Family Support Worker

Who we are

The MJD Foundation supports Aboriginal families living with Machado Joseph Disease to live fulfilling and rewarding lives. We are a charity that works in partnership with Aboriginal Australians, their families and communities living with Machado-Joseph disease to provide comprehensive supports and engage in research, and provide hope for the future. 

The Position

No day is the same in this greatly varied role at the MJD Foundation!

The Family Support Worker (FSW) will work as part of a team that supports individuals and their families living with MJD by providing holistic person-centered support to improve quality of life. MJDF works in a relationship-based approach that honours Our Way. The ‘Our Way’ approach values and respects a ‘two-way’ approach, delivering supports that are flexible and responsive to the needs of our clients, and reflecting the diverse cultural and linguistic needs of families.

A central part of Our Way is to work in partnership with MJDF clients and Aboriginal Community Worker staff to explore opportunities to learn from each other, integrating knowledge and values to work towards clients’ goals.

The Family Support Worker provides high quality, responsive and culturally appropriate support to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families. The FSW assists the Community Services Specialist by providing services and support to families, such as assessing client/family needs; planning; information and referral; group work; liaising with and providing access and participation to community groups, welfare agencies, and government bodies.

Special Requirements

• Willingness to travel to remote communities (by light aircraft or 4WD- you might travel occasionally);
• Ability to obtain and maintain NDIS Worker Screening clearance;
• Willingness to adhere to MJDF’s and/or Government mandated vaccination policies and provide proof of compliance;
• Ability to obtain and maintain an NT class C manual drivers’ license.

Who you are

Do you want to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal families living with Machado Joseph disease? It is important that you demonstrate that you are self-motivated and that you can build relationships with our clients and families. You are experienced in the community and/or disability services sector. You have strong interpersonal skills, are passionate about your work and are culturally responsive. You enjoy working in a flexible role where no day is the same, in partnership with our Aboriginal Community Workers.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply!

Selection Criteria:

1. Relevant qualifications in health and/or community work and/or disability/aged care or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or training.
2. Experience working with people living with a disability or caring for the elderly;
3. The ability to communicate effectively, sensitively and respectful with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
4. Ability to demonstrate a mature and person-centred approach (by providing examples and via references).
5. Good computer skills;
6. A commitment to person and family centred practice and working within the MJD Foundation ‘Our Way’ approach.
7. Excellent ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
8. Ability to work both independently under broad direction and as part of a (cross cultural) team. 

Desirable criteria

1. Knowledge of, and proven experience working in Indigenous communities and alongside Aboriginal community workers.
2. Understanding of the mechanisms and processes of Machado Joseph Disease.

What we offer:

• A supportive and inclusive work environment with opportunity to learn;
• Above award level pay rate for the right person;
• Tax free fringe benefit up to $15,900 p.a, plus meal entertainment benefit up to $2650 per annum;
• 6 weeks annual leave;
• One day paid wellbeing day and gift;
• A holistic workplace that offers flexibility.

Please have a look at the position description on our website www.mjd.org.au. For more information you can contact Jess Meagher (Community Services Lead) on ************@mjd.org.au or via 0455 820 ***.

How to apply?

If you are interested and excited to join our team, we look forward to hearing from you! You can have a look at the position description on our website www.mjd.org.au.

Please submit your resume and a letter explaining why you would like to work for us in this role. You can send this via the Apply button or directly to ***************@mjd.org.au by Sunday 24 March 2024. We will start interviewing candidates as they apply for the role.