Make a Lasting Difference for Aboriginal Young People

Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) is a proud Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Ovens Murray region.

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

• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal children, young people and families
• Strong understanding of Aboriginal culture and culturally safe practice
• Experience in case management, youth work, family support or similar
• Ability to build trusting relationships with young people and stakeholders
• Strong communication, advocacy and organisational skills
• Commitment to Aboriginal self determination and child centred practice

Desirable

• Qualifications in Community Services, Youth Work, Social Work or related field
• Knowledge of education systems, youth justice and diversion programs
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply

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

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, in supporting families to ensure the best 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 the 'Apply Now' button to submit your application

Email [email protected] using the subject line: Aboriginal Rapid Engagement & Diversion Practitioner - Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation - Wodonga enquiry via EthicalJobs 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 1000.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.