Manager – Aboriginal Family Preservation

This role is open to applicants who identify as Aboriginal only. Roles which involve directly providing programs and services to Aboriginal people for the purposes of promoting their welfare are considered to be ‘Aboriginal identified roles’ and are as such restricted to Aboriginal people only. This is permitted under Section 14(d) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

About KARI Ltd.

KARI Ltd is one of NSW’s largest accredited Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations. Our Aboriginal Family Preservation Program supports Aboriginal children, young people and families by providing intensive, culturally safe support designed to strengthen families and reduce the risk of further intervention by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).

This is a fixed-term contract till 30 June 2027.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary of $118,367 per annum including leave loading + super

• Maximise your take-home pay with full salary packaging (up to $15,900 tax-free)

• 35-hour week + monthly RDOs = real work-life balance

• Lead a team making a meaningful difference to Aboriginal children and families

• Work that strengthens culture, identity, connection and belonging

• Join a supportive, values-driven Aboriginal Community Controlled organisation

• Ongoing professional development, mentoring and cultural guidance

• Opportunity to build strong partnerships across KARI, DCJ and the wider community

About the Role

As the Manager – Aboriginal Family Preservation Metro West, you will provide leadership and oversight to the Aboriginal Family Preservation team, ensuring the program delivers high-quality, culturally responsive services and achieves positive outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people and their families.

You will lead and support a team of professional caseworkers, oversee referrals and caseload allocation, monitor service delivery and ensure the program operates in accordance with relevant legislation, KARI policies, the Aboriginal Family Preservation Operations Manual and key performance requirements.

The role will also involve building strong relationships with DCJ, KARI teams and community stakeholders, monitoring program budgets and reporting requirements, and providing regular supervision and support to staff.

This is an Aboriginal Identified role — a rare opportunity to lead with integrity, cultural strength, and purpose.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision and support to a team of professional workers

• Oversee referrals and allocate caseloads to ensure key program deliverables are achieved

• Manage unallocated cases and monitor team workloads and performance

• Review plans and assessments to ensure positive outcomes for children, young people and their families

• Ensure service delivery complies with relevant legislation, policies, procedures and the Aboriginal Family Preservation Operations Manual

• Support staff to identify and respond to child protection concerns, including mandatory reporting requirements

• Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with DCJ teams, KARI staff and key community stakeholders

• Attend relevant meetings, including case review meetings relating to children, young people and birth families

• Ensure internal and external reporting requirements are completed accurately and within required timeframes

• Monitor program budgets and expenditure to ensure alignment with service and program requirements

• Provide regular, structured supervision and monitor team performance against KPIs

• Participate in service evaluations, staff appraisals and team planning

• Contribute to a positive, supportive and collaborative team environment

• Advocate for KARI and Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities

Requirements

• This is an identified position. Aboriginality is a genuine requirement of this role

• Valid NSW Working with Children’s Check – Paid Worker

• National Criminal History Check upon commencement

• NSW Driver’s Licence – minimum P2 (or equivalent)

Skills and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualifications

• Experience working within Family Preservation, OOHC or a similar human-centred case management model

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal communities, families and children

• Significant experience supporting Aboriginal communities and families experiencing complex challenges

• Sound knowledge of child protection legislation, policies and procedures

• Knowledge of relevant legislation and organisations involved in the care and protection of children and young people

• Demonstrated experience supervising and leading a team

• Strong understanding of strengths-based practice and experience working collaboratively with vulnerable people

• Excellent verbal communication, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills

• Strong organisational and time management skills

• High level computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and Outlook

• Ability to work cooperatively and respectfully with families, team members and professionals from diverse agencies and cultural backgrounds

• Commitment to KARI’s values, policies and procedures

If you’re ready to lead a team that makes a meaningful difference and help strengthen Aboriginal families, children and communities, we want to hear from you.

This is your chance to lead with purpose, back your team, and create real change for Aboriginal kids and families. For further information or to request a full job description, please contact Wendy Dargan on (02) 8782 0*** or via email: ************@kari.org.au