DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Title of Position:
Aboriginal Cultural Consultant
Administrative Unit:
Department for Education and Child Development (DECD)
Classification Code:
Education Act 101B
Similar to PS Act Conditions
Directorate:
Student, Aboriginal and Family Services
Type of appointment:
Ongoing
Temporary
Term
Term
up to 5 years
Exec
Term
Position Reference Number:
Unit:
Aboriginal Services
Analysis:
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Originated by : Manager, Aboriginal Services
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Classified by : Corporate HR Services
Version Number: 1
Version Date:
11 December 2013
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job and Person Specification Approval
__________________ ___/___/___
Delegate
JOB SPECIFICATION
1. Summary of the broad purpose of the job and its responsibilities/duties.
The Aboriginal Cultural Consultant:
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Supports the achievement of the South Australian Strategic Plan (SASP) target 27 ‘Aboriginal Cultural Studies
included in school curriculum with involvement of Aboriginal people in the design and delivery’ through the
implementation and delivery of Aboriginal Cultural Studies and other projects as required at school and
preschool sites within a designated region of South Australia
Establishes and maintains relationships with Aboriginal communities, sites and state stakeholders and provides
specialist information and advice relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and
language groups
Ensures a coordinated approach to the recruitment, employment, induction and development of Aboriginal
cultural and language instructors to support the delivery of Aboriginal Cultural Studies in school and preschool
sites
Supports the professional development of school and preschool staff in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander histories, cultures and language groups
Provides unified, strategic guidance to schools in designated ECD Local Partnerships to support the inclusion
and delivery of Aboriginal Cultural Studies in the curriculum
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2. Reporting/Working Relationships
Reporting lines are as follows; Reporting lines are as follows;
Manager, Aboriginal Services
Aboriginal Cultural Studies
Project Officer
Aboriginal Cultural
Consultant
Aboriginal Cultural
Consultant
Aboriginal Cultural
Consultant
Aboriginal Cultural
Consultant
Aboriginal Cultural
Consultant
Designated ECD Local
Partnerships, schools and
preschools
2. Reporting/Working Relationships (cont)
Key working relationships required to support performance outcomes are;
Internal: The Aboriginal Cultural Consultant will be managed by and report centrally to the Aboriginal Cultural
Studies Project Officer for operational, policy and procedural matters. The Aboriginal Cultural Studies Project
Officer will provide leadership and support to the Aboriginal Cultural Consultant for coordination of Aboriginal
Cultural Studies to a designated group of ECD Local Partnerships. The Aboriginal Cultural Consultant will
receive strategic direction from the Manager, Aboriginal Services.
External: The Aboriginal Cultural Consultant also works collaboratively with Aboriginal cultural experts and
local Aboriginal people and community organisations to achieve common tasks according to project goals.
3. Special Conditions
Travel:
Intrastate travel will be required. A current drivers licence and willingness to drive is
required.
Out-of-hours:
Some out-of hours work may be required
Location:
The incumbent will be located in a base location and work across designated ECD
Local Partnerships.
Performance targets:
The incumbent will be required to achieve performance targets that are negotiated
and mutually agreed with the Manager Aboriginal Services.
Pre-Employment Check: The appointee will be subject to a Criminal History check prior to confirmation of
appointment. Will be required to undertake training for Mandatory Notification
Certificate ‘Responding to Abuse and Neglect’.
4. Statement of Key Responsibilities/Duties
The Aboriginal Cultural Consultant:
Supports the achievement of the South Australian Strategic Plan (SASP) target 4.5 ‘Aboriginal Cultural
Studies included in school curriculum with involvement of Aboriginal people in the design and delivery’
through the implementation and delivery of Aboriginal Cultural Studies and other projects as required at
school and preschool sites within a designated region of South Australia by:
 Working with Aboriginal cultural specialists, principals and classroom teachers to support the inclusion of
Aboriginal Cultural Studies in the curriculum
 Working with Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal community based agencies and organisations to identify
holders of Aboriginal cultural knowledge and develop local content and resources to support the delivery of
Aboriginal Cultural Studies
 Managing the effective planning and organisation of educational initiatives and activities relating to Aboriginal
Cultural Studies by undertaking planning, administrative, reporting and recording requirements.
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 Working with Aboriginal people, Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal community based agencies and organisations
to recruit, develop and employ Aboriginal people to support the delivery of Aboriginal Cultural Studies
 Providing an advisory role to teachers and leaders to support the implementation of Aboriginal Cultural Studies in
the curriculum including management of contentious issues in the curriculum, and the relationship of the
curriculum to other curriculum domains.
 Encourage schools to include and reflect on the use of Aboriginal Cultural knowledge in the curriculum
 Advise schools on Aboriginal protocols which need to be considered to gain Aboriginal cultural knowledge and
Aboriginal community engagement.
Establishes and maintains relationships with Aboriginal communities, sites and state stakeholders and
provides specialist information and advice relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories,
cultures and language groups by:
 Developing partnerships with DECD work groups, sites and the Aboriginal community in designated regions to
support the implementation and delivery of Aboriginal Cultural Studies
 Providing advice and support to school and preschool management and staff in relation to Aboriginal culture,
histories and language
 Providing guidance and specialised advice to a specific group of schools in the effective coordination and delivery
of Aboriginal Cultural Studies programs in designated regions
Ensures a coordinated approach to the recruitment, employment, induction and development of Aboriginal
cultural and language instructors to support the delivery of Aboriginal Cultural Studies in school and
preschool sites by:
 Engaging local Aboriginal communities to support the design and delivery of programs and resources inclusive of
the local Aboriginal context within the primary and high school settings
 Working collaboratively with key DECD personnel and local Aboriginal community to identify and secure the
ongoing involvement and participation of Aboriginal cultural and language instructors (ACLI) to assist in the
delivery of Aboriginal Cultural Studies
 Providing a coordinated support program for ACLIs, including recruitment, employment, induction, quality
assurance and development processes
 Ensuring induction and training of ACLIs is conducted in a timely and efficient manner using individual induction
plans, regular meetings and peer mentoring.
 Developing and maintaining a local register of ACLIs including cultural backgrounds, specialist areas, skill codes
and functions
 Identifying and assisting ACLIs in their career development aspirations.
 Applying and promoting the Public Sector principles and practices, employee conduct standards, equal opportunity
and Occupational Health Safety and Welfare
Supports the professional development of school and preschool staff in relation to Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander histories, cultures and language groups by:
 Providing Aboriginal cultural understanding, perspectives and leadership to schools and preschools through
regular meetings and communications
 Providing an Aboriginal perspective in professional development programs as required
 Providing regular individualised coaching and support to participating school staff.
 Delivery of professional development in relation to Aboriginal Cultural Studies and Cultural Competence training.
 Provision of introductory orientation sessions for teachers and other staff on what is required to promote a climate
of Aboriginal cultural respect in the classroom and broader school environment.
Provides unified, strategic guidance in designated ECD Local Partnerships to support the inclusion and
delivery of Aboriginal Cultural Studies in the curriculum
 Overseeing the implementation and maintenance of processes to analyse feedback from community, ACLIs and
school staff on the provision of Aboriginal Cultural Studies program
 Participating in workgroups, reference groups and forums that involve the delivery of Aboriginal Cultural Studies
and other Aboriginal programs
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 Developing and maintaining effective networks with, and provides consultancy and advice to, key stakeholders
including schools, school personnel and relevant community organisations in relation to Aboriginal Cultural Studies
5. Authority
Departmental delegations and policies define levels/limits of authority in relation to finance, human resources
and administrative requirements.
6. Job Challenges/Context
The Aboriginal Cultural Consultant works in collaboration with DECD corporate, sites and local community to
progress the South Australian Strategic Plan Target 27 Understanding of Aboriginal culture: Aboriginal Cultural
Studies is included in school curriculum by 2016 with the involvement of Aboriginal people in design and delivery.
The Aboriginal Cultural Consultant provides guidance and support to a group of schools and preschools in a
designated region in relation to the recruitment of Aboriginal people as Aboriginal Culture and Language
Instructors (ACLIs), and to support the implementation and delivery of Aboriginal Cultural Studies across multiple
year levels.
The DECD Strategic Plan includes four strategic goals which the Aboriginal Cultural Consultant contributes to;
 Every child achieves their potential
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Excellence in education and care
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Connect with communities
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A successful and sustainable organisation
The Aboriginal Cultural Consultant has a number of objectives including:
 Engaging effectively with Aboriginal people, communities and organisations to provide local context for the
design and delivery of Aboriginal Cultural Studies.
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Identifying and securing the ongoing involvement of Aboriginal Cultural and Language Instructors (ACLI)
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Supporting the recruitment, induction, employment and professional development of Aboriginal Cultural
and Language Instructors (ACLI)
The Aboriginal Cultural Consultant contributes to the achievement of these goals and targets through providing
guidance to schools and preschools in the effective implementation and delivery of Aboriginal Cultural Studies.
The Aboriginal Cultural Consultant position requires initiative, ability to work independently and a strong
commitment to collaborative practice with schools and communities.
Acknowledged by Occupant _______________________ ___/___/___
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Minimum Requirements (Those characteristics considered absolutely necessary).
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
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Proven ability to select and apply high-level communication and interpersonal skills to negotiate, liaise and
connect effectively with a diversity of groups and individuals
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Proven ability to provide advice and support to school and preschool leadership in relation to Aboriginal
knowledge, cultural understandings and Aboriginal perspectives
Experience (including community experience)
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Demonstrated experience engaging and working with Aboriginal communities through the development and
maintenance of effective networks and operational relationships
Demonstrated experience of delivering and providing professional learning opportunities that build cultural
understanding and cultural competency in the targeted audience
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Proven experience in the recruitment, employment and induction of Aboriginal people
Knowledge
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A sound knowledge of Aboriginal education; the diversity of Aboriginal culture and languages; and Aboriginal
histories and contemporary society, including the impact of historical and contemporary policy direction on the
lives of Aboriginal people today.
Desirable Characteristics (To distinguish between applicants who have met all essential requirements).
Knowledge
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A proven knowledge of key social inclusion and school retention issues as it relates to Aboriginal people and
communities.
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
 Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Development; Training and Assessment; Project Management;
Management; Community Services; or equivalent
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