Family Support Specialist

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 focuses on providing culturally safe, early-intervention support to children, young people, and families experiencing vulnerability, particularly within First Nations and CALD communities. Established to advocate for children's rights, 54 reasons operates across every state and territory in Australia, including remote areas and capital cities, employing approximately 600 people who are committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families.

Job Overview:
The Family Support Specialist position is a full-time role within the 54 reasons Family & Child Connect team based in Mount Isa. The primary function of this role is to deliver culturally safe, strengths-based support to First Nations and CALD families. The specialist will work closely with families to assess their needs, develop practical family-led support plans, and connect them with the appropriate services and supports. This position emphasizes the importance of building trusted relationships with families and communities, advocating for their needs, and maintaining accurate documentation to meet program and organizational requirements. The role is grounded in cultural safety and trauma-informed practices, aiming to empower families and support their well-being.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Family Support Specialist will be responsible for delivering culturally safe, strengths-based support to families, particularly those from First Nations and CALD backgrounds. Key duties include:

• Building trusted relationships with families, communities, and service partners to foster collaboration and support.
• Assessing the needs of families and developing practical, family-led support plans tailored to their unique circumstances.
• Connecting families with the right services and supports, advocating on their behalf to ensure they receive the necessary assistance.
• Maintaining accurate documentation and records to meet program and organizational requirements, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• Engaging in continuous professional development to enhance skills and knowledge in family support and early intervention practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Family Support Specialist position must be identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and/or CALD, as permitted under relevant legislation. Additionally, applicants should have experience working with children and families in community, family support, or early intervention settings. A strong understanding of cultural safety, trauma-informed care, and strengths-based practice is essential. The ability to build and maintain effective relationships with families and service partners is crucial for success in this role. Relevant qualifications in Community Services, Social Work, or a related field are required, or candidates must be willing to work towards obtaining such qualifications.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Family Support Specialist position includes relevant qualifications in Community Services, Social Work, or a related field. Candidates who do not currently possess these qualifications but are willing to pursue them may also be considered for the role. This emphasis on educational qualifications ensures that the specialist has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively support families and navigate the complexities of their situations.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a strong background in working with children and families, particularly in community, family support, or early intervention settings. Experience in these areas is essential to ensure that the Family Support Specialist can effectively assess needs, develop support plans, and connect families with appropriate services. The role demands a deep understanding of cultural safety and trauma-informed practices, which can be gained through both professional experience and educational training.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with families and service partners. Additionally, knowledge of other languages, particularly those spoken within First Nations and CALD communities, would be considered advantageous and beneficial for building rapport and trust with families.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, maximum term position until December 202

• The role offers a generous award rate salary (currently Level 4.1 – $46.70 per hour) plus superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. Employees in remote locations will receive additional benefits, including a generous annual remote location allowance and five weeks of annual leave. The organization supports workplace wellness through access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program and encourages internal employment and development opportunities. The culture at 54 reasons is highly inclusive, celebrating diversity and allowing employees to bring their whole selves to work. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check, a Working with Children Check, and adhere to the Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.