This position is only open to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent only pursuant to Section 56 (2) of the Equal Opportunity Act, 1984.

Looking for an opportunity to create pathways of influence and wellbeing for Aboriginal children and young people in Residential Care?

Our Out of Home Care Directorate is seeking an Aboriginal Youth Engagement Practitioner to join their team on a full-time temporary basis. This role aims to achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people by placing a focus on safety and wellbeing at the forefront, ensuring practice is guided by a cultural lens and grounded in connection to culture, family and community.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Undertake holistic assessments and interventions that promote the rights of Aboriginal children and young people in Residential Care.
• Create pathways for Aboriginal children and young people to participate, provide comment and lived experience advice.
• Promote and connect Aboriginal children and young people with access to programs and activities that promote cultural strength and resilience.
• Provide advice to Residential Care staff in relation to resources and services that will assist them in supporting Aboriginal children and young people.
• Forge and maintain working relationships with relevant Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organisations to share resources and coordinate services.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Expertise in providing practical advice to staff to help meet the needs of Aboriginal children and young people.
• Proficiency in maintaining effective working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders and the ability to work independently.
• Experience in using initiative and problem solving to keep Aboriginal children and young people engaged and resolve issues when required.
• Demonstrated ability to assess problems and make professional recommendations for the creation of long term solutions.
• Experience in analysing complex situations and formulating suitable solutions through practical interpretation of best practice.

If you are passionate about supporting the safety, wellbeing and future of Aboriginal children and young people in care, and are committed to providing a culturally responsive practice, then we encourage you to apply.

Desirable: A degree level qualification in Social Work which gives eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Persons of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, who have the appropriate background and skills but do not have the essential qualification, may apply for and be engaged/assigned to the role of Social Worker and will be entitled to apply for any Allied Health Professional roles requiring a qualification in Social Work within the Department for Child Protection (DCP).

Pursuant to Section 56(2) of the Equal Opportunity Act, 1984 only people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Descent may apply for this role.

The Department for Child Protection (DCP) plays a key role in the protection of children, young people and their families within South Australia. The department provides support to vulnerable children and young people to be safe, strong and connected.