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, 38 hours per week
Fixed term 12 months
Pay aligned with SCHADS Grade 4 - $44.58 per hour
Access to Salary Packaging
12% Superannuation
Supportive work environment
Ongoing training and development opportunities
Job Description
About the Position
The Cultural Advisor for Aboriginal family lead decision making & Cultural Support planning will hold a key role in developing the family meeting processes and supporting the development, implementation, and review of cultural plans for vulnerable Aboriginal children and young people living in out-of-home care. The role will convene family meetings as well as engaging families, finding and activating family support networks as well as negotiating with families where there are significant concerns for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. They support the development of cultural plans by care teams, assessing and providing support where needed and recommend cultural plans are endorsed by the relevant manager. This includes reviewing cultural plans and working with care teams to ensure they are of a suitable standard and address the cultural needs of vulnerable Aboriginal children and young people. This position will require some travel and after hour’s work.
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 timely specialist cultural advice to care teams to support culturally appropriate planning and family meetings, ensuring Aboriginal voice, cultural identity, and best interest principles are upheld.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, building strong relationships with Child Protection and stakeholders to achieve coordinated outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people and their families.
• Schedule and facilitate meetings in line with timelines, ensuring inclusive participation, a culturally safe environment, and accurate documentation of discussions and outcomes.
• Skilfully manage conflict and negotiate shared goals across stakeholders.
• Work with families to develop case plans that address concerns and promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
• Provide clear, accessible information and cultural consultation to children, families, carers, and service providers on processes, guidelines, and available supports.
• Contribute to the development and review of Cultural Support Plans to strengthen connection to culture, community, and identity, and provide recommendations to improve outcomes.
• Engage families to identify strengths and build support networks, including extended family, to support positive outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people.
• Undertake additional duties as directed by line management.
Desired Skills and Experience
About You
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal Culture and the ACCHO environment.
• Highly developed negotiation and meeting facilitation skills.
• Willingness to work through conflict situations in an understanding way to achieve best possible outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and contribute to high-quality Cultural Support Plans that strengthen cultural identity and connection in line with best practice and legislative requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including the capacity to negotiate and work effectively with a range of individuals and agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
• Ability to engage children, young people, families, and communities in a culturally respectful, warm, and approachable manner.
• Demonstrated resilience and ability to managing self-care in being able to work in high pressure environments and work with families.
• Ability to work afterhours as required. Preferred/ desired Education, Training and/or Competencies
• Previous experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members or in an Aboriginal organisation.
• Relevant experience or formal qualifications in Community Services, Social Work, Family Support, or Family Welfare, or currently working towards these.
• Experience and training in any form of conciliation convening will be an asset.
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 Wednesday 1st of July 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.
