First Nations Linker- Brighter Beginnings program

About the Role   This is a full-time contract opportunity working 5 days per week, with the current contract in place until 31 December 2027. The First Nations Linker will be part of the Brighter Beginnings Program, supporting families with children aged 0–5 years through early, practical intervention. You will work with a small caseload of families identified by Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services as benefiting from additional support. In this role, you will: Provide direct support to children and families experiencing vulnerability Work collaboratively with ECEC services (including preschools and childcare centres) Build the skills, confidence, and capacity of ECEC staff to better support families Strengthen connections between families and local services   Brighter Beginnings is a collaborative initiative between the Department of Communities and Justice and the Department of Education. It builds on the Family Connect and Support (FCS) program to ensure families receive the right support, earlier. ECEC services act as important “soft entry points” for families. Through outreach and engagement, this role helps normalise access to support, reduce stigma, and improve long-term outcomes for children and their families.   About You in the Role   As a First Nations Linker, you will bring cultural knowledge, community connection, and a strengths-based approach to supporting Aboriginal families. You will: Engage respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal children, families, and communities Provide culturally safe, responsive, and trauma-informed support Act as a trusted link between families, services, and ECEC providers Advocate for families and support them to navigate service systems Work collaboratively with educators to strengthen inclusive practices   About You   This is an identified position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People All applicants must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander decent. Aboriginality is a genuine qualification authorised under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination ACT 1977 Relevant qualifications in Early Childhood, Social Work, Social Sciences, or equivalent (desirable) Experience working with children and families Strong understanding of child protection issues and legislative responsibilities Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal children, young people, and families in a culturally appropriate and responsive way Experience supporting CALD children, young people, and families, including working with interpreters Knowledge of service systems and networks across Western and Far Western NSW Experience working within early childhood services (highly regarded)   You will also require: A current NSW Working With Children Check National Police History Check Current NSW Driver’s Licence     Why Work at Uniting?   A career with purpose in a values-led, inclusive organisation Ongoing training and professional development opportunities Supportive supervision and strong team culture Salary packaging to increase your take-home pay   Should you have any questions, please contact Alex Sullivan from Uniting's Talent Acquisition Team at asullivan@uniting.org / 0466801937     Employment with Uniting is subject to satisfactory background checks, which include National Police Checks, Working with Children Checks and Reference Checks.     About Uniting   When you’re part of Uniting NSW.ACT, you’re part of a diverse, purpose-led team of people who are really making a difference to the world around them. We contribute to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.