AddressVSO presence on ADF bases will act as a hub for DVA VSOs to work from, delivering a high level of personalised service in accessing support and services from DVA, information briefings and updates to the Indigenous veteran community inclusive of current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), their families and representatives of ex-service organisations and regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander non-government organisations such as Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).
The VSO - Indigenous Identified will also work as part of a team to provide an outreach service to variety of locations inclusive of ADF bases, industry employers, ex-service organisations and regional communities of identified need.
The VSO - Indigenous Identified must have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and proven culturally appropriate engagement and communication skills. The VSO will also need to be highly professional, understand the Defence community context in relation to supports and services available from DVA, be well-organised in managing multiple tasks, and able to empathise with individual client need, providing support in complex and sensitive circumstances.
The position carries with it the responsibility for ensuring that the reputation and standing of DVA within the wider community remains of good standing, as it is likely to be the very first direct contact that a member and his/her family may have with the Department. VSOs will work with Team Leaders, often in an autonomous role, to achieve directed tasks and ensure that DVA's business targets are met. In this they work closely with other support elements and processing areas within DVA.
The VSO must have a good appreciation for veterans and veteran's family individual circumstances working to providing expert advice at the right time with an ability to translate this into guidance for next steps in achieving business as usual arrangements with DVA. The role requires excellent organisational skills, and an ability to communicate with a broad range of stakeholder and veterans.
The key duties of the position include
- Provide high-quality personalised service to current and former members of the Australian Defence Force in line with the DVA Cultural Vision and in line with the national VSO Policies, Procedures and Key Performance Indicators as implemented.
- Demonstrate leadership, mentorship, guidance on matters relevant to DVA services and entitlements, particularly in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ADF members and families and their specific needs.
- Provide advice and interpretation, including in writing, on complex aspects of legislation to clients and colleagues in a manner that is culturally sensitive and with an awareness of any cultural barriers to engagement with DVA.
- Develop strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including Command elements, regional Indigenous support agencies such as Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations, ADF Rehabilitation Program (ADFRP), Veteran Employment Industry and ex-service organisations to enhance service delivery to the Indigenous veteran community.
- Work closely with relevant areas of Defence, including Defence's Joint Transition Authority and Indigenous Liaison officers, to support the delivery of services and activities which may be accessed/considered during the relevant stages of ADF transition.
- Provide early identification of persons at risk or with high needs for referral support to DVA's Client Support Program and the relevant regional DVA Indigenous Veteran Liaison officer.
- Perform representational and outreach activities, including presentations to ADF seminars, veteran advocate training sessions, as required, and to any local or regional Indigenous NGOs who may be involved in the support of Indigenous veterans during and after transition.
- Provide personalised on-base VSO service delivery to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ADF members and Command engagement at military bases across a variety of regional contexts.
