WHO WE ARE

Family Drug Support is the leading provider of family support services in Australia.

Family Drug Support (FDS) is a national caring, secular organisation that provides non-judgmental, non-directive support and information for families and friends impacted by the AOD use of others. Support services and programs for families of others are recognised gaps in most AOD treatment and related services. Since 1997, Family Drug Support has successfully provided programs in this area.

THE BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR FAMILY DRUG SUPPORT

As an employee of Family Drug Support you will have the opportunity to work alongside a committed and professional team within a dynamic and supportive culture, other benefits offered include:

• A vibrant, energetic and supportive team environment
• Extensive range of presentations, worksheets, educational tools and other internally developed resources
• Individual and peer supervision to support your professional practice
• Flexible working arrangements including TIL [Time in Lieu]
• Diverse client load with support to increase areas of professional expertise
• We value and prioritise staff’s health and wellbeing
• Generous Professional Development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• FDS will provide full training and support in the FDS model and its programs
• You will be required to undertake a complete induction process, including orientation and training (possibly interstate)

REMUNERATION

The salary package includes Base Salary: $81,317.60 annually, which aligns with the Social Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010, level four, pay point four (dependent on demonstrated skills and experience & pro-rata where applicable) plus $6000 regional allowance, and superannuation with an option to salary sacrifice. A mobile telephone, laptop computer and printer will be supplied for business purposes and a company car will also be provided for work use.

TAX-FREE SALARY PACKAGING BENEFITS

In addition to your remuneration, you have the option to enjoy generous tax- free salary packaging benefit which includes salary sacrifice.

ABOUT THE ROLE

FDS offers a full-time (35hour) position, working flexible hours, to suit the clients’ family requirements. This role requires a solid understanding of harm reduction principles, a strong commitment to non-directive practice and therapeutic capacity to support families.

As a Family Support Worker, you will:

• Deliver therapeutic support and education programs as part of Family Drug Supports service provision to families supporting a relative impacted by Alcohol and other Drugs (AOD).
• Liaise with AOD services and assist them in identifying skills and capacities in working with families and carers (including but not limited to inter-agencies, networking events, conferences and expos).
• Help promote, and facilitate existing family support groups.
• Identify new opportunities for establishment of FDS services.
• Plan and deliver FDS Stepping Forward information sessions.
• Plan and deliver FDS Stepping Stones programs and other FDS courses (weekends).
• Participate in FDS professional development workshop Support the Family Improve the Outcome.
• Participate in regular debriefing and supervision.

ABOUT OUR PERFECT CANDIDATE

FDS seeks a motivated Family Support Worker to maintain and expand the service in Cairns (and surrounding areas), providing support to families affected by AOD use. We are looking for a unique individual that is driven by social justice and wants to make a difference for families navigating the many challenges presented in this domain.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience in the AOD, education, community services or human services sector (min 5 years).
• Demonstrated experience in working with families.
• Proven group facilitation and training skills (min 5 years).
• Membership in relevant professional associations.
• Ability to undertake phone calls to/from families needing 1-on-1 support.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• High level of empathy to manage therapeutic role.
• Proven administration excellence, including reporting on time and ability to meet KPIs and timelines.
• Goals-orientated and high level of organisation.
• Proven ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Proven experience in working with people experiencing AOD-related difficulties and working with AOD workers.
• Commitment to personal and professional growth and development.
• Participation in relevant workforce development activities.
• Understanding of and commitment to Harm Minimisation, Social Justice and FDS model.
• Ability to plan and promote FDS services through delivering information sessions and educational sessions.
• Ability to undertake intra-and interstate travel and after-hours and weekend work (as required).
• Need to attend key FDS activities such as Annual Volunteers Workshop, Remembrance Ceremony, International FDS Day etc.
• Ability to work with FDS volunteers to support the delivery of services.
• Computer competence, including the use of Microsoft office products and PowerPoint.
• Unencumbered driver’s licence (This is a requirement of employment).
• Ability to adhere to FDS policies and procedures.
• Commitment and involvement with quality processes, including reporting incidents/hazards.
• Other requirements as directed by the Queensland Clinical Services Manager.

FDS is proud to be an EEO employer. FDS supports an inclusive approach in the workplace. We celebrate our diversity and welcome staff regardless of ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity and lifestyle choices. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Prior to an offer of employment, candidates will be required to supply references and complete pre-employment checks including a Police check. 

Find out more about Family Drug Support here: www.fds.org.au 

For more information or role related queries please contact the Queensland Clinical Services Manager on email [email protected] using the subject line: Family Support Worker Cairns – enquiry via Seek.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, please submit the following:

• A covering letter.
• A statement of claim addressing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.
• Your resume.

Closing date: Friday, 15 September 2023 at 5 pm.