Family Support Worker

Family Support Worker

Employer: Maxi Care Plus Pty Ltd

Location: Belconnen ACT 2617, Australia

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: $75,000 – $85,000 per annum + superannuation, depending on qualifications and experience

About Maxi Care Plus Pty Ltd

Maxi Care Plus Pty Ltd provides support services to children, families and individuals experiencing a range of social, personal and community support needs. The organisation is committed to delivering person-centred and practical support that promotes safety, wellbeing, independence and positive participation within the community.

We are seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Family Support Worker to join our team on a full-time basis. The successful applicant will provide practical, emotional and social support to children, parents, carers and families, assist with individualised support programs and work collaboratively with Social Workers, Welfare Workers, case workers and other service providers to promote positive family outcomes.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The successful Family Support Worker will be responsible for:

1. Identifying children, parents and families who require additional support and assessing their individual needs and circumstances.
2. Providing practical, emotional and social support to families experiencing personal, social or community difficulties.
3. Assisting Social Workers and Welfare Workers with family assessments, support planning, safety plans and appropriate interventions.
4. Developing, implementing and reviewing individualised support programs in consultation with families and relevant professionals.
5. Referring families to appropriate health, welfare, housing, education, employment and community services.
6. Providing information and guidance to families regarding available support services and community resources.
7. Assisting families to access appointments, health services, welfare services, educational programs and other relevant supports.
8. Liaising with case workers, case managers and other professionals regarding family circumstances, needs and appropriate support strategies.
9. Supporting parents and carers to develop practical strategies that promote children's safety, wellbeing and development.
10. Encouraging children and families to participate in community groups, playgroups, recreational activities and other appropriate programs.
11. Monitoring family circumstances and progress and identifying changes in support needs, risks or wellbeing.
12. Maintaining accurate and confidential case notes, family assessments, support plans, progress reports and referral records.
13. Advocating for families and assisting them to access appropriate services, resources and community support.
14. Supporting children and families involved in foster care and other relevant family support arrangements.
15. Identifying and responding appropriately to child protection, safeguarding, health and safety concerns.
16. Participating in case meetings, team meetings, family support reviews and service planning activities.
17. Working collaboratively with Social Workers, Welfare Workers, healthcare professionals, educators, community organisations and other service providers.
18. Maintaining professional boundaries, confidentiality and culturally appropriate practices when working with children, parents, carers and families.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must have:

1. A Certificate III or Certificate IV in Community Services, Certificate III or Certificate IV in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention, Diploma of Community Services, Diploma of Community Services Work, Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention, or another relevant community services, welfare or family support qualification.
2. At least 1 year of relevant experience working with children, families or individuals in community services, welfare, family support, disability support, residential care or a related setting.
3. Demonstrated understanding of family support, person-centred practice, safeguarding, family wellbeing and support planning.
4. Knowledge of health, welfare, housing, education, employment and community services available to families.
5. Demonstrated ability to assess family circumstances and identify appropriate support and referral pathways.
6. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
7. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to work respectfully with families from diverse backgrounds.
8. Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate case notes, client records, reports and confidential documentation.
9. Ability to identify risks and respond appropriately to safety, wellbeing and child protection concerns.
10. Ability to work collaboratively with Social Workers, Welfare Workers, case workers, healthcare professionals and other service providers.
11. A current Working with Children Check (WWCC), or willingness and ability to obtain one where required.
12. A current National Police Check, or willingness and ability to obtain one.
13. A valid Australian driver's licence.

Salary and Employment Conditions

The position offers a salary of $75,000 – $85,000 per annum plus superannuation, commensurate with the successful applicant's qualifications, skills and relevant experience.

Employment conditions will be provided in accordance with applicable Australian workplace laws and relevant industrial requirements.

How to Apply

Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply by submitting:

1. A current resume outlining relevant qualifications and employment experience; and
2. A cover letter outlining their suitability for the Family Support Worker position.

Applications will be assessed based on qualifications, relevant experience, skills and suitability for the position.

Maxi Care Plus Pty Ltd is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates.