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
Fixed term 12 months
$80,000 - $90,000 annually
Access to Salary Packaging
12% Superannuation
Supportive work environment
Ongoing training and development opportunities
Job Description
About the Position
The Stronger Journeys Mentor role brings together the Housing First Program and Placement Support Program to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people transitioning from Out of Home Care to independent living.
The Housing First program is a culturally grounded approach that provides safe, stable, and culturally appropriate housing solutions, creating a strong foundation for healing, growth, and self determination.
The role works alongside young people in a culturally safe and holistic manner, recognising the importance of connection to family, community, Country, and culture. Support is tailored to individual needs and focuses on housing stability, development of independent living skills, and strengthening cultural identity and belonging.
The Placement and Support component of the role provides cultural connection and guidance for Aboriginal young people in Out of Home Care, with a particular focus on residential care. The role also delivers culturally responsive advice and support to carers and service providers to promote culturally safe care practices and support the maintenance of cultural identity while young people are in care.
Applicant must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. This is a designated Aboriginal position under Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide culturally informed support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Out of Home Care, particularly within residential care settings.
• Deliver culturally safe, trauma-informed casework to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, supporting their transition from Out of Home Care to independent living in a way that upholds their cultural identity and wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders to build and sustain strong partnerships, advocating for culturally appropriate responses that support positive outcomes for young people
• Proactively engage with young people in Out of Home Care, establishing strong, trusting relationships leading up to transition to ensure continuity of care and culturally safe support under a Housing First approach.
• Complete culturally informed assessments and planning processes, including the development and implementation of Cultural Support Plans, ensuring connection to mob, culture, and identity is actively supported and strengthened.
• Collaborate with placement services to ensure Aboriginal young people in Out of Home Care maintain cultural identity, cultural safety, and connection to community.
Desired Skills and Experience
About You
• Strong understanding of child and adolescent development and trauma, with culturally responsive and trauma informed approaches to supporting vulnerable young people in partnership with their families and carers, including those with complex needs.
• Demonstrated experience working sensitively with families, extended families, and carers throughout the placement process, with the ability to rapidly engage stakeholders and establish clear, achievable goals.
• Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to work collaboratively within a team and build strong, effective working relationships.
• Understanding of Aboriginal culture and the ACCO environment
• Knowledge of the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organise own workload efficiently, while remaining effective and resilient in high pressure or stressful situations.
• Case Management, Data collection and record keeping skills.
• Demonstrated strong negotiation and advocacy skills, with a sound understanding of support services available to young people, families, and carers.
• Other duties as requested by your leadership team. Education, Training and/or Competencies Mandatory
• Holding a relevant tertiary qualification in a human services discipline (or equivalent).
• Holding a Diploma of Community Services (or equivalent) or currently working towards completion.
Preferred/ desired
• Demonstrated experience in inter agency collaboration and partnership based practice.
• Previous experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members or in an Aboriginal organisation.
How to Apply
If this role sounds like the role for you then click on the link below and apply by attaching your CV and a cover letter detailing how you suit the role by Monday 15th of June 2026.
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.
