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

Program Manager Early Years (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 Early Years will ensure services are culturally safe for Aboriginal people and their families, and are effectively managed and delivered to a high standard in line with the 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 the Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative Strategic Plan, including policies, processes, relevant legislation, regulations, accreditation requirements, and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) where 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 preparing regular reports on program activities, outcomes, challenges, and achievements.

The Program Manager will provide strong leadership in the development of practices, policies, and procedures for the programs, ensuring all decision-making is culturally safe and in line with the best interests of Aboriginal people and self-determination.

The Early Years programs include,

· Connected Beginnings

· Koori Supported Playgroups

· Koori Families First Educators

· Children & Schooling

About You:

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

· You are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

· A Diploma in either of the following Early Childhood, Community Services, Social Work or 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 understanding of Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative’s role in the community, with experience in managing service delivery within the Aboriginal child, youth, and family sector.

· Demonstrated understanding of program management, including budgeting, 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 achieves the 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.