Team Leader – Aboriginal Healing Unit
Location: Dame Phyllis Frost Centre
Employment Type: Full-time, 1.0 FTE
Hours: 76 hours per fortnight
Classification: SCHADS Level 6.1
Hourly Rate: $58.37 per hour, plus superannuation
This position has been assessed as a special measure under section 28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) and is open to women applicants only.
Preference will be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, who are strongly encouraged to apply.
About EMHAWS
Elizabeth Morgan House Aboriginal Women’s Services Inc. is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that has supported Victorian Aboriginal women and their children for more than 40 years.
Established in 1976, EMHAWS works closely with Community to deliver culturally safe, specialist family violence, therapeutic and support services.
The Aboriginal Healing Unit program works alongside Aboriginal women incarcerated at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre and in partnership with Corrections Victoria.
The program supports women through:
- culturally safe accommodation within the AHU cottages
- culturally appropriate case management and advocacy
- alcohol and other drug group and individual support
- therapeutic counselling
- cultural programs and yarning spaces
- support to strengthen identity, wellbeing, cultural connection and self-determination.
About the Role
The Team Leader provides operational leadership to support the delivery of culturally safe, trauma-informed and person-centred therapeutic and healing programs within a correctional environment.
The role works closely with AHU staff, Elders, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, custodial staff, multidisciplinary teams and community partners.
The Team Leader will also act on behalf of the Program Manager when required, support operational priorities and maintain continuity of service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support the Aboriginal Healing Unit team.
- Coordinate culturally safe, trauma-informed and person-centred programs.
- Support staff with case planning, referrals, risk assessment and client engagement.
- Ensure client records, reporting and administration are completed accurately and on time.
- A strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, self-determination, and intergenerational trauma.
- Experience leading or coordinating therapeutic, rehabilitation, justice, health, wellbeing, or community services programs.
- Monitor incidents, risks, hazards and workplace safety.
- Ensure programs meet organisational, legal and quality requirements.
- Contribute to service planning, program improvement and staff development.
- Knowledge of health, mental health, alcohol and other drug, employment, education, and community services.
- Promote a respectful, inclusive and collaborative team culture.
Key Selection Criteria
The successful applicant will demonstrate:
- a strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, self-determination and intergenerational trauma
- Proficiency in case management software and client record keeping systems.
- Formal qualification in trauma-informed care or equivalent professional experience.
- experience leading or coordinating therapeutic, rehabilitation, justice, health, wellbeing or community services programs
- the ability to provide culturally appropriate case planning, advocacy and support to Aboriginal women
- the ability to build strong relationships with Elders, ACCOs, custodial staff and other stakeholders
- an understanding of the needs of people who have experienced incarceration and complex service systems
- knowledge of health, mental health, alcohol and other drug, employment, education and community services
- strong communication, leadership, collaboration and relationship-building skills
- professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, cultural humility and ethical practice
- a relevant qualification in social work, community services or a related field, willingness to undertake a qualification, or equivalent professional experience.
Connection to Aboriginal Community and lived experience of navigating prison or justice-related service systems are highly desirable.
Conditions of Employment
The successful applicant must:
- hold a current Working with Children Check
- hold or obtain a satisfactory Victorian Police Check through Fit2Work
- meet Corrections Victoria screening and access requirements
- comply with EMHAWS policies, procedures and screening requirements
- participate in professional development and annual performance reviews.
Apply Now
If you believe your skills, experience and values align with this role, we encourage you to apply by submitting your resume and cover letter.
Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are strongly encouraged.
