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 - Expression of Interest

Are you an enthusiastic and committed Case Manager? We are now seeking expressions of interest for our Gobata Burron Program.

Submit your application via the Apply Now! link. (This is only an expression of interest)

Why work for BADAC?

Above award wages (based on relevant qualification and experience)

Generous benefits, entitlements and LSL accural

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 Program

Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care (ACAC) is a program for Aboriginal children and young people subject to a Child Protection order. Section 18 of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 enables the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to authorise the principal officer of an Aboriginal agency to undertake specified functions and powers in relation to a protection order for an Aboriginal child or young person.

It is widely recognised that connection to culture, community and Country is fundamental to supporting the safety and identity of Aboriginal children who are subject to a protection order.

ACAC aims to:

Improve the support and decision making for Aboriginal children who have been placed on Child Protection orders.

Maintain Aboriginal children’s cultural identity and promote connection to family, community and culture.

Support Aboriginal children to return home to parents or extended families where it is safe to do so, or support the identification of culturally safe alternative care.

Maintain connection to Country for Aboriginal children.

The Role:

This exciting new position presents the opportunity to contribute to the implementation of the new Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care program commencing at BADAC. We are seeking a suitably qualified and passionate professionals who wants to play a role in reducing the over representation of Aboriginal Children in care, strive for better outcomes for children and build capacity in families so that children can be transitioned home.

Our ACAC Case Manager will provide high quality, culturally attuned services that focus on the safety and well-being of children and young people, healing and connection to family, community, culture and country.

The successful incumbent will be provided professional development training opportunities that includes but is not limited to; on the job training, Beginning Practice, and Cultural Awareness Training.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Provide effective case management and risk assessment children and their families engaged in the Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care program.

Together with the Team Leader, Program Manager and BADAC Executive team, implement the ACAC program operating procedures including the service delivery guidelines, practice frameworks, assessment tools and policies and procedures.

Exercise a wide range of legal delegations in accordance with the Children and Young Person’s Act 2005 to ensure the safety and well-being of children and young people in BADAC’s care.

Work in a culturally respectful way to ensure children, young people and their families are empowered to develop and maintain cultural connections.

Undertake complex casework with families and children who have experienced trauma and may present with challenging behaviours, including using culturally safe therapeutic approaches to heal and build resilience.

Ensure that effective administration is completed including: Case notes, data collection, reporting requirements etc.

Complete assessments, including assessments of risk and safety.

Prepare reports, present information and make recommendations to the Children’s Court and other relevant courts and legal processes.

Build strong partnerships between the ACAC program and other BADAC programs and services, the Department of Health and Human Services and the broader community services sector.

Advocate on behalf of Aboriginal children and their families.

Professional development training opportunities including but is not limited to; on the job training, Beginning Practice, and Cultural Awareness Training.

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

Maintain strict standards of confidentiality & act at all times in a professional manner.

Other duties as requested by the Team Leader and Program Manager.

Key Selection Criteria:

Sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and values and the ability to communicate with Aboriginal Children and their families.

Demonstrated ability to work in a way that promotes Aboriginal children’s cultural identity and promotes their connection to family, community and culture acknowledging that connection to culture, community and country is fundamental to supporting the safety and identity of Aboriginal children.

Sound knowledge of the legislation, policy and practice requirements relating to Aboriginal children, their families and carers.

Minimum Bachelors qualification in Community Services, Social Work, Welfare or a related field and extensive experience in similar role.

Demonstrated ability to deliver best practice and guide staff in culturally appropriate assessments, case planning and case management, including court work, in accordance with the Program service delivery framework.

Demonstrated ability to manage serious/complex case issues, critical incidents, worker safety issues and quality of care concerns.

Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and review plans for children and young people.

Demonstrated ability to undertake complex casework and utilise culturally safe therapeutic approaches with children and their families who have experienced trauma and may present with challenging behaviours.

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

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

Other Info

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

Have (or be willing to have) a National Police Clearance and current Working with Children Check Clearance.

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 30th June 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 LGBTI employees feel included, safe and supported.