About Position

Reporting to the Director of Child Safety and Cultural Support, the Program Manager will hold responsibility for supporting and leading two mutjang bupuwingarrak mukman teams (a Dja Dja Wurrung name meaning “keeping our kids safe”), as well as several of the cultural support programs that work with children, young people and families which can include Better Futures, Target Care Package, Aboriginal Family Decision Making Convenor and Cultural Advisor.

The position is responsible for the supervision of Team Leaders and practitioners when required as well as monitoring compliance, decision making and ensuring safety and wellbeing of children and young people authorised to BDAC under section 18 of the Children, Youth and Families Act (CYFA) 2005.  The program manager will ensure the program is a healthy and positive work environment that promotes staff growth and that leads to best possible outcomes for children, young people and families. The Program Manager is responsible for ensuring high-quality administration of the CYFA 2005 as well as compliance with relevant guidelines and MOUs. This position will require some travel, after hour’s work and will manage an on-call service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support two mutjang bupuwingarrak mukman teams using a solution-focused, strengths-based approach to foster a healthy work environment and achieve the best outcomes for families and children.
• Lead and support Better Futures, Targeted Care Packages (TCP), Cultural Advisor and Aboriginal Family Led Decision Making programs.
• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer to monitor and evaluate the budget, adjusting as necessary.
• Ensure adherence with the DFFH program requirements for ACAC, Cultural Support Programs and MOU’s.
• Administer the CYFA 2005 effectively under section 18.
• Adhere to BDAC policies and procedures for the mutjang bupuwingarrak mukman program and Cultural Support programs.
• Oversee and review all program policies and procedures, including the program manual and legal delegations, making updates as needed.
• Represent BDAC in reviewing MOUs, program requirements, and Victorian legislation.
• Manage all staffing aspects within the program, including recruitment, retention, supervision, and performance management.
• Provide expert advice and direction to the program on child protection matters working under section 18 of the CYFA  
• Maintain BDAC’s arrangements for legal representation and consultation in Child Protection matters.
• Facilitate the authorisation of children in line with program requirements, manage BDAC’s responsibilities in the authorisation process of children including, selection, briefing and compliance with section 18 CYFA 2005               
• Audit and review all client files (written and electronic) to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Ensure court applications and reports are submitted to ensure all protection orders are current and updated (if required) prior to expiry date and that no protection order is allowed to lapse unintentionally

Liaison with key stakeholders and professional networking

• Build and maintain high-quality collaborative relationships with        external stakeholders including, CASA, Police and SOCIT, DFFH Child Protection, local Community Services Organisations and other Aboriginal Organisations.
• Review and develop protocols and procedures between organisations.
• Participate on relevant interagency working committees.
• Represent BDAC at various forums and promote the work of BDAC and the Mutjang Bupuwingarrak mukman program.
• Be available for external consultation regarding ACAC, Cultural Supports and BDAC services.
• Willingness to travel including overnight as needed to attend training, meetings and events.