Case Manager / Social Worker
Multiple positions on offer
About WYDAC
Warlpiri Youth Development Aboriginal Corporation (WYDAC) has dedicated itself to developing the strength, health, confidence and leadership of Warlpiri youth since 1993. The program aims to promote positive and meaningful future pathways for all young Warlpiri people. The notable, and sustainable, success of the program has been firmly based on the strength of Warlpiri youth, families and their communities, as well as the ongoing commitment of staff. The program was created by, and for, Warlpiri people, and is governed by a Warlpiri Committee. The WYDAC head office is in Yuendumu Community, however WYDAC is comprised of a variety of programs operating at five different Warlpiri sites – Yuendumu, Willowra, Nyirripi, Lajamanu and Mt Theo Outstation. WYDAC also have an office located in Alice Springs. There are over 70 staff across the entire organisation with more than half of these being Warlpiri people.
Primary purpose of the position
The purpose of the Case Manager / Social Worker is to manage the day to day operations of this service working closely with the WWK Team Leader to ensure that practice remains within the WWK framework.
Reporting relationships
The Case Manager / Social Worker will be responsible to the WWK IFSS Coordinator and WYDAC Committee.
Other key relationships that the Case Manager / Social Worker to actively foster and develop in order to be functioning effectively are:
• WWK Mentors
• Cultural advisors
• Lajamanu Jaru Pirrjirdi team
• IFSS Lajamanu team
• Outstation Coordinator
• WWK, Yuendumu, Willowra and Nyirripi Counsellor/case manager
Duties and responsibilities
Primary duties
The following areas are critical to the role and constitute the primary duties required to be successful in fulfilling the duties associated with this position.
Case Management
• Ensure that case management/counseling/social work practice is culturally appropriate to the Warlpiri context and in line with the strategic direction of the Board and WYDAC values
• Ensure that first contact with new referrals is completed within 24 hours of receiving referral.
• Ensure that exit from the service is assessed and documented appropriately
• Ensure that case management plans are developed and reviewed in close collaboration with WWK IFSS coordinator
• Ensure that risk assessments are completed in a timely and effective manner
• Provide court support to young people attending bush court in Lajamanu – these young people may not be direct clients of WWK, however will require support and advocacy on court sitting days.
• Manage the youth diversion clients in collaboration with other WYDAC departments and Coordinator.
• Ensure that crisis or critical events are responded to appropriately and in line with any relevant legislation and internal WYDAC policy
• Ensure that high levels of communication are maintained within the Client services team and with the Youth Development team and/or Management as required.
• Support the referral and assessment of young people into Mt Theo rehabilitation service.
Education and Resource Development
• Where possible, ensure that collaborative educational delivery around pertinent issues as determined by client presentation/presenting issues is undertaken. This delivery can be through other WYDAC programs including Jaru Pirrjirdi (youth program), Jintangku Mardininjaku (Community development) and/or Pina pina jarrinjku (learning centre).
• Identification and assistance to develop relevant resources
Mentors
• Ensure that mentors are being well supported, developed and engaged with the program.
• Ensure that information from Mentors is documented in file notes. Depending on the mentor, this could mean getting verbal reports from mentor and transferring into data base.
• Liaise with youth development team and WWK coordinator to be identifying up and coming mentors
• Closely collaborate with WWK coordinator to support individual mentors and their learning needs
• Build strong relationships with all camps in Yuendumu so as to promote mentor participation across the community.
