and families regarding the impacts of sexual abuse and the support available as well as providing information, resources and advice in response to specific requests.

- Work collaboratively and holistically within a multidisciplinary team environment to engage clients and families in the management of their wellbeing. This includes working collaboratively with CASA to provide support to clients, as well as provide cultural considerations for CASA staff assisting Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander clients.

- Provide support and guidance to non-Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander colleagues on trauma and cultural consideration when working with clients who are healing from sexual assault or abuse.

- Network with other mental health and community organizations while promoting BADAC services and educating community.

- Adhere to safe working practices and occupational health and safety regulations.

- Participate in external supervision provided by the Centre Against Sexual Assault as well as professional development opportunities. Actively participate in regular internal supervision and internal reflective practice sessions as required or directed.





- Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives and ongoing professional development.

- Maintain strict standards of confidentiality and work professionally in accordance with the organisation’s values, policies and procedures.

- Work within the bounds of BADAC Policies and relevant legislation or regulations (Privacy Act, Duty of care, OHS, Mandatory Reporting etc.) as well as other relevant professional codes.

- Undertake incident reporting that meets statutory and organisational timelines and procedures where required.

- Other duties as required or requested by the SEWB Manager or Executives.

Key Selection Criteria:

- Sound knowledge of the issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and a strong focus on improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes.

- Ability to communicate effectively and engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with demonstrated knowledge & understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

- Experience and understanding of the impacts and prevalence of sexual abuse and to work with survivors, including children, young people and adults to heal from those impacts.

- Minimum Diploma in Counselling, Community Services or related field. A Post Graduate qualification (or working towards) in a Mental Health or Counselling field is preferred.

- Extensive demonstrated experience within a similar role; Case Management, Counsellor, Clinician.

- Demonstrated understanding and experience working within the bounds of Mandatory Reporting, Privacy Act and Duty of Care.

- Demonstrated ability to work with other services, including Child Protection, Victoria Police and other statutory bodies.

- A willingness to learn and adapt to support the healing needs of Aboriginal survivors of sexual abuse.

- Well-developed and effective verbal and written communication skills.

- Experience working with an electronic Client Management Systems (electronic medical appointment system).

- Demonstrated skills and experience working in a multidisciplinary team and meeting targets and performance outcomes.

Other Info:

To be considered for roles with BADAC you will need to Have (or be willing to have):

- National Police Clearance.

- Working with Children Check Clearance.

- NDIS Workers Screening Check.

- Current Victorian Driver's License

If this sounds like the sort of opportunity you would be interested in, please click‘Apply Now’.

Please Note: All applications will require applicants to provide a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria above and a copy of their resume.Applications without the required documents will not be accepted.

Applications will be considered as they are received, and this position may be filled prior to the closing date of C.O.B 10th November 2026. Early applications are encouraged.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

BADAC is a Child Safe organisationand all employees are expected to adhere to our Child Safe Guidelines.

BADAC is committed to diversity in employment aiming to develop a workforce that reflects the diverse community that we operate in.We foster a workplace culture in which LGBTQIASB+ employees feel included,safe and supported.

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📌 Nyal Kolima Clinician - Full Time Fixed Term (Ballarat East)
🏢 Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative
📍 Ballarat East