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. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone understands their rights, particularly focusing on children and young people, so that they can thrive in all their diversity. The organization operates across various states and territories in Australia, reflecting the communities they serve, including remote areas and capital cities. With a workforce of approximately 600 people, 54 reasons emphasizes diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, cultures, and beliefs, making it a unique and inclusive workplace.

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 December 30th, 202

• The role is situated within the Early Years Place (EYP) team, where the specialist will work collaboratively to support families and children with diverse needs. The position is based in Maryborough, with potential travel across the Fraser Coast. The specialist will play a crucial role in delivering hands-on practice and evidence-based, culturally responsive programs that align with community needs. The focus is on building family capacity, identifying additional assistance required, and collaborating with team members to deliver programs that promote positive parenting and child wellbeing. The specialist will also assist in the delivery of playgroups and facilitate referral pathways, ensuring families have access to high-quality early childhood education and care.

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

• Building family capacity through partnership and client-centered approaches.
• Identifying additional assistance and external services required for families, providing appropriate information, support, and referrals.
• Collaborating with team members to deliver programs and support services that promote positive and culturally respectful parenting.
• 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:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• Experience working with families and young people.
• Demonstrated experience in using strengths-based approaches and trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of best practices, professional standards, and relevant research in Child Safe Practices and Early Years Education.
• Understanding of how cultural contexts influence practice approaches.
• A current valid driver’s license is mandatory.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a relevant Human Service Qualification, or significant equivalent experience is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a relevant Human Service Qualification. Alternatively, significant equivalent experience in a related field may be considered acceptable. This educational background is essential to ensure that the specialist has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively support families and children in their formative years.

Experience:
The role requires candidates to have experience working with families and young people, particularly in contexts related to domestic and family violence. Demonstrated experience in applying strengths-based approaches and trauma-informed care is crucial. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of best practices and professional standards in the field of Child Safe Practices and Early Years Education, as well as an awareness of how cultural contexts can influence practice approaches.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential for effective communication. Additional languages may be considered beneficial, particularly those relevant to the communities served by the organization, enhancing the ability to connect with diverse families.

Additional Notes:
This position is a part-time maximum term role, with a commitment of 30.4 hours per week, scheduled from Monday to Thursday. The contract is set to last until December 30th, 2026, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability. The organization encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion within its workforce. The salary for this position is awarded at Level 4.1, currently set at $44.58 per hour, along with full salary packaging benefits. Employees are also provided with professional supervision training and monthly supervision sessions, as well as opportunities for internal employment and development.