Nakia Firebrace

Knowledgeable with clear and direct understanding of Community expectations with solid foundation in optimizing operational processes and driving efficiency improvements. Proven track record of managing cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and streamline workflows. Demonstrated proficiency in strategic planning and problem-solving, ensuring continuous improvement and operational excellence.

* 2023 - East Metro RAJAC Aboriginal Community Justice Award Winner. "Local Justice Champion Award" for Acknowledging excellence in an individual who has championed strengthening Aboriginal Community Justice outcomes within the region.

* 2021 - VACCA Aunty "Mollie Dyer" ACCO Leader Award for work excellence in "Youth Justice" has helped to positively impact the lives of many young people including supporting their healing journeys and strengthening their pathways back to Kin, Community,Mob and Country.

* 2019/2023 - Successfully co-established VACCA's Youth Through Care (YTC - Youth Justice Program best practices) to be funded through NIAA after a 3 year pilot program that included establishing a YTC coordinator role within the Department of Justice Community & Safety for young people and family supports for sustainable outcomes practices.

* 2023 - Lotjpadhan Certificate of Completion. Endorsed by the Department of Justice Community & Safety (DJCS), Australian Association for Restorative Justice, Jesuit Social Services, Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement and RAJAC. - For Professional Development training in Restorative Practices.

* 2023 - Swim Burn University - Diploma of Leadership and Management (currently deferred)

• 2017 - Department of Transport - CERTIFICATE III. Conflict MANAGEMENT FOR WORK SETTINGS

• 2010 - MAYBO AUSTRALIA ADVANCED TRAINING FOR Department of Transport AUTHORISED OFFICERS.

* 2010 - CERTIFICATE III Public Transport.LEGAL & REGULATORY GOVERNMENT BRANCH, D.O.T LEGAL DIVISION.

• 1999 - WESTERN REGION TRAINING GROUP CERTIFICATE II BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION & COMPLIANCE - Business Correspondence, Enterprise products & services and Communication.

• Manager Aboriginal Youth Justice Operations
• DJCS - Youth Justice Custodial Services
• Classification: VPS6
• Position reports to: Director Operations Support
• Work locations: Parkville & Cherry Creek Youth Justice Precincts.

• The role of a Manager Aboriginal Youth Justice Operations will provide:
• Leadership and Management of the Aboriginal Liaison Officer Program.
• Develop effective relationships with community elders and the Aboriginal Community.
• Provide input to high policy forums, advocating for Aboriginal Young People in custody.
• Establish ALO program performance targets.
• Responsibility for liaising with all parts of Youth Justice Custodial Services to ensure there is clear understanding of the purpose and function of the ALO Program.

• Provide overall leadership and management of the ALO program and direct supervision of the ALO Team Leader.
• Proactively develop and maintain effective links with community elders and the Victorian Aboriginal community to maximise their input to Youth Justice custodial services.
• Develop highly complex briefs/reports for the Director Operations Support, Director of Aboriginal Youth Justice, the Executive Team and other stakeholders where required.
• Provide input into high level policy forums, including Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees, to advocate for Aboriginal young people in custody and promote policies that address their over-representation.
• Provide high level secondary consultation to other parts of the Youth Justice custodial service system to ensure they are designing and delivering culturally responsive and appropriate services and programs.
• Provide system wide advocacy for Aboriginal young people in custody, identifying trends and liaising with Police, Courts, and other key stakeholders to address the barriers to diversion and reduce over representation.
• In conjunction with the Aboriginal Youth Justice Community Development Manager, develop culturally specific programs that enhance the cultural experience and connectedness of Aboriginal young people in custody.
• Provide authoritative high level and strategic advice regarding Aboriginal Young people in custody, also receiving highly sensitive information where high levels of communication and interpersonal skills are required.
• Establish ALO program performance targets, monitor their achievement and take actions address performance gaps as required; evaluate ALO program outcomes
• Assist in managing areas within Aboriginal Youth Justice with significant budgets, staff responsibilities and strategic importance.
• Liaise with other Aboriginal specific services in Youth Justice to ensure a consistent, co-ordinated approach to Aboriginal young people.
• Liaise with all parts of the Youth Justice custodial service system to ensure there is a clear understanding of the purpose and function of the ALO program and proactively address role boundary issues as they occur.
• In conjunction with the Manager Aboriginal Youth Justice Policy & Strategy, contribute to the development and implementation of the Aboriginal Youth Justice Strategy especially with regard to issues affecting Aboriginal young people in custodial settings.
• Participate in strategic planning and contribute to strategic decision-making process.
• Represent Aboriginal Youth Justice Operations with external stakeholders, effectively managing and actioning feedback.
• Perform other duties where required for the Director Operations Support.

Technical Expertise:

• A demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal Community, both society and culture and the issues impacting on it.
• Demonstrated experience and working knowledge government legislation, priorities and directions, including a good understanding of youth services, youth justice and community-based programs would be desirable.

• Flexibility and Adaptability to comply with time project expectations. Have a strong level of commitment to find new ways to deliver outcomes with the ability that recognises the merits of different options and acts accordingly from individuals and or as team that has the courage to alter strategies in situations when there are clear indications of existing strategy may not deliver the best outcomes but having a productive procedures, policies or project guidelines to reevaluate the current progress.
• Interpersonal Skills: Builds relationships at senior levels; acts a convenor between teams and departments to build collaboration.
• Working Collaboratively: Build a culture of collaboration across the organisation; looks for and facilitates opportunities to collaborate with external stakeholders; identifies and overcomes barriers to communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Promote Inclusion: Creates a culture that supports and respects the individuality of others and recognises the benefits of diverse ideas and approaches; communicates well with, relates to and sees issues from the perspective of people from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds.

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Considers a broad range of topics (beyond immediate area of work), works across government and at senior levels to develop and deliver sustainable solutions.
• Political and Organisational Context: Uses strategic relationships and knowledge to predict and prepare for the impact of events on the organisation; understands the impact of external events and changing stakeholder needs on the organisation and government; drives a values-based organisation by holding self and organisation accountable in adhering to public sector values.

• Influence and Persuasion: Develops long-term and multi-phased plans to influence others; implements complex strategies to build buy-in from key internal and external clients/stakeholders; effectively negotiates with clients/stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.
• Communicate with Impact: Identifies key messages and information required for decision-making; provides high level advice on influencing and the needs of target audiences; provides advice on the content and style appropriate to the audience.
• Stakeholder Management: Identifies and manages a range of complex and often competing needs; facilitates innovative solutions to resolve stakeholder issues.

• Several qualification and or experience in fields related to community programs, youth justice policy, community engagement and partnerships, program support, youth work, community services.
• A current Victorian driver’s licence for Car,boat and motorbike.
• A current operational Employee Working with Children Check (WWCC) card.