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Aboriginal Family Preservation Team Leader

07/05/2026
21/05/2026
$108,654.00 - $108,654.00
Permanent - Full Time
Elermore Vale
Preservation

Wandiyali is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, established in Newcastle in 1997. We are the largest accredited Aboriginal provider of PSP OOHC within Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Region, and Port Stephens. Wandiyali also has a number of Preservation Programs and support services that work closely with children, young people and families.

Job Description

The Opportunity

Please note we are recruiting for both Elermore Vale and Cessnock, please note your preference in your application.

Wandiyali’s Aboriginal Family Preservation (AFP) is funded by DCJ and is a key part of the broader child protection system, and wider service system that supports children and families and is considered a key lever in responding to the over representation of Aboriginal children in the foster care system. The primary objective of our AFP is keeping Aboriginal children safe at home with their families, connected to Culture, Community and Country.

 

Wandiyali’s AFP is grounded in our Social and Emotional Wellbeing Framework (SEWB) and draws on evidence informed practice to provide a Culturally responsive and holistic program. AFP recognises families’ strengths, capabilities and goals, with practitioners working alongside families to increase safety for children. The foundation of the AFP framework are the following core components:

  • Engagement
  • Case Management
  • Family and Parent Support
  • Therapeutic Support
  • Child-focussed Support
  • Healing
  • Advocacy

 

The Team Leader works collaboratively with the AFP Leadership team to ensure that all AFP team members are supported to provide the highest quality services. The Team Leader has several key responsibilities:

  • Provides leadership, guidance and support to practitioners, supporting continuous improvement of service delivery
  • Ensures quality service provision, with the goal of improving outcomes, Cultural connection and the best interests of children, young people and their families.
  • Supports practitioners to effectively utilise evidence informed and best practice standards, including the application of therapeutic measures that are compliant with legislation and organisational standards.
  • Establishes effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Oversees the Cultural, social and emotional wellbeing of their team, children, young people, individuals and their families

 

The Benefits

As a Wandiyali employee, you benefit from additional career development support, including,

  • 12 weeks induction.
  • Ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement.
  • Flexible home/office-based working arrangements (after 12-week induction)

You will also have the option to reduce tax and cost of living expenses through,

  • Salary Packaging of up to $15,900 each FBT year
  • Meal and Entertainment Salary Sacrifice of up to $2,650 each FBT year
  • Employee Benefits programs providing discounts on a large variety of consumer services and products.

A vehicle allowance may be available for this role, subject to approval and in accordance with organisational policy. This allowance is discretionary, may be varied or withdrawn, and does not form part of the base salary or contractual entitlements.

If you are looking for a career that is dedicated to truly making positive changes and you have experience working with Aboriginal children, young people, families, or communities we would like to hear from you.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply 

Please note a current WWCC, National Police Check (completed in the last 12 months), First Aid certificate including CPR, and a current Driver's License (P2 or above) is required prior to the successful applicant's start date.

  • A current resume
  •  A cover letter introducing yourself, and an overview of your experience working with vulnerable children and families in the context of Child Protection or the Community Services Sector.

Closing date: 5.00pm Thursday 21 May 2026

Please note applications may close earlier than the stated date, if a suitable applicant is found.

For further information please contact;

Talana Kilroy

Senior People & Culture Officer 4957 5900 or talana@wandiyali.com.au

Desired Skills and Experience

Essential criteria;

  • A commitment to the Vision, Mission, and Values of our organisation
  • Aboriginal or/and Torres Strait Islander AND/OR is Culturally confident and able to demonstrate their knowledge and experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the community
  • Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Community Services, Psychology, or a related field or equivalent demonstrated experience working with children, young people and families in the preservation sector
  • Strong knowledge, experience and Culturally confident behaviours leading teams
  • Demonstrated knowledge, skill base and Culturally confident behaviours in understanding and navigating the Child Protection system, including a comprehensive understanding of legislative, policy and practice requirements.
  • Demonstrated knowledge, skill base and Culturally confident behaviours in evidence informed practices and therapeutic interventions
  • Demonstrates strong qualities of written and verbal communication, consistency, conflict resolution, appropriate boundaries, accountability and reflective practice
  • Demonstrated experience providing group and individual clinical supervision
  • Demonstrated understanding of the developmental needs of children, young people and families and a comprehensive understanding of the key risk factors of transgenerational trauma on childhood development.
  • Excellent organisational and time-management and problem-solving skills
  • Intermediate level of computer skills and experience using databases.
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