We are seeking a passionate and community-focused advocacy practitioner to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families living in mainstream public housing where their tenancy is at high risk of breakdown. This role works alongside families to strengthen housing stability, improve access to services, uphold tenant rights, and promote culturally safe outcomes.
The practitioner will build trusted relationships with families, housing providers, community organisations, and government services to ensure Aboriginal families are heard, respected, and supported.
Organisational Profile
GEGAC is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation based in Bairnsdale Victoria. Consisting of about 200 staff, GEGAC is a Not-for-Profit organisation that delivers holistic services in the areas of Primary Health, Social Services, Elders & Disability and Early Childhood Education.
GEGAC advocates for the self-determination of the Aboriginal community by prioritising services that enhance social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, with culture at the heart of everything we do.
Position Purpose
The Aboriginal Tenancy Support and Advocacy Program objective is to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members and their families living in mainstream public housing, community housing or Aboriginal housing to access culturally safe and appropriate services where their current tenancy is at high risk of breakdown.
Households are supported to stabilise and maintain their tenancy by addressing the issues placing the tenancy at risk.
This program provides case management and referral to relevant services which focus on identifying the tenancy issues, intervention and the physical, emotional and cultural safety and wellbeing of the renters. Specialist support services are inclusive of the suite of programs delivered by GEGAC or referral to external services as required.
This position will provide outreach interventions and intensive case management working in collaboration with the renter, the landlord, key stakeholders and specialist support services to achieve outcomes that lead to an ongoing and sustainable public or community housing tenancy.
Key Selection Criteria
·High level of administrative skills and computer literacy, including use of Word, Database and maintaining an electronic diary management system.
·Well-developed communication, advocacy and negotiation skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
·A demonstrated knowledge of the local Aboriginal and or Terres Strait Islander community, culture and understanding of factors that impact the social, economic, spiritual wellbeing and housing of Aboriginal people and their family networks.
·Demonstrated ability to develop tailored case plans that identify and proritise support needs.
·Proven ability to work independently and within a team environment.
·Effective time management skills.
·Sound knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act (Victoria) 1998 and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal processes.
·Experience and understanding of homelessness, the public/community housing sectors and associated key stakeholders and support agencies would be highly regarded.
Qualifications and Registrations Requirement (Essential or Desirable).
·Valid Victorian driver’s licence ESSENTIAL
·Demonstrated equivalent expertise and experience to undertake a range of activities through a relevant degree, diploma, substantial relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of qualifications, training, service and/or study ESSENTIAL
·A satisfactory Working with Children Check and Fit2Work Police Check ESSENTIAL
·A person of Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander background DESIRABLE
·Proof of COVID-19 vaccinated to align with GEGAC requirements ESSENTIAL
How to apply for this job
A copy of the position description can be obtained by copying and pasting this URL into your browser: https://gegac.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-05-Aboriginal-Tenancy-Support-and-Advocacy-Practitioner-PD.pdf
A copy of the position description can also be obtained by emailing HR@gegac.org.au.
Applicants must address the key selection criteria for shortlisting.
Any applications that have not addressed the key selection criteria will not be considered during the shortlisting process.
Applications can also be emailed to HR@gegac.org.au.
This position will remain open until filled. Applications may close at any time without notice. To avoid disappointment or missing out, prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to apply without delay.”
A valid Working with Children Check and Police check is mandatory to work in this organisation.
“this advertisement is pursuant to the ‘special measures’ provision at section 8 of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth)”.