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 employees, 54 reasons emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its mission to support vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Family Support Specialist will be an integral part of the Intensive Bail Initiative Team, focusing on providing wrap-around services to families of young people involved with the youth justice system in the Mount Isa region. This full-time, maximum term position is aimed at creating lasting change for children and families by ensuring that they have the necessary tools and support to thrive. The role involves working closely with external stakeholders to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of children, assisting young people in meeting bail conditions, and ultimately reducing youth reoffending. The specialist will engage in intensive case work, follow-up, and referrals to other specialist services, ensuring that the voices of children and young people are heard and that their strengths are identified and built upon.

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

• Conducting intensive case management for families of young people involved in the youth justice system, ensuring comprehensive follow-up and referrals to appropriate specialist services.
• Actively listening to and advocating for the voices of children and young people, ensuring their perspectives are integrated into the support provided.
• Identifying the strengths of families, establishing clear goals for the program, and regularly reviewing client progress towards these goals.
• Providing holistic case management that delivers tailored support to vulnerable and disadvantaged families, addressing their unique needs and challenges.
• Collaborating with external stakeholders to enhance community networks and resources available to families.
• Maintaining accurate and detailed records of case management activities, progress, and outcomes to inform ongoing support and program development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Family Support Specialist position must possess demonstrated experience in case management, particularly within the context of the youth justice system. A strong understanding of relevant legislation and policies is essential, along with a proven ability to work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and families. Additionally, candidates should have strong report writing, analytical, and evaluation skills, including experience with data collation and analysis. A tertiary qualification in a relevant field is preferred, although significant experience in a similar service may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a tertiary qualification in social work, psychology, community services, or a related field. This educational background will provide the necessary theoretical framework and understanding of the complexities involved in working with families and young people in the youth justice system. Candidates with significant practical experience in lieu of formal qualifications may also be considered, particularly if they have demonstrated success in similar roles.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have substantial experience in case management, particularly with families involved in the youth justice system. This includes a deep understanding of the challenges faced by these families and the ability to navigate complex social and legal systems. Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is highly valued, as is familiarity with the unique cultural considerations that impact these families. Candidates should also have experience in developing and implementing support plans that lead to positive outcomes for clients.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with clients and stakeholders. Additionally, knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages would be considered an asset, as it may enhance the ability to connect with and support families from these communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a maximum term contract running through to the end of June 2026, with a strong potential for extension based on funding and program needs. The role is based in Mount Isa, Queensland, and candidates may be eligible for financial assistance with relocation if they are moving to the area. The salary for this position is generous, with a Level 4.1 award rate of $44.58 per hour, plus superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. Employees also receive a generous annual remote location allowance on top of their base salary, along with five weeks of annual leave. The organization is committed to supporting workplace wellness and provides access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program, as well as opportunities for professional development and career progression within one of Australia’s largest non-profits.