The Role
Aboriginal Practice Leaders are senior Aboriginal staff members who are a part of the District Leadership Team with a specialist role in each district.
The position is responsible for demonstrating a high standard of service, and contributing to the ongoing development and implementation of effective practice relating to Aboriginal children, families and communities. As an Aboriginal Practice Leader you would provide guidance to the district on how to apply Aboriginal ways of working; strengthening the principles, disciplines and tools of the Signs of Safety Child Protection Framework. You would also provide high level advice to the District Director and leadership team on issues relating to Aboriginal services for children, families and their communities.
When decisions are being made about placing an Aboriginal child into care, Aboriginal Practice Leaders are consulted for their cultural and practice knowledge. In the role, you would apply your knowledge of key policies and practices, such as the Department’s Aboriginal Services and Practice Framework 2016-18 and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Child Placement Principle, to inform and influence decision making processes to achieve culturally responsive solutions for vulnerable Aboriginal children. You would work closely with Aboriginal children, families and communities to empower them to fully engage in the Signs of Safety process. At times, you may have a conflicting family connection with children, their families and communities. The Department offers culturally responsive support and supervision to people performing this role, and there are many channels available alleviate anxiety associated with family and cultural conflicts.
Working with Aboriginal stakeholders, non-government organisations and local communities is also an important part of the role. Specifically, establishing partnerships with Aboriginal community controlled organisations (ACCOs) strengthens and enables the district to work collaboratively to find out information about:
- A child’s family or extended family and;
- Medical information, including spiritual well-being ;
- Cultural identities including Kinship relationships and skin group and,
- Other local cultural supports and services for vulnerable children, their families and communities.
This position has a key responsibility to lead the local learning agenda in the district, with a coaching and mentoring responsibility for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff. Where required, the Aboriginal Practice Leader will deliver learning opportunities to the district through Aboriginal Practice Network meetings, working alongside teams to determine how the district can work in a more culturally competent way with Aboriginal families.
