Cafis Family Support Practitioners X 2 (Identified Positions) Re-Advertised

Larrakia Nation; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional community support organization in Melbourne is seeking two Family Support Practitioners to work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. This role focuses on developing Family Support Plans, enhancing parenting skills, and ensuring child safety within a culturally appropriate framework. Successful candidates will need to engage respectfully and build trust with families, addressing their unique challenges while promoting positive outcomes.

Benefits

Salary packaging options

Employee assistance programme

Learning and development opportunities

5 weeks annual leave

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience working with children and young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience delivering intervention and counseling.
• Ability to build trust with vulnerable families in challenging circumstances.

Responsibilities

• Engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in a culturally responsive manner.
• Co-develop Family Support Plans focusing on child safety and family relationships.
• Advocate for children's best interests while supporting parents.

Skills

Trauma-informed practice

Cultural competency

Family support planning

Counseling

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor degree or Diploma in Social Work or related field

Job description

CaFIS Family Support Practitioners x 2 (identified positions) re-advertised

These are affirmative measures – First Nations applicants only positions.

The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act

Eligibility Criteria

• be an Aboriginal person and / or a Torres Strait Islander person
• identify as an Aboriginal person and / or a Torres Strait Islander person, and
• be accepted by their community as being an Aboriginal and / or a Torres Strait Islander person

Successful applicants will be required to provide evidence of Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander status before being appointed to the role.

About the Corporation

Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation (LNAC) is the peak advocacy and support agency for the Larrakia people, the traditional landowners of the Greater Darwin area. Initially established to represent the Native Title interests of the Larrakia people, LNAC has since evolved into a vital service delivery organisation focussed on addressing the social, cultural and economic aspirations of the Larrakia people by initiating and administering programs, projects and services for the broader Aboriginal community. LNAC is a not-for-profit organisation, receiving the majority of its operating expenses from funding from the NTG & Commonwealth Government.

About the Program

The Children and Family Intensive Support Program (CaFIS) is part of the Families and Children Activity and is funded by the Department of Social Services. It supports Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander families in the Greater Darwin Region (NT) with children and young people aged 0-18 years. The program focuses on early support and prevention, assisting families navigating complex situations including child protection involvement. CaFIS aims to strengthen family relationships, improve the health and safety, wellbeing of children and encourage community participation. Services are culturally responsive, trauma-informed, child-centred and evidence-based, ensuring that support is tailored to the unique needs of each family.

Benefits and Perks

Conditions of employment are covered by the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation Enterprise Agreement.

• Salary range starts at $ per hour. Options include salary packaging a maximum of $15,899 from your gross salary each year; 5 weeks pro‑rota annual leave per year; and a 35‑hour week.
• We also offer a dedicated employee assistance programme and excellent learning and development support and opportunities.

Key Responsibilities and Practice Principles

Work in partnership with the Family Support Worker to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in a respectful and culturally responsive manner.

Build and maintain trusted, therapeutic relationships with children, parents, and extended family members.

Development of Family Support Plans

Co‑design comprehensive Family Support Plans with families, identifying strengths, needs, goals and actions to enhance parenting capacity and family functioning.

Ensure plans are child‑centred, realistic and culturally appropriate, with a strong focus on child safety and family preservation.

Trauma‑Informed and Culturally affirming Practice

Apply a trauma‑informed approach to all assessments, planning and interventions.

Ensure all engagement strategies and service responses affirm and respect the cultural identity, values and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

Child‑Centred Support and Advocacy

Advocate for the best interests of children while supporting parents and caregivers to develop safe, nurturing environments.

Monitor and respond to child safety concerns in collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders, in accordance with relevant legislation and protocols.

Case Coordination and Service Integration

Coordinate services and supports identified in Family Support Plans, ensuring families have access to appropriate internal and external resources.

Liaise with community agencies, health providers and statutory bodies to ensure integrated and holistic service delivery.

Outreach and Flexibility

Provide flexible, community‑based outreach support to families in their homes or preferred environments.

Adjust work schedules and locations to best support families and encourage engagement.

Documentation and Reporting

Maintain accurate, timely and confidential case notes and records in accordance with organisational policies and program requirements.

Contribute to data collection, progress reporting and programme evaluation activities.

Team Participation and Supervision

Actively participate in regular team meetings, case reviews, reflective supervision and professional development activities.

Work under the direction of the Team Leader and contribute to a collaborative, respectful team culture.

Community Engagement

Develop and maintain strong links with local Aboriginal communities, Elders and cultural advisors.

Support community‑driven initiatives that align with the programme's goals and enhance family and child wellbeing.

Selection Criteria

Bachelor degree or at minimum Diploma in Social Work, Psychology, Family Therapy, Community Services or similar profession with a minimum of 3 years' experience working with children and young people with a trauma background.

Demonstrated knowledge / experience in working with culturally diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

Demonstrated experience in the delivery of brief intervention, counselling and / or mediation.

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the range of family risk and protective factors which impact on child outcomes.

Ability to conduct holistic family assessments, co‑develop Family Support Plans and implement evidence‑informed interventions that build parenting capacity and improve family functioning.

Demonstrated knowledge of and a commitment to early intervention as a strategy to optimise child outcome.

Demonstrated knowledge of child protection issues and the NT child protection system.

Ability to build trust and rapport with vulnerable families, often in challenging and complex circumstances.

Understanding of the importance of culturally responsive practice, together with a willingness to work respectfully in accordance with Larrakia and other Indigenous cultures.

Possession of, or ability to quickly acquire, a First Aid & CPR Certificate.

A valid Working with Children (OCHRE) Card, Current NT Driver's Licence (C Class minimum), Current Police check.

Advantageous

Identify as Larrakia

Proven experience leading and developing a new team

Applicants are required to undergo Drug and Alcohol testing if you are in the final selection as part of the recruitment process.

To apply for this role, please click the 'apply now' button and upload your resume and cover letter addressing the selection criteria. To be eligible for consideration you must answer the questionnaire and attach current copies of your Driver's licence, Working with Children check, National Police check (within three months). Direct applications made to LNAC staff will not be accepted.

Previous applicants need not apply – for information call Katrina

Applications close Sunday, 23 November