Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-Operative – Engagement and Family Services now has the following vacancy

Program Manager Care Services (New Position)

Full-time, Ongoing - 38 hours a week

This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Executive Manager, the Program Manager Care Services will ensure services are culturally safe for Aboriginal people and their families, and are effectively managed and delivered at a high standard in line with Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative (RAC) Strategic Plan.

As a member of the management team this role is key to the development, implementation and monitoring of the Family, Care and Early Years’ service area business plan. Ensuring alignment with Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative Strategic Plan including polices and processes, other relevant Legislation, Regulations, Accreditation requirements, and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)’s (if applicable).

This role is responsible for day-to-day operational requirements, including but not limited to; all aspects of staffing recruitment, retention, supervision, and performance management. Monitoring compliance, progress and performance and preparation of regular reports on program activities, outcomes, challenges, and achievements.

Provide strong leadership in the development of practice, policies and procedures for the programs and ensure all decision making is culturally safe in line with the best interests of Aboriginal people and self-determination.

The Care Services programs include,

· Kinship Care

· Kinship First Supports

· Foster Care

· Targeted Care Packages

· Better Futures

· Kids Under Cover (Village 21)

About You:

Key skills and experience required for success in this role include:

· You are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

· A Diploma in Community Services, Social Work or a similar discipline.

· Demonstrated knowledge of the local Aboriginal community and Culture and an understanding of factors that influence the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people.

· Demonstrated knowledge of the role Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative provides within the Aboriginal community.

· Demonstrated experience in managing service delivery in the Aboriginal child, youth and family sector

· Demonstrated understanding of program management including budget, staffing, reporting, Accreditation and program development.

· Demonstrated knowledge of Conflict management and resolution.

· Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Child and Youth Development stages.

· Demonstrated leadership experience that promotes a healthy work environment, staff growth and retention and attains best possible culturally safe outcomes for Aboriginal children, youth and families.

· Demonstrated ability to provide quality supervision to direct reports enabling their development and growth consistent with Rumbalara policies and frameworks.

· Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of The Aboriginal Child Placement Principles, The Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 VIC, Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005, The Family Violence Protection Act 2008 VIC the MARAM framework, and The Child Safe Standards VIC.

· High standards of confidentiality and compliance.

· Sound investigative and assessment skills regarding child safety and the ability to lead staff in identifying and responding to safety concerns.

· Capacity to make balanced and sound decisions in high-risk and high-pressure situations while managing competing priorities.

· An understanding of intergenerational trauma, strengths-based practice and reflective practice processes.

What We Offer:

· Access to salary packaging of up to $15,900 for eligible part-time and full-time employees.

· Competitive salary and conditions in line with relevant industry standards.

· A range of additional benefits, including paid Christmas bonus leave, recognition of NAIDOC Week, regular CPI-linked salary reviews, and relocation support where applicable.

· Ongoing professional development and training to support your career growth and aspirations.

· Free and confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing.

· Laptop and mobile phone provided to assist you in your role, where required.

· Access to fleet vehicles to support you in carrying out daily work-related tasks, where applicable.

You will be required to undertake a pre-employment screening check, including providing a copy of your

Confirmation of Aboriginality.

To apply, please submit your cover letter—outlining your mob or clan, relevant experience and/or qualifications—along with a response to the Key Selection Criteria outlined in the position description and your current resume to [email protected]

To obtain the position description, please visit our website at https://rumbalara.org.au/careers/

Applications close: Sunday, 4th May 2025

This is an “Indigenous Only” role under Special Measures of the EEO Act 2010, Section 12.