First Nations Case Manager (Identified Role)

HELP YOUNG AUSTRALIANS MOVE BEYOND DRUGS AND CRIME. JOIN THE TED NOFFS FOUNDATION, AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST PROVIDER OF DRUG TREATMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 

Type: Full Time, 12-month fixed-term contract

Location: Mount Druitt NSW

Remuneration: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (Level 4) + full salary packaging options available 

About Us:               

Originally named The Wayside Foundation, The Ted Noffs Foundation was established in 1970 by the Australian humanitarian, Reverend Ted Noffs, and renamed in 1992 to honour his life’s work. The organisation’s early work helped co-found Lifeline, the first drug referral centre and The Freedom Ride (https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/1965-freedom-ride). Charlie Perkins and Ted Noffs alongside Ken Brindle and Bill Geddes also co-founded the Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs in 1964 (https://dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/foundation_for_aboriginal_affairs) which was one of the first organisations aiming to achieve equality for First Nations people. The Ted Noffs Foundation went on to pioneer drug treatment for young Australians.

Ted Noffs Foundation services are focused on helping young people with drug, crime and mental health issues and have achieved significant success. We run services across NSW, ACT and QLD with over 150 staff and nearly 300 volunteers committed to helping disadvantaged young Australians.

The Role:

The successful candidate will provide alcohol and drug related case management and support to First Nations young people aged 12-25 years old and, where appropriate, their families.

This role is part of the First Nations Case Management program, a First Nations-specific program which provides an early intervention service, one-to-one counselling and facilitates small group workshops. The program uses a range of practical and effective methods such as fishing, bush walking, sports, and swimming activities to engage and build trust with Indigenous young people. It uses this therapeutic relationship as a basis for addressing issues young people would normally be reluctant to discuss.

This role also supports our Deadly Dreaming program, facilitating arts and cultural workshops at schools in above regions.  Workshops are designed to:

• Engage with students and connect them with First Nations Culture, Country and Community;
• Increase school retention, attendance and improve peer relationships;
• Provide brief assessment of students’ mental health and other needs, and refer to relevant services.

This role is attached to The Street University Mount Druitt. The Street Universities are non-residential treatment centres based throughout NSW, ACT and QLD that help those aged 12-25 with drug, crime and mental health issues. Each centre is unique and is a safe environment where young people can engage in workshops ranging from music and dance to computer coding. Evidence-based counselling is available to help our youth reduce their drug use and involvement in crime and to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Responsibilities and duties include, but not limited to:

• Conduct thorough assessments of clients.
• Provide case management services for First Nations young people.
• Provide individual casework support and refer to other parties as required.
• Liaise effectively with referrers, other service providers and families to ensure best service for the client. In particular, forming and maintaining partnerships with First Nations Community Organisations.
• Create and manage effective referral pathways for clients to access the service.
• Arrange community networking for a young person to encourage positive interactions in a safe and supportive environment.
• Maintain client records, statistical records and provide reports as required.
• Develop and maintain referral pathways.
• Travel within the Western Sydney catchment with a focus on Blacktown and Mt Druitt LGA providing AOD support for young people.
• Support service provision at The Street University.
• Demonstrate initiative, creativity and practical life skills to organise positive group programs for young people.
• Facilitate, or support the facilitation of workshops exploring aspects of culture to young people.
• Involve young people in NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Essential Selection Criteria

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ted Noffs Foundation considers that being an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under Section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
• Experience in working with young people, preferably those with alcohol and other drug related difficulties.
• Demonstrated understanding of First Nations culture and communities.
• Extensive experience in working with First Nations young people.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both as a team member and as a practitioner with minimal supervision.
• Strong personal and interpersonal boundaries.
• Commitment to the principles of harm minimisation and to the aims of the Ted Noffs Foundation.
• Must hold a current and valid NSW and Working With Children Check and Driver Licence (Provisional Licence minimum).

Desirable Selection Criteria

• Relevant tertiary qualifications. 
• Minimum 12-months direct casework experience.
• Experience in the drug and alcohol sector.

How To Apply

Submit your application via SEEK with a Resume and a Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria. 

As interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, applicants are encouraged to apply at the earliest point and will be highly regarded. Interviews may be offered upon application.

Please note only successful applicants will be contacted. For further information, contact us at ****@noffs.org.au.