Family Support Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is one of the largest providers of domestic and family violence (DFV) refuge services in Queensland, Australia. It is a part of the Save the Children Australia Group and operates with a mission to ensure that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. The organization is committed to creating safety and opportunity for change, focusing on the needs of families affected by domestic violence. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons is dedicated to inclusivity and diversity, reflecting the communities they serve across various regions, remote areas, and capital cities in Australia.

Job Overview:
The Family Support Specialist role is a permanent part-time position based in Brisbane, requiring 30.4 hours of work per week on a rotating roster from Monday to Sunday, between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm. The position involves working at the Bridges Crisis Shelter, where the specialist will facilitate safe accommodation for women and children escaping domestic and family violence. The role includes conducting thorough risk and needs assessments within a trauma-informed framework and collaborating with a team of specialists to provide integrated responses to domestic violence. The specialist will also work with families to find sustainable accommodation and connect them with necessary services, making a significant impact on the lives of those affected by domestic violence.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Family Support Specialist will be responsible for facilitating the provision of safe accommodation to women and children escaping domestic and family violence. This includes conducting thorough risk and needs assessments, working within a trauma-informed, Safe and Together case management framework. The specialist will collaborate with a team of specialists to provide best-practice, integrated responses to domestic violence, and work with families to source appropriate, safe, and sustainable accommodation free from violence. Additionally, the role may involve minimal rostered on-call responsibilities, requiring the specialist to remain calm and effective in crisis and complex situations, applying their knowledge of the impacts of domestic violence on women and children.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor or Diploma in Social Work, Psychology, or a relevant Human Service Qualification. Alternatively, significant experience in a similar service may be considered. A strong knowledge and understanding of domestic and family violence, particularly its impact on children, is essential. The role requires experience working with families from diverse cultural backgrounds, as well as strong teamwork and communication skills. A current driver’s license is also required for this position.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor or Diploma in Social Work, Psychology, or a relevant Human Service Qualification. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of domestic and family violence and for effectively supporting families in crisis situations.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have significant experience in a similar service, particularly in working with families affected by domestic and family violence. This experience should include a strong understanding of the impacts of domestic violence on women and children, as well as the ability to apply trauma-informed practices in real-world situations. Experience working with diverse cultural backgrounds is also highly valued.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with clients and team members. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they align with the diverse backgrounds of the families served by the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is a permanent part-time role with a commitment of 30.4 hours per week. The role operates on a rotating roster, requiring availability from Monday to Sunday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm. The position includes minimal rostered on-call responsibilities. The organization offers a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development, internal employment opportunities, and access to an Employee Wellbeing Program. The salary for this position is awarded at Level 4.1, currently $44.58 per hour, along with full PBI salary packaging benefits. The organization encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and is committed to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices.