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 their rights. The organization focuses on making sure that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. With a workforce of approximately 600 people, 54 reasons operates across every state and territory in Australia, reflecting the communities they serve, including regions, remote areas, and capital cities. The organization is committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for children and families during their formative years, advocating for quality services that promote child development, learning, and safety.

Job Overview:
The Family Support Specialist position is a part-time maximum term role, requiring 30.4 hours of work per week from Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, until June 30, 202

• The role is situated within the Early Years Place (EYP) team in Maryborough, where the specialist will work collaboratively to support families and children with diverse needs. The position involves creating lasting change for children by building family capacity through partnership and client-centered approaches, identifying additional assistance needs, and collaborating with team members to deliver culturally respectful parenting programs and support services. The specialist will also assist in delivering playgroups, providing family support through case management, and ensuring families have access to high-quality early childhood education and care.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Family Support Specialist will be responsible for several key duties, including:

• Building family capacity by employing partnership, outcomes-based, strengths’ perspective, and client-centered approaches.
• Identifying additional assistance and external services required by families, providing appropriate information, support, and referrals.
• Collaborating with team members to deliver programs and support services that promote positive and culturally respectful approaches to parenting and child and family 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 for the Family Support Specialist role must possess the following qualifications:

• Experience working with families and young people.
• Demonstrated experience in utilizing strengths-based approaches and trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of best practices, professional standards, and relevant research in the field of Child Safe Practices and Early Years Education.
• A demonstrated understanding of how cultural contexts influence practice approaches.
• A current valid driver’s license is required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor of Social Work, Psychology, or a relevant Human Service Qualification. Alternatively, significant equivalent experience in a related field may be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have experience working with families and young people, particularly in contexts involving domestic and family violence. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of trauma-informed care and strengths-based approaches, as well as familiarity with best practices in child safety and early childhood education.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the context of the role. Additional languages may be beneficial, particularly those spoken within the local community, to enhance communication with diverse families.

Additional Notes:
This is a part-time maximum term position with a commitment of 30.4 hours per week, scheduled from Monday to Thursday. The role is expected to continue until June 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability. The organization offers an award rate salary at Level 4.1, which is $44.58 per hour, along with full salary packaging benefits. Employees are provided with professional supervision training and monthly supervision sessions, as well as opportunities to work on additional projects. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply. 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.