About Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring new perspectives and are willing to take risks. Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd (GAC) emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. Established in 1979 we’re an organisation driven by progressive ideas, bold actions and a strong foundation of support.
Independent Living Team
The Independent Living Team delivers person-centered, culturally safe services that enable people to remain living independently, safely and with dignity in their own homes and communities. Our approach is founded on promoting choice, wellbeing, inclusion and independence while recognising the unique needs, aspirations and cultural identity of every individual.
The team provides a broad range of in-home and community-based supports through the Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP), the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Servies are tailored to individual goals and may include domestic assistance, home maintenance, social support group and individual that enhance quality of life and strengthen community participation.
Working collaboratively with clients, families, carers, community partners and other service providers, the Independent Living Team adopts a holistic and strength-based approach to care. The team is committed to continuous improvement, cultural safety and delivering high-quality services that empower individuals to live meaningful, connected and independent lives.
Role Summary
The Aboriginal Disability Liaison Officer (ADLO) is responsible for supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, families and carers to understand, access and navigate disability supports, including the NDIS assessment pathway, planning processes and service referral options.
Although the role sits within the Independent Living Team, it works collaboratively with all Gunditjmara programs, community, clients, families and carers to provide culturally safe, person-centred support for people of all ages, including children and adults. This support assists clients to identify their needs, develop goals, access appropriate services and remain engaged throughout assessment, planning and review processes. The ADLO also contributes to strengthening referral pathways with NDIS partners, disability providers and community services; maintaining accurate and timely client records; and contributing to activity planning, reporting and continuous improvement across all Gunditjmara programs and other disability services.
This is a Part-time position 3 days / 22.5 hours per week
Duties and Responsibilities:
NDIS Access, Planning and Service Navigation
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Support clients and families to gather relevant information and documentation required for NDIS access requests, planning meetings, plan reviews and service referrals.
- Explain NDIS and disability service processes in a clear, accessible and culturally appropriate way.
- Assist clients to connect with appropriate disability, health, community and mainstream services that align with their goals and support needs.
Client, Family and Carer Support
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Assist clients, families and carers to understand disability supports, the NDIS assessment pathway, access requirements, planning processes and available service options.
- Support clients to identify their needs, strengths, goals and preferences, and assist them to remain engaged throughout assessment, planning, implementation and review processes.
- Advocate alongside clients, families and carers to ensure their voices, choices and cultural needs are recognised in service planning and decision-making.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
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Work collaboratively as part of the Independent Living Team while maintaining strong working relationships with all Gunditjmara programs and community services. Build and maintain effective referral pathways with NDIS partners, disability service providers, health services, community organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
- Promote coordinated, holistic and culturally responsive support by sharing relevant information and working with internal and external services, in line with privacy and consent requirements.
- Participate in community engagement activities that improve awareness of disability supports and strengthens access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.
Records, Reporting and Administration
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Maintain accurate, timely and confidential client records, case notes, referrals and service activity data in accordance with organisational requirements.
- Develop, implement and review the ADLO annual activity plan in consultation with the Independent Living Team, relevant Gunditjmara programs and community stakeholders.
- Prepare and provide relevant information to support internal reporting, funding requirements, service coordination and continuous improvement.
Quality, Safety and Continuous Improvement
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Provide culturally safe, respectful and person-centred support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients of all ages, including children and adults, as well as their families and carers.
- Identify service gaps, barriers to access and opportunities to improve disability support pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Participate in supervision, team meetings, training and professional development relevant to the ADLO role and Independent Living services.
- Support continuous improvement by providing feedback, contributing to service planning and helping improve processes, resources and client outcomes.
Qualifications, Skills, Experience and Knowledge
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Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- Tertiary qualifications in Disability or Health and Social Care related field at Cert 3 or higher and 3+ years of relevant experience
- Proven ability of coaching and mentoring less experienced workers
- Experience assessing, developing, implementing and reviewing support plans
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Sound knowledge of Cultural Safety in practice and a willingness to learn.
- Understanding and commitment to Aboriginal health, Aboriginal culture, and the philosophy and practice of Aboriginal Community Control.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to liaise effectively with a wide range of people at all levels.
- An ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships, characterised by co-operation, trust and mutual respect
- Demonstrated understanding of the principles of person-centred care and Trauma-Informed Practice.
- Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the Aged Care and Disability landscape.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work effectively.
- Demonstrated experience working unsupervised and as part of a team.
- Experience with common computing applications, e.g. Excel, Word, Outlook.
Desirable
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Experience working in Disability and with the Aboriginal community, providing practical and culturally safe advice and linkage to health and community services.
Identified Position
This is an Identified Position. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. The Identified status of this role reflects GAC's commitment to Aboriginal leadership, cultural governance, and self-determination. It is a genuine occupational requirement that the person in this role brings lived experience as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
This position is pursuant of Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, the occupant of this position must be of Australian Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander descent. Certificate of Aboriginality will be required.
Further information regarding the position can be found in the full Position Description located on our website www.gunditjmara.org.au
GAC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace.
Applicants must hold a valid Working with Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check, Police check and a VIC Driver's License or the ability to obtain the same.
Applications will be reviewed and considered as they are received. As such, we highly recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible. Applications Close at Midnight on 20th September 2026.
Please contact Trudy Thorp - People and Recruitment on Mb: 0461 398 207 for further information regarding the position.
To apply online, simply click on the Apply now button.
Alternatively, you can forward your application via email to: [email protected] using the subject line: ADLO
To be considered for this role, please submit:
- A cover letter that directly addresses the Duties and Responsibilities, and your Skills, Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge.
- Answer the Employer Questions listed on Seek
- A current resume outlining your relevant experience.
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring new perspectives and are willing to take risks. Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd (GAC) emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. Established in 1979 we’re an organisation driven by progressive ideas, bold actions and a strong foundation of support. Gunditjmara means ‘belonging to person’. The Gunditjmara people are traditional owners of the coastal area extending from Portland in the south, Port Fairy, Warrnambool and inland into Camperdown. Gunditjmara people are traditionally river and lake people with Budj Bim, Framlingham Forrest, Lake Condah and the surrounding river systems being of great cultural significance and importance historically, economically and spiritually. GAC is an independent community based not-for-profit Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation that was founded in 1979 by a group of volunteers from the local Aboriginal community in South West Victoria. From humble beginnings to a long-term vision for our community has driven the organisation to be the primary provider of social, health and cultural services in our region. GAC became incorporated in 1982 and delivers a wide range of culturally appropriate, holistic community health, social support and well-being services at all life stages from cradle to the dreamimg, principally to the Aboriginal community and other residents in Warrnambool and outlying areas.
