Family Support Worker - MacKillop

Family Support Worker - MacKillop

Position: Family Support Worker - MacKillop

Location: Co-located with partner organisation: MacKillop Family Services Unit 3, 4 Shepherd Street, Darwin 

Duration: Full time, fixed term until 30 June 2025

Classification: $70,993 - $76,403 per annum (HPCS 2.1 – 2.4)

This position is identified for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and is intended to constitute a special measure under section 8 (1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and section 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1996 (NT).

Job description

The Family Support Service works alongside the primary carer or parent(s) in the Darwin region who have children in their care to improve safety and connectedness with local community services.

WHO ARE WE?

Established in 1991, Danila Dilba Health Service (DDHS) is an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation committed to providing culturally appropriate, comprehensive primary health care services and community development within the Biluru (Aboriginal) community of the Yilli Rreung (Greater Darwin) Region in the Northern Territory.

We work to address the social determinants of health including the broader issues that affect our people’s health, through evidence-based research and public advocacy. We also work to empower individuals, families, and communities to optimise their health.

WHAT WILL YOU FOCUS ON?

The Family Support Service works alongside the primary carer or parent(s) in the Darwin region who have children in their care to improve safety and connectedness with local community services. The major emphasis of the program is to provide high support services based on a thorough understanding of the child whilst supporting primary carer or parent(s). A case plan is developed for each family and the position works closely with MacKillop Practitioners (case managers) to deliver the service.

The Family Support Worker will be based at MacKillop Family Support Services and work alongside MacKillop Family Support Practitioners and families in their homes to provide cultural support for engagement with those families in enacting case plans. The Family Support Worker will provide support after school and in the evening to assist the family. The Family Support Worker role will also have the responsibility for continual assessment in consultation with Practitioners allocated to the family.

The Family Support Worker will report to the Danila Dilba Health Service (DDHS) Senior Manager Child & Family Services for leadership and employment matters and the MacKillop Team Leader for day-to- day operational matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development, Implementation and Review

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with the key stakeholders relevant to the program.
• Assist primary carer or parent(s) to get the children to school and assist them to attend appointments with other service providers and identify and provide other specific supports for the children.
• Liaise with primary carer or parent(s) to assist in identifying gaps or weaknesses in service delivery to children and primary carer or parent(s).
• Provide support with budgeting, cleaning, home maintenance, hygiene practices, meal planning and shopping, and cooking.
• Provide education and skill development in relation to parenting and household management.
• Be available to support families early in the morning and after hours, as required.
• Identify, negotiate and coordinate the delivery of services to meet the child’s needs, including respite services as appropriate.
• Work with the family to identify barriers and decide what will be required to assist them to meet the goals as outlined in their family case plan.
• Role model strategies for engaging children in activities such as homework, structured play, dinner, bath, and bedtime.
• Ensure that they monitor and regularly review progress against case planning goals.
• Awareness of the requirements of culturally appropriate practice.
• Maintain case records and the digital client data base in accordance with program procedures.
• Attend weekly team meetings with both MacKillop and DDHS staff.

Carer Support

• Assist primary carer or parent(s) to attend appointments and access community groups and activities.
• Provide parenting and trauma information for primary carer or parent(s).
• Create, encourage, and support links with family, community and cultural groups and networks.
• Link with other support services for primary carer or parent(s) families that may contribute to increased safety for children, family functioning and well-being.
• Work collaboratively with families to identify, address and review their ongoing needs.

Community Support Network

• Ensure a Community Support Network for each family is established and supported including identifying potential network members.
• Actively encourage and support participation by the child’s family and significant others where possible.
• Assist in strengthen links to community and culture for families.
• Attending and contributing to team meetings.
• Other duties as required.

Workplace Health and Safety

• Comply with relevant DDHS and MacKillop workplace policies.
• Observe and fulfil health and safety responsibilities.

Training and Development

• Participate in mandatory training as identified by DDHS and MacKillop.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

• A knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and values and an awareness of the current issues faced by Aboriginal children, young people, and their families.
• Demonstrated experience in the human services or related discipline.
• Knowledge of vulnerable children, young people, and families, including an understanding of the impact of trauma, attachment, and child development.
• An understanding of the child protection and the out-of-home care service system.
• Demonstrated ability in working as part of a team.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively and with the capacity to liaise with other agencies and the community.
• Good written and communication skills and computer literacy.
• Ability to participate collaboratively and constructively within teams of peers, staff and other stakeholders, as well as initiative and effective personal judgement when working alone.

Desirable

• An appropriate qualification in the human services or related discipline.

CONTACT AND APPLICATION INFORMATION

Maggie O’Sullivan (0457843222), Terri Stuart (0447194027)

We ask that you supply the following documentation in your application to assist the hiring managers with their decision making.  

• Police check or willingness to obtain one
• Current Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card) or the ability and willingness to obtain one
• Current CPR certificate or the preparedness to gain one within 6 months of commencement. 
• Full vaccination against Covid-19 or evidence of exemption as listed on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
• Current drivers’ licence
• Work right documents (Australian passport/birth certificate OR international passport with visa).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

• 6 weeks annual leave
• 5 days paid leave during end-of-year shut down (additional to annual leave)
• Salary packaging up to $15,990 per annum

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Select “Apply now” and you will be directed to the full position description.

COMMITTED TO PROTECTING CHILDREN

Danila Dilba Health Service is committed to protecting the rights of children in all areas where we work. Applicants are advised we will conduct police checks and other screening procedures to ensure we maintain and promote a child safe environment.

To work with DDHS you must hold, or be willing to obtain, a current police check, a valid NT working with children's card, a current CPR certificate and full vaccination against COVID-19, or an exemption as listed on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

Only those with full working rights will be considered for this position.