Social and Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner

Employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People at Ngwala is essential to maintaining culturally aligned services. We STRONGLY encourage Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this role and others as they become available.

About Ngwala:

Ngwala Willumbong is a leading provider of culturally safe and effective support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are committed to supporting individuals affected by alcohol and other drug misuse, providing them with pathways to recovery through holistic and culturally appropriate rehabilitation programs.

About the Role:

The Social and Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed and strengths-based therapeutic support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities accessing Ngwala services.

Grounded in an Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) framework, the position recognises that wellbeing encompasses the interconnected domains of body, mind and emotions, family and kinship, community, Culture, Country and spirituality. The Practitioner will work alongside clients to strengthen healing, connection, resilience, identity and self-determination.

The role provides individual, family and group-based therapeutic interventions across multiple locations, and uses a range of culturally responsive, relational and creative approaches to engagement. This may include narrative and storytelling approaches, therapeutic yarning, art and creative expression, music-based activities and other experiential approaches appropriate to the needs, strengths and preferences of clients.

The Practitioner will work collaboratively across Ngwala’s multidisciplinary service system and with external services to provide coordinated and holistic responses to people experiencing complex and intersecting needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Therapeutic Support

• Provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed, strengths-based and person-centered therapeutic support to individuals, families and groups.
• Undertake holistic assessment of clients’ social and emotional wellbeing, including strengths, protective factors, presenting concerns, relationships, environment, risk and support needs.
• Engage clients at a pace and in a manner that supports trust, choice, informed consent and culturally safe participation.
• Work collaboratively with clients to establish therapeutic goals and develop individualised wellbeing and therapeutic support plans.
• Deliver evidence-informed brief and ongoing therapeutic interventions appropriate to client needs and the practitioner’s qualifications, competence and scope of practice.
• Regularly review therapeutic goals and support plans with clients and adjust interventions in response to progress, changing needs and client feedback.
• Facilitate culturally responsive therapeutic groups, yarning activities and wellbeing programs across Southern and Bayside locations.
• Provide psychoeducation and practical strategies that strengthen emotional regulation, coping, identity, relationships, connection and resilience.
• Provide outreach-based support, including attending approved community, service or home-based locations where safe and appropriate.
• Coordinate referrals and work collaboratively with Ngwala teams and external services to support holistic client outcomes.
• Support warm referrals by assisting clients to understand available services, obtain required information and connect with the receiving provider.

Risk, Records and Accountability

• Recognise and respond to changes in wellbeing, risk or safety, including family violence, suicide or self-harm concerns, and promptly escalate to the Southern Program Manager in accordance with organisational procedures.
• Complete and document appropriate safety planning, risk screening and follow-up actions in consultation with the client and relevant senior staff.
• Facilitate referral to specialist or clinical services where a person’s needs exceed the scope of the role.
• Complete assessments, therapeutic plans, case notes, outcome measures, referrals and case closures accurately and within required timeframes.
• Maintain regular client contact and follow up missed appointments, disengagement or barriers to participation in line with program procedures.
• Obtain informed consent and maintain privacy, confidentiality, accurate client records and clear professional and therapeutic boundaries.
• Use client information systems accurately and ensure records clearly describe the support provided, client response, identified risks and agreed next steps.
• Participate in regular case review, supervision, performance appraisal and continuous professional development.

Culturally Responsive Practice

• Embed Aboriginal understandings of Social and Emotional Wellbeing within assessment, intervention, practice guidance and program design.
• Recognise Culture, Country, community, spirituality, family and kinship as protective factors and sources of strength and healing.
• Promote Aboriginal self-determination, choice, dignity, cultural identity and culturally safe engagement.
• Work collaboratively with Aboriginal staff, Elders, cultural knowledge holders and community representatives where appropriate.
• Use culturally appropriate communication and engagement approaches, including therapeutic yarning, storytelling and creative activities where suitable and welcomed by the client.

Organistional Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in relevant internal and external meetings and continuous quality-improvement activities.
• Communicate relevant client updates, risks, service barriers and agreed actions with the Southern Program Manager and involved services, subject to consent and privacy requirements.
• Represent Ngwala and the SEWB program in a professional, respectful and culturally safe manner.
• Escalate incidents, injuries, client risk and worker-safety concerns to the Southern Program Manager.
• Seek higher-level practice guidance or complex-case consultation from the Senior Therapeutic SEWB Practitioner where appropriate.

Skills & Experience:

• Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal culture, community, self-determination and Aboriginal SEWB frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal people and communities in a culturally safe and respectful manner.
• Skills in therapeutic engagement, holistic assessment, support planning, group facilitation and case coordination.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, grief and loss, mental health, AOD, family violence, homelessness and other intersecting needs.
• Ability to recognise and escalate risk, maintain professional boundaries and work within qualifications and scope of practice.
• Knowledge of privacy, informed consent, mandatory reporting, MARAM and CIMS requirements.
• Strong written communication, case-note, organisation and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple clients and contribute effectively to a multi-skilled team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, client management systems and mobile technology.
• Ability and willingness to undertake outreach and drive Ngwala vehicles where required.

Mandatory Requirements:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field
• Current Victorian driver’s licence
• National Police Certificate (not older than 3 months)
• Victorian Employment Working with Children Check

What We Offer:

• Full Time role – 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday
• Social and Community Services Level 4
• NFP Salary Packaging Benefits up to $15,900
• An opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• A supportive and culturally inclusive work environment.
• Ongoing professional development and training.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about supporting individuals on their recovery journey and promoting cultural safety, we would love to hear from you. Please provide the following:

• A cover letter outlining why you would be a great fit for this role
• A resume which outlines your educational and employment background

*Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit pre-employment checks including a Police Check (no older than 3 months), Victorian Employment Working with Children Check, Health Declaration and/or a medical check as well as right to work in Australia Check*.