Family Support Specialist - Intensive Bail Initiative

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation, 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 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 people, 54 reasons embraces diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, cultures, and beliefs, reflecting the communities they serve.

Job Overview:
In this full-time, maximum term opportunity through to the end of June 2026, with strong potential for extension, the Family Support Specialist will work as part of the Intensive Bail Initiative team in Mount Isa. The role focuses on creating lasting change for children involved in the youth justice system by providing wrap-around services to their families. The specialist will engage with external stakeholders to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of children, assist young people in meeting bail conditions, and work towards decreasing youth reoffending. The position requires a deep commitment to understanding the needs of families and children, ensuring their voices are heard, and providing holistic case management to vulnerable and disadvantaged families.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Family Support Specialist will be responsible for intensive case work with families of young people involved in the youth justice system, ensuring that their needs are met through follow-up and referrals to specialist services. Key responsibilities include identifying strengths within families, establishing program goals, and reviewing client progress towards these goals. The specialist will provide holistic case management, deliver support to families, and ensure that the voices of children and young people are prioritized in all interactions. The role also involves building community networks, maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, and contributing to the overall goals of reducing youth reoffending and remand rates.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate experience in case management, particularly within the youth justice system, and possess knowledge of relevant legislation. A strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and families is essential. The role requires excellent report writing, analytical, and evaluation skills, including the ability to collate and analyze data. Candidates should have a tertiary qualification in a relevant field or significant experience working in a similar service.

Educational Background:
A tertiary qualification in social work, psychology, or a related field is required for this position. Alternatively, significant experience in a similar service may be considered in lieu of formal qualifications. The educational background should equip the candidate with the necessary skills to understand the complexities of family dynamics and the youth justice system.

Experience:
The position requires demonstrated experience in case management, particularly with families involved in the youth justice system. Candidates should have a proven track record of working effectively with vulnerable populations and possess a deep understanding of the challenges faced by these families. Experience in remote and rural settings is highly desirable, as the role involves working in such environments.

Languages:
While English is mandatory for this position, knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages would be considered an asset. Strong communication skills are essential for effectively engaging with families and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with a maximum term contract through to the end of June 2026, with the potential for extension. The role offers a generous salary at Level 4.1 ($44.58 per hour) plus superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. Additional benefits include financial assistance with relocation, a generous annual remote location allowance, five weeks of annual leave, and access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. The organization promotes a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development and career progression within one of Australia’s largest non-profits. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates.