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 children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. The organization focuses on providing critical support to families in need, particularly in Tasmania, where children face numerous developmental challenges. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons operates across various regions, remote areas, and capital cities, delivering quality services to children and their caregivers. The organization is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families, emphasizing the importance of a child-centered approach in all its programs and services.

Job Overview:
The Family Support Specialist position is a vital role within the Intensive Family Engagement Service (IFES) and Integrated Family Support Service (IFSS) teams. The successful candidates will provide professional support to families with complex needs, helping children reach their potential and thrive. This role involves working closely with families, conducting outreach and home visits, and utilizing a family partnership service model that emphasizes strengths and family-centered approaches. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to both IFES and IFSS teams, with a focus on creating lasting change for children and families in Hobart and Launceston. The Family Support Specialist will be responsible for delivering evidence-based, trauma-informed parenting information and education materials, ensuring that families receive coordinated and effective support.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Family Support Specialist, the duties include providing case management support to families, conducting outreach and home visits, and building family capacity through a partnership service model. In the IFES team, the specialist will work intensively with families at risk of statutory involvement, collaborating with Child Safety Services to manage risk and provide targeted support. This involves holding a caseload of 3 to 4 families, providing around 10 hours of intensive support per family weekly, with an average involvement duration of 20 to 30 weeks. In the IFSS team, the specialist will work with families voluntarily seeking support, providing 1 hour of face-to-face support per family weekly, visiting an average of 3 families per day, with an average support duration of 52 weeks. The role requires a commitment to high-quality administrative practices and flexibility to deliver outcomes across multiple family support teams.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates are required to have a degree (strongly preferred) or diploma in Social Work, Health, or allied areas, along with significant relevant experience. Demonstrated experience in case management and working alongside families using partnership, strengths-based, and family-centered approaches is essential. Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and families, as well as the challenges faced by the families supported, are crucial. The ability to engage parents in addressing these challenges and an understanding of the impact of trauma on child development are also required. A commitment to high-quality administrative practices that are timely, accurate, and reputable is necessary, along with flexibility and a willingness to work across multiple family support teams when needed.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in Social Work, Health, or related fields, which is strongly preferred. Alternatively, a diploma in these areas may be acceptable if accompanied by significant relevant experience. The educational qualifications should equip candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support families and children in need.

Experience:
Candidates should possess demonstrated experience in family support-related roles, particularly in case management and working with families using partnership and strengths-based approaches. Experience in collaborating with Child Safety Services and understanding the complexities of family dynamics, especially in relation to children at risk, is highly valued. The ability to think critically and find solutions to complex situations is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with families and stakeholders. Additional language skills, particularly in languages spoken by the local community, would be considered advantageous and beneficial for building rapport with diverse families.

Additional Notes:
The positions are available in both full-time and part-time capacities, with flexibility in hours for part-time roles. The organization encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its workforce. The roles offer an award rate salary (SCHADS Level 5.1 currently $53.43 per hour) along with access to full PBI salary packaging benefits. Employees are provided with extra leave options, professional supervision training, and access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. The organization is committed to maintaining a safe working environment and requires all employees to undergo background checks, including a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check.