About us

Boorndawan Willam is a phrase from Wathaurong and Woiwurrung languages meaning "safe house," with Boorndawan meaning 'safe' and Willam meaning 'house'.

Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service (BWAHS) is the lead Aboriginal‑specific family violence service for the eastern metropolitan region of Melbourne. Established in 2006 and transitioning to an independent Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation in 2019, BWAHS delivers trauma‑informed, culturally grounded responses to individuals, families and Community experiencing, or at risk of, family violence.

We provide a wide range of services to Community and our engagement and support for our communities’ healing journey are vital – wholly underpinned and guided by culture.

All employees must have:

• Commitment to BWAHS Vision, Mission, Values and Principles.
• Capacity for self-assessment, reflection and emotional intelligence.
• Ethical and culturally aware practice.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Accountability and adherence to professional standards.
• Willingness to contribute to projects and tasks outside of core role to support the wider BWAHS team.
• Compliance with Workplace Health & Safety and Privacy requirements.

About the role

The role of the Aboriginal Family Services Practitioner is to promote healthy family dynamics which include safety from violence, living a safe lifestyle, stability within the home and personal wellbeing and to assist in enhancing the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and their families. The role requires working collaboratively with Aboriginal families and Communities to build child, family and community capacity and resilience through effective case management. Assessments and planning are undertaken using the ‘Best Interests’ Framework and the MARAM Framework.

The key focus is to work in collaboration with other BWAHS programs and other Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCO’s) as well as partnering with external support services to ensure comprehensive integrated service delivery. This is primarily an outreach role delivered to children, young people and families in their homes and may involve working from multiple worksites.

BWAHS has assessed this position as an identified role under as per section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 due to the requirement to work closely with Community. As such it is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing trauma informed outreach and case management coordination to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and families who are affected by family violence
• Providing parenting support, education and access to resources
• Conducting intake and allocation as well as case referrals
• Attending client appointments, network meetings and case plan reviews
• Engaging with key stakeholders
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships internally and externally and representing BWAHS in meetings and negotiations
• Contributing to culturally informed practice and working collaboratively with the team
• Conducting risk management including FVISS, CISS, MARAM and Best Interest principles
• Ensuring inclusive, informed and safe support to those with a disability and those who identify as LGBTQIASB+
• Actively participate in clinical and internal supervision, reflective practice, education and training opportunities and contributing to BWAHS strategic direction
• Maintaining accurate, current records in accordance with all internal and external quality and audit requirements
• Complying with all policies and procedures

About you

You are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person with a thorough understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal Community, particularly in relation to the impact of family violence on Aboriginal women, children, families and communities.

You hold a relevant tertiary qualification or have significant relevant work experience with a willingness to work towards the qualification in line with mandatory minimum qualifications policy.

You are experienced in the Child and Family Services and/or the Family Violence sectors and providing case management/coordination to Aboriginal families, children and young people.

You are both professional and genuine – you use these skills to engage and build relationships with clients, your team, and a wide network of stakeholders. You are trusted in Community because you keep confidentiality.

You are a self starter, working independently yet ready to pitch in when others need a hand and you embrace professional development opportunities.

BWAHS has assessed this position as an identified role under section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 due to the requirement to work closely with community. As such it is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Next Steps

To submit your application please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.

Please see attached position description.