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 seeking a enthusiastic and committed Cultural Support Worker to join the team at SEWB on a Full Time Fixed Term (Maternity Leave) (12 Months) basis.

Why work for BADAC?

Above award wages (based on relevant qualification and experience)

Generous benefits, entitlements and LSL acural

Opportunities to develop your career further within our growing organisation

Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Professional Development and internal networking opportunities

Access to generous Salary Packaging options

Access to Cultural Awareness Training

The role of the Cultural Support Worker is to work within a multidisciplinary team, focused on supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community who are experiencing alcohol intoxication. This role will also be responsible in monitoring and supporting clients who are referred into the Public Intoxication Reform (PIR) program, ensuring client well-being and cultural safety.

This role will provide outreach support and transportation to a place of safety, including the persons home, a friend’s house or to BADAC Safe House. This role will require the incumbent to work after hours on call, on rostered shifts alongside AOD Workers to provide a culturally informed AOD service, and assist with ongoing service engagement.

A key focus on cultural connection, education and advice to families and members of the multidisciplinary team is an important part of this role. A significant outcome is to prevent risk to children due to parental mental illness, and minimise or prevent Child Protective Services (CPU) involvement. Maintaining the family structure and family unification and is a key priority.

Working alongside BADAC’s AOD Workers and Mental Health Clinicians, the Cultural Support Worker will ensure cultural safety and understanding of past trauma is at the forefront of treatment and interaction. A strong family and community focus is an essential aspect of the role.

Sound knowledge of Aboriginal culture and the ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait people is an important pre-requisite for this position. This position is based in Ballarat, with after hours, on call and outreach to LGA’s within BADAC’s catchment is required.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

As part of a multi-disciplinary team, work closely and constructively with individuals and families in a culturally sensitive and safe way to reduce the impact of alcohol and other drugs on their lives.

As part of a multi-disciplinary team, work closely and constructively with individuals and families where mental illness is presenting as a risk to children, or increasing the risk of Child Protective Services involvement.

Assist families to reconnect with their culture and community as part of the principle for Social and Emotional well-being.

Assist families to connect with Aboriginal and mainstream community and health services, particularly when there is a change in circumstances or emerging issues for either the parents or the child/young person.

Provide an outreach service to Aboriginal people who are intoxicated, to ensure their safety and prevent contact with the justice system. This will include supporting them to get home to a family or friends house (if safe to do so), or supporting as guests in BADAC’s Sobering Centre.

Support guests at the Sobering Centre, duties will include assistance with basic care and monitoring. This will include some cleaning, handling, and some infection control measures.

Monitor and record basic observations and seek assistance from health services if required. Assist with basic care, such as hydration and dietary needs if requested.

Assist service guests to connect with Aboriginal and mainstream community and health services, particularly when there is a change in circumstances or emerging alcohol and drug issues.

Liaise with and maintain positive working relationships with other relevant organisations and agencies, to ensure that clients are in receipt of a high-quality service.

Provide a positive role model for individuals through the demonstration of positive life skills, connection to culture, appropriate communication and support of the principles of self-determination.

As required assist to provide services to allocated cases. This process will work toward ensuring the organisations principle of holistic health is adhered to and worked with. Service assistance may include but is not limited to: development of Cultural Plans, court support, transportation to appointments etc.

Compile statistical data and records of services provided, and supply reports to the SEWB Services Manager and BADAC Executive as required.

Maintain strict standards of confidentiality and note writing, while always acting in a professional manner in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co‑operative.

Carry out other duties as directed by the SEWB Program Manager.

Key Selection Criteria:

Sound knowledge of local issues and needs of the Aboriginal community and culture. Understanding of the range of services available to the Aboriginal community, including welfare, education and health services, or demonstrated capacity to acquire this knowledge.

Demonstrated experience in the Aboriginal community, including an understanding of the impact of transgenerational trauma and disconnection with culture. Be able to communicate with intoxicated people in a non-threatening, non-judgemental manner.

Demonstrated ability to work in a way that promotes Aboriginal people’s cultural identity and promotes their connection to family, community and culture.

Tertiary qualification in Family or Community Services Work (or working towards) or equivalent experience within the Aboriginal community sector.

Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including the development of effective liaison with families, government, community, health, education and welfare services.

Demonstrated ability work with children and families already in contact or at risk of contact with the child protection system.

Willing to work on call, after hours, and weekends is essential.

Must have sound knowledge of OHS requirements & standards of practice.

Up to date First Aid and CPR certificate or willingness to complete relevant training.

Willing to maintain OHS, hygiene and cleanliness standards of the BADAC Safe House and vehicle. This includes ensuring bodily fluids are cleaned, disposed of and disinfected correctly using the appropriate spill kit and PPE.

Other Info:

To be considered for roles with BADAC you will need to:

Have (or be willing to have) a National Police Clearance

Current Working with Children Check Clearance.

Valid Australian Drivers 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 close C.O.B on 22nd April 2025.

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

BADAC is a Child Safe organisation and 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 LGBTIQIA+SB employees feel included, safe and supported.