Family Support Specialist - SEQ Refuges

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organization, proudly part of the Save the Children Australia Group and a global movement. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons operates across every state and territory in Australia, providing quality services to children and their caregivers in various settings, including remote areas and capital cities. The organization is committed to making communities safer for women and their children, particularly those experiencing domestic and family violence.

Job Overview:
The Family Support Specialist position is a part-time role based in the Moreton Bay region, specifically in Caboolture, Queensland. This maximum term position is set to last until the end of June 2027, with the potential for permanency. The role involves working within a case management framework in both refuge and outreach settings, providing essential support to children and families affected by domestic and family violence. The specialist will work 68.4 hours per fortnight, structured over two weeks, with specific hours allocated for each day of the week. The primary goal of this position is to empower vulnerable individuals by providing them with the necessary tools to navigate their challenging circumstances and to thrive in the future. The role emphasizes a child-centered, strengths-based approach, ensuring that the needs of children and their families are prioritized.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Family Support Specialist will be responsible for a variety of duties, including but not limited to: providing holistic case management to vulnerable and disadvantaged clients, delivering support that fosters positive outcomes for families, identifying client strengths, establishing program goals, and reviewing progress towards these goals. The specialist will also promote skills that enhance health, safety, and development, while enhancing stakeholder relationships and partnerships to better address client needs. Collaboration within a small team is essential to deliver best practices for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence. The role requires a strong understanding of the impact of trauma on families, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and the ability to navigate the complexities of these situations with sensitivity and care.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Family Support Specialist position must possess demonstrated experience in case management, along with a solid understanding of relevant legislation related to domestic and family violence. Previous experience working in a closely related human services context is essential, as is a demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and families. Strong report writing, analytical, and evaluation skills are required, including proficiency in data collection and analysis. The organization seeks individuals who are passionate about supporting families and have a strong commitment to a child-centered, strengths-based framework.

Educational Background:
A tertiary qualification in a relevant field is required for this position, along with significant experience working in a similar service context. The educational background should ideally include studies related to social work, psychology, or other relevant disciplines that equip the candidate with the necessary skills to support families experiencing domestic and family violence.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have substantial experience in case management, particularly within the context of domestic and family violence. This experience should include working directly with vulnerable populations and understanding the unique challenges faced by these individuals. Familiarity with the legislative framework surrounding domestic violence and human services is also crucial.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with clients and stakeholders. Additional languages, particularly those spoken within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, would be considered advantageous and beneficial for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time, requiring 68.4 hours of work per fortnight, with a structured schedule over two weeks. The role is maximum term until the end of June 2027, with the possibility of becoming permanent. The organization encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion within its workforce. Employees are entitled to a generous salary, professional development funding, and various employee benefits, including extra leave and support for workplace wellness. The organization is committed to maintaining a safe working environment and requires all employees to undergo necessary background checks.