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At DCJ we can make a huge difference in the lives of Aboriginal families and communities in NSW. That’s why we want Aboriginal people to have a strong voice when making decisions about their children, their families, and their future.
By having more Aboriginal staff in DCJ we can build staff’s capability to work with communities in a way that builds trust.
That’s why we need you. That’s why we want you. That’s why we’ll achieve so much more if you’re here with us.
Why become an Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker?
Why become an Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker?
(Upbeat music introduces video with title 'Why become an Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker?')
Marg: Hi. I'm Marg. I'm an Aboriginal manager caseworker working in out-of-home care. I'm a proud Wiradjuri woman working on Wiradjuri land.
(Marg talks to other caseworkers in the office)
As a teacher, I found that I couldn't work with families as much as I wanted to, and that's why I became a DCJ Aboriginal caseworker. I find joy in keeping families and children connected to their land, their Country, and their traditions.
(Aboriginal children perform in a corroboree)
(Animated NSW government logo appears and music ends)
Why do we need more Aboriginal Correctional Officers?
Why do we need more Aboriginal Correctional Officers?
(Video begins with title 'We ask Joe: Why do we need more Aboriginal Correctional Officers?' appearing across group of correctional officers. Uplifting music)
Joe: We need more Aboriginal correctional officers because we need more mentors, we need more role models, and if you decide to join, we have a great network of aboriginal staff that can assist you along the way.
(Joe walks through different parts the correctional centre)
And it's really important from a cultural point of view, that we have the network that we have within the department, to look out for not only ourselves, our Aboriginal staff, but our Aboriginal inmates, to help everyone through their journey (inmates shown building in construction room), whether it be on this side of the fence or that side of the fence.
(Text strap appears over Aboriginal mural. It says ‘How do we keep inmates connected to culture?)
(Joe talks to camera and different areas of a mural are shown.)
Joe: Aboriginal inmates have done murals across the center, and it gives them the connection back from home, to the land, and connection with their families, and connection within themselves. We want to create, for the Aboriginal inmates, strong Aboriginal men, to go home and connect with their culture.
(Joe smiles to camera and music fades as animated NSW government Corrective Services NSW logo appears)
How is culture and connections building strong Aboriginal men at Youth Justice?
How is culture and connections building strong Aboriginal men at Youth Justice?
(Title 'How is culture and connection building strong aboriginal men at Youth Justice' appears)
Alana: I wanted to become a youth officer because I wanted to help young people see that there is light at the end of the tunnel. We make mistakes, but mistakes can be turned around, and we can learn from them.
(Alana is shown helping young Aboriginal men with their paintings).
I want our young people to be connected to culture, be strong and proud young Aboriginal men.
(Aboriginal man and woman are shown speaking to young Aboriginal men sitting in circle in a classroom setting).
Rab: The Aboriginal artwork and painting is something that a lot of the boys are very interested in, which we can do individually or as a group.
(Camera zooms into different artworks being painted).
It's about connecting them to their totems, storylines of artwork, and why we do it, which builds their stronger connection to their culture and who they are.
(Footage of smoking ceremony and boys dancing in a corroboree at a Youth Justice centre.)
Dancing is another one that all their boys have really taken to, and they participated in a Corroboree recently. Every Aboriginal kid participated and joined in, right across all centers with Youth Justice.
(singing in corroboree)
Abby: Being an Aboriginal mentor, for me, is showing the kids there's life after being in custody.
(Abby is shown talking to the young Aboriginal men and with her colleagues placing ochre on her body).
That there can be steps that you can take to get out to the community and give back.
(Abby smiles to camera)
(Animated NSW government logo appears and music ends)
Brendan Thomas, Deputy Secretary of Transforming Aboriginal Outcomes here at the Department of Communities and Justice explains why we need more Aboriginal people working with us at DCJ.
We have a variety of different programs for Aboriginal job seekers. These include pre-employeement programs as well as traineeships and cadetships.
Learn about Kuyan's story working at Youth Justice and how he supports Aboriginal young people.
Learn the difference between Aboriginal identified roles and targeted recruitment positions.
Identifying rolesFind what interests you and suits your skills and experience. Search for current job opportunities.
Finding a jobGet the documents together that you might need, for example confirmation of Aboriginality.
Documents you needFind out how to apply and what to include in a cover letter, resume, and other documents.
Applying for a jobWhat to expect when asked to do capability-based assessments and interviews.
Assessments and interviewsWhen successful, your offer will be confirmed in writing. If unsuccessful you can request feedback.
Getting the jobAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for any roles with DCJ. Find a role where the positive impact of Aboriginal staff is valuable, and your lived experience is vital.
Please note that at DCJ we commonly use the word "Aboriginal", recognising that Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants of NSW, the part of Australia we are responsible for. We acknowledge and respect that Torres Strait Islander people are among the First Nations of Australia and that both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are an important part of our staff and the communities we work with.
14 Aug 2023