Family Support Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is one of the largest providers of domestic and family violence (DFV) refuge services in Queensland. It is a leading child rights organization in Australia and is part of the Save the Children Australia Group, which is a global movement dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. The organization operates across every state and territory in Australia, providing quality services to children and their caregivers, including in remote areas and capital cities. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons prides itself on its diversity and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families affected by domestic violence.

Job Overview:
In this part-time permanent role, which consists of 9 days per fortnight, the Family Support Specialist will be an integral part of the Refuge team in the Moreton Bay Region. The primary focus of this position is to facilitate the provision of safe accommodation for women and children escaping domestic and family violence. The role involves conducting thorough risk and needs assessments within a trauma-informed case management framework, and working collaboratively with families to source appropriate, safe, and sustainable accommodation that is free from violence. Additionally, the specialist will connect families with necessary services to meet their needs, thereby creating lasting change for children and families affected by domestic violence. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about making a difference and who possess the skills and experience to navigate complex situations with sensitivity and care.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Family Support Specialist will be responsible for a variety of duties, including but not limited to: facilitating the provision of safe accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence; conducting comprehensive risk and needs assessments to identify the specific requirements of families; implementing trauma-informed case management practices; collaborating with families to find safe and sustainable accommodation options; connecting families with relevant services to address their needs; maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of case management activities; participating in team meetings and contributing to the development of best practices; providing support and guidance to families in crisis situations; and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and organizational policies regarding domestic and family violence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Family Support Specialist position must demonstrate a strong background in case management, with a thorough understanding of domestic and family violence and its impact on children. They should possess knowledge of relevant legislation and have experience working with families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Strong teamwork and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to respond effectively in crisis situations. A current driver's license is required, along with a tertiary qualification in a relevant field or significant experience in a similar service.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate will have a tertiary qualification in a relevant field, such as social work, psychology, or community services. Alternatively, significant experience in a similar service may be considered in lieu of formal qualifications. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of domestic and family violence and for effectively supporting families in crisis.

Experience:
Candidates should have demonstrated experience in case management, particularly in the context of domestic and family violence. This experience should include working with families from diverse cultural backgrounds and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by these families. The ability to apply trauma-informed practices in case management is essential, as is experience in crisis intervention and support.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with clients and team members. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly in communities with diverse linguistic backgrounds, as they can enhance the ability to connect with and support families from various cultural contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time and permanent, requiring the successful candidate to work 9 days per fortnight. The role is classified at Award rate salary Level 4.1, currently set at $44.58 per hour, with full salary packaging benefits available. Employees are entitled to festive leave in addition to regular leave benefits. The organization emphasizes professional development, offering individual learning plans and monthly supervision sessions to support career growth. 54 reasons is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and ensuring a supportive environment for all employees. The organization also requires all employees to undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check as part of its commitment to child safety.