Aboriginal Engagement Worker

This is an Aboriginal designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act (2010), therefore this employment opportunity is only available to Aboriginal applicants.

Windermere is a community services organisation working for those with varied and complex needs, and we truly believe that everyone is someone in our community.

Join us at Windermere. Where we make the effort to understand every individual employee, what matters to them and recognise the value that each person contributes. Empowering them to grow and work in ways that bring out their whole and best self.

We celebrate our diverse range of perspectives, people and ideas and there has never been a better time to join

About the Team

Our dedicated Victims Assistance Program (VAP) assists individuals with their management of the impact of crime. Through the provision of consumer-focused case management services, we promote recovery and minimise secondary victimisation sometimes experienced in the criminal justice systems. We are experts in this space and we currently support 3,000 consumers each year across many regions throughout Victoria.

About the Opportunity

Permanent Part-Time, 3 days per week, hybrid working from office and home with Tuesday being the team collaboration office day, you are more than welcome to attend the office as often as you like.

The Aboriginal Engagement Worker (AEW):

• Supports Aboriginal victims of crime to access information, culturally safe and localised services and supports

• Assists to increase confidence of Aboriginal victims of crime about their rights and entitlements and access to a range of available services and supports

• Provides secondary consultation to other Victim Assistance Program staff supporting Aboriginal victims of crime who have chosen to access mainstream services

• Supported by the VAP agency, works together with local Aboriginal Community Controlled

Organisations (ACCOs) to build trust and engagement with local communities to address systemic barriers for Aboriginal victims' participation in the criminal justice system.

Trauma has been endured by Aboriginal people for generations, as a result of colonisation and the dispossession of land and culture and is deeply rooted in communities. Aboriginal Engagement Workers (AEWs) help to mitigate the impacts of crime on Aboriginal victims and aid their recovery by providing practical assistance and access to therapeutic support. AEWs also provide victims with information and support to engage with the criminal justice system.

AEWs will be co-located with ACCOs for a minimum of one day per week. In some circumstances (e.g. on advice of the AEW or relevant ACCO), the AEW may also be co-located at other community organisations across the region. As a VAP employee, AEWs will be supported by a Team Leader and will work with management to develop and continuously improve the VAP.

Staff Benefits Galore

This is where we stand out from the crowd Windermere offers staff a wide range of unique benefits beyond the salary.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural and Ceremonial Leave
• Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year + additional $2,650 meals and entertainment
• 6 Weeks Paid Parental Leave, in addition to Government Funded Parental Leave Pay (PLP)
• Staff Discount Program for everyday items e.g. groceries, movie tickets, health insurance and more
• Employee Referral Program - $500 per referral
• Professional Development, Study Leave and opportunities for career growth
• Structured Performance Supervision
• 1-on-1 Professional Development check-ins
• Reward & Recognition Program – become a Windermere All Star
• End of Year Awards Celebration – different theme each year
• Flexible Ways of Working - office, outreach and home
• Above Award Personal Leave and 17.5% Annual Leave Loading
• Gifted days off (between Christmas and New Year)
• Flexible Leave Scheme (50/52, 51/52) - Purchase 1-2 weeks additional leave
• Annual Wellbeing Leave Day – No reason needed, it's just for you
• High quality IT equipment
• Access to Fleet Vehicles

Many organisations talk about work-life balance and employee wellbeing, but at Windermere we deliver

Windermere care about staff and strive for continuous improvement, which is why we regularly ask our staff and consumers about what we can do better. n our staff survey from November 2024, 87% of respondents said they were "proud to work at Windermere" and 86.3% feel "we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion". Read more here

Key Selection Criteria:

• Applicants for this position must be of Aboriginal descent through parentage, identify as an Aboriginal person, and be accepted in the community as such.
• Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal culture and/or issues affecting the Aboriginal community, including the interconnections between, and effects of, violence, social and economic disadvantage, racism, dispossession from land and culture and removal of children on Aboriginal victims.
• Experience undertaking community engagement and service delivery.
• Appropriate professional experience, skills, and training that align with the requirements of a SCHADS Award Level 5.
• Tertiary Qualification in Social Work or other related discipline is desirable but not mandatory.
• Demonstrated a high level of computer proficiency and quick adoption of new technologies, including devices which allow for mobility and working remotely.
• Willingness to promote and support practices that are inclusive, culturally responsive, safe and accessible.
• Willingness to undertake pre-employment screening - Working with Children, Police check and medical assessment.
• Current Victorian Drivers' Licence.
• Right to Work in Australia e.g. Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Personal attributes:

• Motivated, enthusiastic and passionate about social justice.
• Self-discipline – Able to maintain a consistent and appropriate pattern of behavior under pressure. Can recognise own limitations and works with others to ensure plans are achieved.
• Self-confidence - Trusting of own abilities. Seeks feedback as appropriate.
• Relationship Building – Establishes and maintains relationships at all levels. Builds and maintains strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Teamwork – Demonstrates consideration, concern and respect for others. Collaborative with strong interpersonal skills.

Go to our Job Portal to submit your application and view the detailed Position Description. Please also ensure you address the Key Selection Criteria in your application letter.

If you require any specific access adjustments or support within the Windermere recruitment, interview or onboarding process please contact our Talent Acquisition Specialist via phone or email

Windermere is committed to creating equitable environments for consumers and employees. We do this by building diverse and inclusive services and workspaces, where all peoples from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, CALD, LGBTIQ+ Communities and those living with disability will know and feel accepted, affirmed, safe and celebrated. Windermere is delivering this through the continued development and implementation of our Welcoming and Inclusion Strategy as we seek to provide a diverse workforce at all levels.