Aboriginal Representative Organisation (ARO) Program

Australian Aboriginality is a genuine occupational requirement of these positions in accordance with Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.

Aarnja Limited currently has three Cultural Placement Advisor positions vacant in our ARO program.

West Kimberley (Broome, WA) 1 Female & 1 Male

East Kimberley (Kununurra, WA) x 1 Female

About the Role

As a Cultural Placement Advisor (CPA) you will be required to provide specialist advice and cultural knowledge to the Department of Communities - Child Protection, (the Department), which will enable a broader and more comprehensive scoping of families to identify culturally connected placements and enhance cultural support planning. In doing so, you will develop a sound understanding of child protection processes and a strong working relationship with the Department that is built on trust and respect.

You will also be responsible for supporting the Department to work with Kimberley Aboriginal families in a culturally safe and responsive way.

In this role you will:

Manage and maintain assigned work plans and client case load, including intakes of referrals and consultation requests from the Department.

Work collaboratively with Department staff to ensure placement decisions and cultural support planning for Kimberley Aboriginal children in care is informed by robust cultural consultation.

Participate in meetings with the Department to identify and locate Aboriginal family members who can provide support and care to the child.

Engage and support Kimberley Aboriginal families, with consent, to inform alternative care placements and/or cultural support plans for their child/ren on behalf of the Department.

Provide formal and documented advice to the Department, which includes the importance of strong connection to Aboriginal culture, community and family to inform decision making processes in the best interests of every Kimberley Aboriginal child.

Ensures compliance with the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle as well as having an awareness of current policies, legislation, programs and practices in relation to child welfare.

Maintain clear communication and engagement with other key stakeholders to ensure the interests and needs of every child and their family are being met.

Liaise and network with local Aboriginal organisations, communities or Elders with cultural authority to obtain relevant cultural knowledge on behalf of the child to deepen their cultural connection, belonging and identity.

Participate in ongoing Local Operational Working Group meetings with local child protection staff to address issues as they arise and inform best practice standards.

Maintains clear, concise and accurate records of statistics, meetings, case notes and reporting, including completing appropriate documentation and other necessary administrative procedures.

Participate in supervision, team meetings, staff meetings and training.

Contribute to team and organisation WH&S activities, including providing input into reviews and reforms of policies, practice, systems and processes.

Comply with legislation, contract and policy requirements as required.

Work proactively with a team environment and supports other team members in periods of high demand and during periods of absence.

Support and participate in work related events, activities or initiatives as required.

Undertakes other duties as directed.

To be successful in this role it is essential you demonstrate by addressing the following selection criteria:

Demonstrated knowledge and experience relating to Aboriginal children, families and culture, with a commitment to culturally safe practice, and a high level of awareness of the key issues impacting on Kimberley Aboriginal communities.

Demonstrated understanding of the issues impacting on Kimberley Aboriginal families that lead to child protection involvement.

Demonstrated ability and experience managing client case load and work plans; and working independently as well as within a small team.

Demonstrated sound administrative skills, including computer skills, record keeping including maintaining case notes, emails and record and database management.

Ability to work in a pressured environment and prioritising work and meeting deadlines.

Possession of a current Western Australian ‘C’ Class Driver’s Licence or equivalent, and the ability to travel in response to organisational needs. This requirement continues for the duration of employment in this position and from time-to-time production of the licence may be required upon request by the organization.

Meeting a satisfactory Working with Children Check (WWCC) upon appointment.

Desirable

A relevant qualification in child protection, youth services and/or experience working in the community services sector.

Experience working in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation within the Kimberley region is highly favoured.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter addressing the selection criteria above, the location you are applying for, and a copy of your Resume via Seek website by 4:00pm, Friday, 26th September 2025.

Applications Close: 4.00pm (AWST), Friday, 26th September 2025.

All interested Kimberley Aboriginal person/s are encourage to apply.