Job Title

Aboriginal Family Preservation Program Manager Posted: 17/04/2026 Closing Date: 15/05/2026 Salary: $117,526.50 - $117,526.50 Job Type: Permanent - Full Time Location: Elermore Vale Job Category: Preservation Wandiyali is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, established in Newcastle in 1997. We are the largest accredited Aboriginal provider of Permanency Support Program (PSP) Out of Home Care (OOHC) services across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Region and Port Stephens. Wandiyali also delivers a range of Family Preservation Programs and community support services, working in partnership with children, young people and families to achieve safe, culturally strong and sustainable outcomes. Job Description The Opportunity 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 AFP is keeping Aboriginal children safe at home with their families, connected to Culture, Community and Country. Wandiyalis AFP is grounded in the 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 Program manager oversees our AFP program, leading a collaborative approach to ensure that all AFP team members are supported to provide the highest quality services. The Program Manager has several key responsibilities: Provides leadership, direction and oversight of the Aboriginal Family Preservation program Ensures quality service provision, with the goal of improving outcomes, Cultural connection and the best interests of children, young people and their families. Ensures the program is using evidence informed and best practice standards that are compliant with legislation and organisational standards. Leads, coaches and motivates the development of teams and their practices, supporting continuous improvement of service delivery using quantitative and qualitative data. Establishes effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ensures compliance with funding contracts and Program Level Agreements Oversees the Cultural, social and emotional wellbeing of employees, children, young people, individuals and their families. This role will work across our Elermore Vale and Cessnock Office. 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 change 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 (P1 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 Friday 15 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 [email protected] 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 Excellent 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 Culturallly confident behaviours in evidence informed practices and therapeutic interventions Demonstrates qualities of excellent 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.