Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative – Family, Care and Early Years now has the following vacancies:

Kinship First Supports Worker

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 Kinship First Supports Worker reports directly to the Team Leader Foster Care and is responsible for supporting the Team Leader to fulfil the requirements and responsibilities relevant to the role including Aboriginal ways of working, quality and compliance, and the strategic direction of Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative.

The Kinship First Supports Worker is responsible for delivering early, targeted intervention to support the stabilisation of new statutory kinship care placements that are expected to last three months or longer. The role supports both carers and Aboriginal children and/or young people (0-17 years of age) during the critical early period following placement, working to ensure that the care environment is safe, and stable and culturally safe and sensitive.

The role involves delivering three core components of the program: comprehensive assessment, family support services, and flexible brokerage. Through these, the Kinship First Supports Worker builds the capacity of kinship carers to understand and meet the needs of Aboriginal children and/or young people in their care. This includes undertaking comprehensive kinship assessments, identifying placement strengths and vulnerabilities, as well as facilitating access to practical supports that promote the child’s development and connection to family, community, and culture.

The role requires sound professional judgment, cultural awareness, and the ability to work collaboratively with carers, Child Protection and other service providers to contribute to placement stability, reduce the risk of breakdown and, where appropriate, support safe family reunification.

About You

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

You are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

A recognised qualification in Social Work, Community Services, or a related field (Diploma level minimum).

Knowledge of the local Aboriginal community and culture and the role Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative provides.

Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, intergenerational trauma, and its impacts on children and families.

Sound understanding of the Victorian child protection and out-of-home care systems.

Well-developed assessment and analytical skills, with the ability to gather and interpret information, identify risks and strengths, and produce high quality written reports to inform placement decisions.

Strong communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with Aboriginal children, families, and carers.

Proven ability to maintain a high standard of confidentiality, professional boundaries and compliance with program, legislative and organisational requirements.

Strong organisational and time management skills, including the capacity to prioritise tasks, manage competing demands and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

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 4 – pay point 1 to pay point 4 (based on qualifications and experience).

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#!/

If you experience any technical difficulties using our online portal, please contact our Human Resources Staff on (03) 5820 0000.

To apply, please submit:

1. A cover letter that includes:

Stating who your mob/clan is.

Your previous experience and/or qualifications.

2. A current resume.

Applications close: Thursday 13th of November 2025

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