Child Support Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation, 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 emphasizes the importance of the child's voice and aims to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable people, particularly in the context of domestic and family violence.

Job Overview:
The Child Support Specialist position is a permanent, part-time role that involves working within a case management framework in a refuge setting. The primary focus of this role is to provide support to children and families experiencing domestic and family violence. The successful candidate will work 68.4 hours per fortnight, with a schedule that includes hours between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, and a negotiated fortnightly rostered day off. The role is designed to empower clients by providing them with the necessary tools to navigate their challenging circumstances and to promote their overall well-being. The specialist will ensure that the voices of children and young people are heard, deliver holistic case management, and enhance stakeholder relationships to support clients effectively. This position requires a strong understanding of trauma's impact on children and families, particularly in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Child Support Specialist include:

• Ensuring that the voices of children and young people are heard in all aspects of case management.
• Providing holistic case management and delivering support to vulnerable and disadvantaged clients.
• Supporting relationships that lead to favorable outcomes for clients.
• Identifying client strengths, establishing program goals, and reviewing progress towards these goals.
• Promoting skills that enhance health, safety, and development among clients.
• Enhancing stakeholder relationships and partnerships to address client needs effectively.
• Working collaboratively within a small team to deliver best practices for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation related to client interactions and progress.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• Experience working with children and young people from a child-centred framework.
• Knowledge and previous experience in the Domestic and Family Violence sector or closely related human services context.
• A solid understanding of child development and the impact of trauma on children and young people.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and families.
• Strong report writing, analytical, and evaluation skills, including data collection and analysis.
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field and/or significant experience working in a similar service.
• A current driver’s licence is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a tertiary qualification in a relevant field, which may include social work, psychology, or a related discipline. Alternatively, significant experience working in a similar service may be considered in lieu of formal qualifications. This educational background is essential to ensure that the specialist has the necessary knowledge and skills to support children and families effectively.

Experience:
The role requires candidates to have experience working with children and young people, particularly within a child-centred framework. Previous experience in the Domestic and Family Violence sector or closely related human services context is essential. The candidate should also have a solid understanding of child development and the impact of trauma on children and young people, as well as experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and families.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with clients and stakeholders. Additional language skills that reflect the diversity of the community served may be considered advantageous but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time, requiring 68.4 hours of work per fortnight, with a flexible schedule that includes a negotiated fortnightly rostered day off. The role is classified at Level 4.1, with a current hourly rate of $44.58, plus full salary packaging benefits. The organization offers various employee benefits, including annual professional development funding, extra leave options, supportive management, and access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees feel supported regardless of their background. Additionally, all employees must undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check, and adhere to the Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.