Family Services Practitioner

• Bendigo
• 45 hours per fortnight, continuing position

Take the next step in your career with CatholicCare Victoria. 

About the Position

The Family Services program provides a variety of support to families within the community, this ranges from supporting them in their parenting role, to working intensively with families under increased pressure whose children are at risk of placement in care services.

The Family Services team aims to promote strong families with children who are safe, healthy, resilient and thriving; and parents and caregivers who are supported to create safe and nurturing home environments.

Working as a family services practitioner you will engage with children, young people and parents/caregivers in a child focused, empowering and meaningful way. You will also work collaboratively and collectively with service providers. Delivering rapid, flexible, culturally safe and intensive services when and where families need them.

Specifically, the position is responsible for:

• Using approaches that consider the best interests of the child, trauma informed practices, knowledge of child development, attachment theories, family preservation and reunification principles, and other relevant frameworks
• Developing goals, action plans and safety plans with families through direct work with individuals and groups as appropriate
• Keeping appropriate records including case note recordings and statistical data
• Developing, maintaining and strengthening existing linkages with a range of community services and State government agencies
• Contributing to the ongoing development of the team through collaborative teamwork

To be considered for this position, you will require:

• Professional qualification in Social Work, Welfare or other relevant tertiary study.
• Experience working in, or a student placement in the Child and Family sector.
• Knowledge of relevant theories, intervention approaches and understanding of the causes of family breakdown, child safety and child development.
• Knowledge of the Best Interest Case Practice Framework, MARAM framework and an understanding of goal setting and review and family safety planning.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with a care team of professionals and family members.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, the ability to use computer software and client management systems.

About CatholicCare Victoria

CatholicCare Victoria is a leading and influential provider of charitable and social services in Victoria.  The Mission of CatholicCare Victoria is to build communities that recognise and nurture the dignity of each person.  Our employees share our Mission for a stronger, more inclusive society through supporting individuals, families and communities in times of need, especially those who are most disadvantaged, vulnerable and/or marginalised.

We deliver excellence in a broad range of child, family and youth services, family relationship services, school counselling and pastoral care services, social housing, employment and advocacy services across various office locations and delivery sites in Victoria.

We draw on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching to inspire and direct our endeavours.  We value and respect human dignity and embrace diversity in an inclusive work environment. 

Working for CatholicCare Victoria

At CatholicCare Victoria we offer:

• A family friendly working environment.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Salary packaging for eligible staff.

We embrace, value and respect an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. 

We are committed to the safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply.  We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

How to Apply

For further information and how to apply, visit our website www.catholiccarevic.org.au 

Enquiries to:  Applicants are encouraged to contact Alana Doe, Manager, Family Services on 0490 292 354 for a confidential discussion.

Applications close:  Sunday, 4 December 2022

Applications are required to be submitted via our website www.catholiccarevic.org.au for your application to be considered. 

Please ensure your application includes your resume and a cover letter detailing a summary of your experience relevant to the position.

The successful applicant must have right to work in Australia.

Should you require cultural or other support in submitting your application, please contact our People and Culture Department on 03 5337 8999.

Should you require information in alternative formats, please contact our People and Culture Department on 03 5337 8999.

Directions from Victoria’s Chief Health Officer require all CatholicCare Victoria workers to be fully vaccinated and for specific positions, boosted, unless they are an Excepted Person as defined by the Pandemic (Workplace) Order 2022. All applicants must therefore be able to comply with the requirements.