Family Worker

Our client, Strong Nation Community Services is seeking a qualified and experienced professional to join their team in the role of Family Worker in their Early Years Family Support program.

About the Program

Early Years Family Support Program is a voluntary and confidential program supporting families to have great relationships & providing children with opportunities for the best start in life. Clients include families with at least one child aged 3 years or under facing any number of issues such as parenting struggles, mental health, alcohol or other drugs, domestic violence & social isolation. Support provided can include parenting programs (in-home and/or groups), playgroup, home visiting, counselling (parents & children), case management, information, advocacy and referral.

About the Opportunity…

The role is Part Time at 21 hours per week, which can be worked over 3 or 4 days per week and is permanent as far as funding allows. May suit someone wanting to work school hours. Salary will be paid in accordance with the NSW SCHADS Award and this role will be classified at Level 5 (Pay Point to be determined with successful applicant). The role is based in Windsor but will require some travel throughout the Hawkesbury LGA for home visits and other commitments as necessary (travel reimbursement as per the Award).

What you’ll need to succeed…

The successful applicant with have sound experience in case management as well as strong communication skills and ability to build relationships and a solid background in working with families. A sound understanding of the local referral networks in Hawkesbury LGA & experience working with diverse communities will be highly regarded.

Selection Criteria…

• Tertiary qualification(s) in Social Work, Social Science, Counselling, Psychology or related fields
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with families in a strengths-based, family focused and child centred framework
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of casework practice and key functions: assessment, planning and resource identification, linking families to services, advocacy, case review, family conferences, evaluation and closure
• Knowledge of solution focused, narrative and cognitive approaches to work with families
• Knowledge of trauma informed care
• Demonstrated willingness to engage families at the point of initial contact, build relationships of trust and cooperation
• Knowledge and understanding of early intervention and family support work with families, home visiting and parent education
• High level ability to liaise, network and maintain relationships with other service providers
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Time management and organisational skills
• Working knowledge of issues that may impact families i.e. Domestic Violence, Child Protection, Parent Drug and Alcohol Misuse, Parenting Skills, Child Behaviour Management, Learning Difficulties, Parental Mental Health and Social Isolation
• Ability to provide clearance of an NSW Working with Children check (or willingness to obtain)
• Ability to successfully complete the criminal background check (or willingness to obtain)
• Current NSW or National Driver’s Licence and access to a comprehensively insured vehicle

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of the Data Exchange reporting system
• Working knowledge of the Hawkesbury LGA
• Cultural competence in working with CALD and Aboriginal families