Family Support Worker

Family Support Worker

Employer: Verity Care Services Pty Ltd

Location: Mitchell ACT 2911, Australia

Employment Type: Full-Time

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

About Verity Care Services Pty Ltd

Verity Care Services Pty Ltd provides support services to individuals, children and families experiencing a range of social, personal and community support needs. The organisation is committed to providing person-centred, culturally responsive and practical support that promotes safety, wellbeing, independence and 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 assistance, information and support to children, parents, carers and families, while working 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, circumstances and support requirements.
2. Providing practical, emotional and social support to families experiencing personal, social or community challenges.
3. Assisting and collaborating with Social Workers and Welfare Workers to develop holistic family support plans, including family assessments, safety plans, goals and appropriate interventions.
4. Referring families to appropriate internal and external services and assisting them to access health, welfare, housing, education, employment and other community services.
5. Providing information and guidance to families and encouraging individuals with particular needs to participate in appropriate support groups, community programs and other services.
6. Liaising and collaborating with case workers and case work managers regarding family circumstances, support needs, issues and appropriate responses.
7. Assisting families and individuals to attend appointments and access relevant health, welfare, education and community services, including transporting clients where required.
8. Encouraging parents and carers to participate in appropriate community groups, playgroups and family support activities.
9. Supporting and advocating for appropriate care and support for children, parents, carers and the wider family group.
10. Supporting children and families involved with foster care arrangements and other relevant family support services.
11. Monitoring family circumstances and progress, identifying changes in support needs and providing appropriate updates to relevant workers and service providers.
12. Maintaining accurate and confidential case notes, family assessments, support plans, progress reports, referral records and other required documentation.
13. Participating in case discussions, family support reviews, team meetings and service planning activities.
14. Advocating for families and assisting them to access appropriate services, resources and community support.
15. Identifying and appropriately responding to safety, wellbeing, child protection and other risks in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
16. Maintaining professional boundaries, confidentiality and culturally safe practices when working with children, parents, carers and families.
17. Working collaboratively with families, Social Workers, Welfare Workers, case workers, healthcare professionals, community organisations and other service providers to support effective service delivery.
18. Performing duties in accordance with relevant legislation, organisational policies, safeguarding requirements and applicable community services standards.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must have:

1. A Diploma of Community Services, Diploma of Community Services Work, Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention, Certificate III/IV in Individual Support, Certificate III/IV in Community Services, Certificate III/IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention, Certificate III/IV in Youth Work, 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 individual and family circumstances and identify appropriate support and referral pathways.
6. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
7. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including the ability to work respectfully with families from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
8. Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate case notes, family 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, community organisations and other service providers.
11. A current Working with Children Check (WWCC), or willingness and ability to obtain one where required for child-related work.
12. A current National Police Check, or willingness and ability to obtain one.
13. A current Australian driver's licence and ability to travel to client appointments, services and community activities where required.

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.

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