Temporary Full Time (Part Time, 4-day week can be considered)

Contract to 30th June 2023

Lower Hunter/Port Stephens/Lake Macquarie based 

Why Join Samaritans?

Our team are the heart of what we do here at Samaritans. As a part of the Samaritans team, you have access to the following great benefits:

• Salary Packaging options
• Access to Fitness Passport gym membership
• Career and development opportunities
• Payroll giving programs
• The opportunity to work within an innovative, collaborative team environment
• Progressive organisation with a focus on advocacy and social justice

About the Role

Samaritans’ Child and Parenting Support Program is an early intervention and prevention service aimed at improving children’s development and wellbeing. The program works in a collaborative manner with families to build on effective parenting skills and assist parents with worries and challenges that impact on their ability to parent, including child development, challenging behaviours, housing, domestic violence, relationship breakdowns and community connections. 

The Child and Parenting Support Group Facilitator will work as part of the Samaritan’s Child and Family team. The role will have a primary focus of working with families with children 0-12 but may support families with children up to 18 years of age. They will be responsible for facilitating accredited and evidence-based parenting education and skills groups; evidence-based groups for children in schools and community, and planning and delivering supported playgroups within the targeted community areas. The role will also require referral to the case manager and other services for families who require individual family work and more complex support

The Essentials

The successful applicant will have the following:

• Diploma in Children’s Services, Community Services or similar1. Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and experience of working with children and their parents/ carers. 
• Ability to build a strong relationship with families based on honesty, transparency, working together, strengths, trust, professionalism and compassion.
• Experience running evidence-based groups for children such as Drumbeat, Seasons for Growth or a willingness to train in these or similar evidence-based programs 
• Experience in running parenting groups such as 123 Magic and Emotion Coaching, Bringing Up Great Kids and Circle of Security or a willingness to train in these or similar evidence-based parenting groups. 
• Knowledge and demonstrated understanding of the child protection framework within NSW. 
• The ability to develop and maintain positive and productive working relationships with internal and external services. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop rapport and communicate effectively with children and their parents / carers. 
• Demonstrated commitment and ability to maintain confidentiality and accountability, including case records, team and organisational discussions. 
• Understanding of and commitment to the principles and legislative requirements of child protection, WHS, cultural diversity and ethical practice 
• Proven ability to effectively and proactively network and liaise with government and non-government service providers

If this sounds like you, please Apply Now!

Please submit your resume and cover letter addressing the essential criteria

About Us

For over 30 years Samaritans has been providing unconditional support to many different groups of people. Samaritans core values of compassion, integrity and justice continue to be central to everything we do. Our services support people with a disability, young people, children, families, those escaping domestic violence, and those leaving prison, among others. 

Our vision is to build communities where there is care for the vulnerable and where each individual has the opportunity to contribute and participate fully in community life. Behind this vision is a united team of over 800 staff members and 400 volunteers who work together throughout Newcastle, Hunter, Central Coast, Western and the Mid-North Coast regions of NSW. 

For more information please visit www.samaritans.org.au or contact Meg [email protected] 

You must have the right to live and work in Australia. No agencies or third party applications please.

Samaritans promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children and young people.