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:

As part of our commitment to self-determination we are proud to support the transition and delivery of the Aboriginal Tenancies at Risk (ATAR) Program.

The Aboriginal Tenancies at Risk Case Manager plays a vital role in supporting Aboriginal individuals and families in the community who are at risk of losing their housing. Working in line with integrated case management guidelines, program frameworks and funding agreements, this position provides culturally safe advice, advocacy and referral services to assist Aboriginal tenants in public and community housing to sustain tenancies and resolve housing disputes.

To ensure success in this important role, intensive training and onboarding will be provided in alliance through the collaborating agency at CAFS with extensive experience in delivering the ATAR Program. You will be supported through a structured transition process that builds your confidence, knowledge and connections across the housing and support services sector.

We currently have an opportunity for highly motivated and enthusiastic ATAR Case Manager to join our Cultural & Therapeutic Support Program on a Full Time Ongoing basis.

Why work for BADAC?

Above award wages (based on relevant qualification and experience)

Generous benefits, entitlements and LSL accrual

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

About the Role

The ATAR Case Manager supports Aboriginal community members experiencing housing insecurity by identifying tenancy risks, addressing issues and connecting people with the appropriate services. You will work with clients, community stakeholders and housing providers to maintain safe, sustainable tenancies.

The ATAR Case Manager will provide support and advocacy when addressing issues that may place their housing at risk including but not limited to rental arrears, VCAT matters, transfers, maintenance debts and other life issues that may jeopardise tenancies.

Sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and the ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people is essential for this role.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Provide assessment of needs and risks for presenting clients. Including but not limited to assessment tools, advocacy practices, case planning tools, and case management practices where appropriate

Provide advice, referral, advocacy and support services for Aboriginal tenant under ATAR Program guidelines and contractual obligations.

Advocate for and assist public and community housing tenants to resolve housing disputes, ensuring clients understand their rights and responsibilities as tenants.

Assist and represent clients at VCAT when needed as well as working alongside tenants with strategies for resolving tenancy related problems or disputes.

Develop and maintain advocacy pathways with relevant agencies.

Maintain appropriate administration systems and client records, including but not limited to databases (SHIP), reports, case notes as required.

Ensure compliance with the Information Privacy Act, and Health Records Act and ensure privacy of clients accessing the services.

Liaise with and participate in service networks including the Victorian Indigenous Statewide Homelessness Network (VISHN) and local reference groups.

Develop positive relationships with community stakeholders and provide visible presence at community events and relevant stakeholder meetings

Engage and collaborate with relevant internal and external stakeholders to support and develop the current and future needs of the Aboriginal workforce within the region of the co-operative.

Maintain strict standards of confidentiality and act at all times in a professional manner in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organisation.

Participate in regular debriefing, supervision, and reflective practice with the Team Leader and Program Manager

Other duties as required and requested by Program Manager and Chief Culture & Publics Relations Officer

Key Selection Criteria:

Demonstrated understanding of challenges which may affect an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s ability to maintain safe and adequate housing.

Sound understanding of Aboriginal culture and ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Knowledge of safe and appropriate culturally centred practices for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander focused services, including employment of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people

Demonstrated understanding of social, physical, economical, and cultural strengths and challenges affecting Aboriginal communities and their ability to access adequate and quality services.

Relevant qualification (or working toward) in Community Services, Social Work, Psychology, or related area and/or experience providing support services to families and young children.

Demonstrated experience in dealing with Office of Housing or social housing organisations and private real estate/landlords.

Sound knowledge and understanding of Residential Tenancy Act.

Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to develop positive stakeholder relationships and communicate with diverse individuals in a culturally appropriate manner

Ability to demonstrate resilience and work in challenging and high-pressured environments.

Strong written communication skills including a high level of accuracy, record keeping, and report writing abilities.

Ability to work effectively and cooperatively as part of a team and follow processes.

Understanding of and demonstrated experience in Case Management principals

Understanding of the purpose and expectations of the Victorian Child Safe Standards and demonstrated commitment to contributing to a child safe organisation in both practice and culture

Other Relevant Information:

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 21st August 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 LGBTQIASB+ employees feel included, safe and supported.