Please note: This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under ‘special measures’ of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.
About BDAC
BDAC is an ACCO (Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation) registered as a member under the umbrella of VACCHO (Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation) and represented nationally through NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation).
BDAC was founded to represent and provide services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living on Djaara Country.
BDAC has a responsibility to ensure growth of services, development of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, better and improved health outcomes for our people, improved quality of life and be a lead agency in providing self-determination employment and career pathways for Aboriginal people.
What We Are Offering
Full time
$44.58 per hour
Fixed term 12 months
Access to Salary Packaging
12% Superannuation
Supportive work environment
Ongoing training and development opportunities
Job Description
About the Position
The wukangu manya team at BDAC delivers a comprehensive range of culturally responsive support services designed to meet the diverse needs of our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. These services include Quick Response (Emergency Relief), Initial Assessment and Planning (Intake), Aboriginal Private Rental Assistance Program (APRAP), Aboriginal Tenancies at Risk (ATAR), the Children’s Resource Worker, and the Local Justice Worker Program (LJWP). Each program plays a vital role in promoting stability, wellbeing, and self-determination for individuals and families.
The successful applicant will join this dynamic and supportive team as a Quick Response (Emergency Relief) Practitioner, working directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to provide timely assessments and assistance during periods of crisis and urgent need.
Key Responsibilities
Provide culturally safe emergency relief to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, facing financial hardship by offering practical support like food, vouchers, clothing, and household items to help individuals and families through difficult times.
Connect community members in crisis with appropriate local services and supports, providing clear guidance to access help.
Collaborate closely with wukangu manya services, BDAC programs, external partners, and crisis services to deliver coordinated, culturally respectful responses.
Engage respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, offering direct, needs-based support to individuals and families.
Answer and respond promptly to Quick Response phone calls, ensuring timely, culturally appropriate follow-up and accurate recording.
Welcome and support community members attending the site with culturally safe and respectful responses to their essential needs.
Keep accurate client records and complete required reporting in line with BDAC and program policies and requirements.
Respond appropriately to child safety and family violence concerns through timely, culturally informed assessments and actions in line with organisational and legal requirements.
Desired Skills and Experience
About You
Demonstrated knowledge and deep respect for Aboriginal culture, values, and traditions, with an understanding of the unique environment of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).
A strong commitment to culturally safe and respectful practice, recognizing the strengths and needs of Aboriginal community members and fostering positive relationships with both community and colleagues.
Sound knowledge of both Aboriginal specific and mainstream service systems, with the ability to navigate and connect community members to appropriate resources during times of crisis.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal clients, families, and community stakeholders.
Proven ability to organise and manage workload efficiently, balancing multiple tasks while maintaining cultural sensitivity.
Experience in responding to crisis situations, demonstrating resilience and calmness when working in high-pressure or stressful environments.
Ability to build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with clients and justice stakeholders, working collaboratively to achieve shared goals and positive outcomes.
A strong team player with a commitment to collaborative and inclusive working relationships that value the voices and perspectives of Aboriginal people.
Demonstrated experience in accurate data collection, record keeping, and reporting, aligned with organisational and cultural standards.
Education, Training and/ or Competencies: preferred/ desired
Diploma in Community Service Work, or a degree qualification in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field is highly preferred. Candidates willing to undertake ongoing study in the role are also encouraged to apply.
Previous experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members or within an Aboriginal organisation is highly desirable.
How to Apply
If this role sounds like the role for you then click on the link below and apply by attaching your resume, cover letter detailing how you suit the role and a document addressing theKey Selection Criteria by Monday 27th of October2025.
Mandatory Requirements
Should an applicant be the preferred candidate, background checks (Police check, reference check and Working with Children's Check) will be completed prior to the candidate’s employment being confirmed.
For more information about this position please see the Position Description which can be accessed via our website www.bdac.com.au or contact our human resources team on (03) 5442 4947 or send an email through to recruitment@bdac.com.au
Please note: This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under ‘special measures’ of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.
