Family Support Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organization, part of the Save the Children Australia Group and a global movement dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. The organization focuses on providing culturally safe, early-intervention support to children, young people, and families experiencing vulnerability, particularly First Nations and CALD communities. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons operates across every state and territory in Australia, including remote areas and capital cities, emphasizing the importance of community connections and cultural safety in their services.

Job Overview:
The Family Support Specialist position is a full-time role within the 54 reasons Family & Child Connect team based in Mount Isa. The primary function of this role is to deliver culturally safe, strengths-based support to First Nations and CALD families. The specialist will work closely with families to assess their needs, develop practical family-led support plans, and connect them with appropriate services and supports. This role is critical in reducing risk, supporting wellbeing, and empowering families to navigate challenges effectively. The specialist will also maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with program and organizational requirements, contributing to the overall mission of creating lasting change for children and families.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Family Support Specialist will be responsible for delivering culturally safe, strengths-based support to First Nations and CALD families. Key duties include building trusted relationships with families and communities, assessing the needs of families, developing practical family-led support plans, connecting families with the right services and supports, advocating for families, and maintaining accurate documentation to meet program and organizational requirements. The role also involves collaborating with service partners and contributing positively to a supportive team culture, ensuring that the voices of children and families are prioritized in all interactions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Family Support Specialist position must be identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and/or CALD, as permitted under relevant legislation. They should have experience working with children and families in community, family support, or early intervention settings. A strong understanding of cultural safety, trauma-informed practices, and strengths-based approaches is essential. Additionally, candidates must possess the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with families and service partners, and hold a relevant qualification in Community Services, Social Work, or a related field, or be willing to work towards such a qualification.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a relevant qualification in Community Services, Social Work, or a related field. Candidates who do not currently hold such qualifications but are willing to pursue them may also be considered for the role. This emphasis on educational qualifications underscores the importance of professional training in delivering effective family support services.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have experience working with children and families, particularly in community, family support, or early intervention settings. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, enabling the specialist to provide effective support and guidance.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential for communication with families and service partners. Additionally, knowledge of languages spoken within First Nations and CALD communities may be advantageous, enhancing the ability to connect with and support diverse families.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, maximum term position until December 202

• The role offers a generous award rate salary, currently at Level 4.1, which is $46.70 per hour, plus superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. Employees in remote locations receive additional benefits, including a generous annual remote location allowance and five weeks of annual leave. The organization promotes workplace wellness through access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program and offers internal employment and development opportunities. The culture at 54 reasons is highly inclusive, celebrating diversity and ensuring that all employees can bring their whole selves to work. The organization is committed to child safety, requiring all employees to undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check.