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.
Cultural Safety & Wellbeing Team
The Culture and Wellbeing Department is committed to strengthening the social, emotional, cultural, and overall wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across all stages of life. Through culturally safe community-led programs, the department supports individuals, families, and the wider community by promoting healing, resilience, connection to culture, and positive life outcomes.
The department delivers a range of integrated programs designed to address health, justice, wellbeing, and early intervention needs, while recognising the importance of self-determination, cultural identity, and holistic care.
Role Summary
2 roles available - Youth and Adult
The SEWB Case Worker ensures the focus of care is on the needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients within the context of their cultural identity, and social circumstances, and works as part of the wider GAC team in providing a quality and client focused environment.
The SEWB Case Worker provides integrated SEWB services to individuals, families and community through early identification and interventions designed to strengthen social and emotional wellbeing. The service is culturally responsive support across the lifespan, underpinned by the delivery of age-specific activities.
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In the Early Years (Clients 5 – 12 years) space this is achieved through Early intervention, Emotional and Wellbeing support, Resilience building, and Family engagement.
- In the Youth (Clients aged 12 – 25 years) space this is achieved through Individual support, Mentoring, Wellbeing planning, Cultural connection, and Assistance navigating education, employment, and life challenges.
- In the Adults and Elders (Clients 18+ years) this is achieved through Holistic social and emotional wellbeing support, Advocacy, Care coordination, Cultural healing, and Connection to community services.
The SEWB program recognises the interconnectedness of mental, physical, spiritual, cultural, family, and community wellbeing and delivers support that reflects Aboriginal concepts of health.
In an “age-appropriate” manner, we practice the Model of Social Emotional Wellbeing framework, provide mentoring and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community with Social and Emotional Wellbeing concerns in the areas of connection to Body, Mind and Emotions, Family and Kinships, Community, Culture, Country and Spirit, Spirituality and Ancestors.
Duties and Responsibilities
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Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify the social and emotional needs of clients.
- Develop and implement individualised case plans in collaboration with clients and relevant stakeholders.
- Provide ongoing support and advocacy for clients, ensuring access to appropriate services and resources.
- Monitor and evaluate client progress, adjusting case plans as necessary to meet changing needs.
- Facilitate group sessions and workshops focused on emotional wellbeing and resilience building.
- Maintain accurate and confidential case records in compliance with organisational policies and legal requirements.
- Collaborate with other professionals and community organisations to enhance service delivery and client outcomes.
Please review the Position Description for a full list of duties and responsibilities.
Qualifications, Skills, Experience and Knowledge
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Identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, with demonstrated knowledge of and strong connections to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, communities, and values.
- Demonstrated understanding of the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Framework, including the Victorian Balit Murrup framework and its application in practice.
- Relevant tertiary or vocational qualification in Counselling, Mental Health, Community Services, Social Work, with a minimum Certificate III qualification; or currently enrolled in a recognised course of study. Alternatively, a minimum of three (3) years' experience providing client support services, together with a willingness to undertake formal study, with training costs supported by Gunditjmara.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families, and communities.
- Demonstrated understanding of the historical and ongoing impacts of the forced removal and separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, including the effects of colonisation and contemporary issues affecting communities.
- Demonstrated skills in case management, including client assessment, care planning, counselling, advocacy, and referral.
- Well-developed verbal and written communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and client information management systems.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively within a multidisciplinary team while also managing a diverse workload independently.
- Demonstrated commitment to culturally safe, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practice, with the ability to apply cultural respect principles in all aspects of service delivery.
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: ••••@gunditjmara.org.au using the subject line: SEWB Case Worker
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.
