Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative – Engagement and Family Services now has the following vacancy:

Program Manager – Family Services

Full-time, 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

The Program Manager Family 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 Family Services programs includes:

Boorai Aboriginal Family Preservation and Reunification Response (AFPRR).

Intensive Family Services (IFS).

Intensive Family Services (200 hours).

Cradle to Kinder (C2K).

Putting Families First (PFF).

About You

To excel in this position, you should possess the following qualifications and qualities:

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.

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.

What We Offer:

Salary packaging of $15,900 available for Part- or Full-time employees.

Competitive pay and conditions based on the SCHADS Award – Level 8 – Pay Point 1

Opportunities for additional incentives, which may include Christmas bonus days, recognition of NAIDOC day, periodic adjustments aligned with CPI increases, and the possibility of a relocation allowance when applicable.

Professional development opportunities and support to help you grow in your career.

Access to a free and confidential Employment Assistance Program and more.

Provision of a laptop and mobile phone to support your work where applicable.

Fleet cars to carry out daily tasks where applicable.

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

Please apply though this link - https://rum.chris21.com/RUM_MER21p/Home/Index#!/

To apply, please submit:

1. A cover letter that includes:

Stating who your mob/clan is.

Your previous experience and/or qualifications

Your response to the following questions:

The Program is to ensure all decision making is culturally safe in line with the best interests of Aboriginal people and self-determination. Please describe your experience designing or leading programs that support Aboriginal children, youth, and families.

Describe your 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, Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Risk Management (MARAM) Framework, and The Child Safe Standards VIC. How are you applied this knowledge in a leadership or program management role.

This role requires strong program management and budgeting skills. Describe a time when you were responsible for managing a program, including budget responsibilities and reporting to funding bodies, and ensuring outcomes were delivered with set timelines. How did you collaborate with internal stakeholders such as finance and ensure accountability.

2. A current Resume

Applications close: Sunday 27th of July 2025

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