Family 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 dedicated to ensuring that everyone understands and advocates for children's rights. The organization focuses on providing quality services to children and their caregivers, ensuring that children develop, learn, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons operates across various regions, including remote areas and capital cities, reflecting the diversity of the communities they serve. Their mission is to empower children and young people, ensuring their rights are met and that they can thrive in all their diversity.

Job Overview:
The Family Support Specialist position is a full-time maximum term role within the Early Years Place (EYP) team, aimed at supporting families and children with diverse needs. The role is based in Maryborough, Queensland, with potential travel across the Fraser Coast. The specialist will work collaboratively with families, utilizing a strengths-based, client-centered approach to build family capacity and promote positive parenting and child wellbeing. The position emphasizes the importance of cultural respect and aims to create lasting change for children by ensuring they have access to high-quality early childhood education and care. The successful candidate will be expected to engage with families, provide referrals, and collaborate with team members to deliver effective programs and services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Family Support Specialist will be responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• Building family capacity through partnership and strengths-based approaches.
• Identifying additional assistance and external services needed for families, providing appropriate information, support, and referrals.
• Collaborating with team members to deliver programs and support services that promote positive parenting and child wellbeing.
• Assisting in the delivery of playgroups and providing family support through case management.
• Facilitating referral pathways and parenting programs while engaging with key stakeholders.
• Contributing to ensuring families have access to high-quality early childhood education and care, offering technical guidance and mentoring as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess experience working with families and young people, demonstrating a strong understanding of domestic and family violence and its impact on communities. They should have experience in using strengths-based approaches and trauma-informed care, along with knowledge of best practices and professional standards in Child Safe Practices and Early Years Education. A current valid driver’s license is also required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a relevant Human Services qualification is required. Alternatively, significant equivalent experience in the field may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience:
The position requires demonstrated experience in working with families and young people, particularly in contexts related to domestic and family violence. Candidates should have a solid background in applying strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches in their practice.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly in communities with diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with a maximum term until 30 June 2026, subject to funding availability. The role offers an award rate salary of Level 4.1 at $44.58 per hour, along with full salary packaging benefits. Employees will receive professional supervision training and monthly supervision sessions, along with opportunities for internal employment and development. The organization encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion within its workforce. All employees must undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check as part of the hiring process.