The Service Specialist - Family Based Care role is crucial within our organisation, delivering trauma-informed, evidence-based support to separated families in the Out of Home Care system.

This position involves coordinating and facilitating supervised visits and changeovers with children and their families, ensuring the safety and well-being of all parties involved.

The role also entails providing ongoing service provision in alignment with court-directed orders, conducting risk assessments, developing safety plans, and fostering positive relationships with families and stakeholders. Professional documentation, therapeutic planning and supporting children’s and young people’s ongoing connection to family and culture whilst adhering to legislative requirements are essential aspects of this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate supervised visits and changeovers with children and their families
• Provide ongoing service provision to separated families in accordance with court-directed orders
• Prioritize the needs and safety of children and their families at all times.
• Conduct ongoing risk assessments and develop safety plans where necessary
• Develop individualised positive behaviour support plans and oversee their embedding into service delivery
• Develop and grow the capacity and capability of families in engagement positively with their children
• Maintaining children and young people’s ongoing connection to family, culture and country through positive relationships with communities and the implementation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principles
• Cultivate positive relationships with children, families, and relevant stakeholders
• Maintain accurate and professional documentation and administrative systems as per program and legislative requirements
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, relevant legislation, and contractual obligations
• Stay informed of professional trends and literature related to family transitions and service intervention strategies
• Meet key performance indicators for research, evaluation data, and surveys
• Comply with the organisation's Program Planning and Evaluation Framework

Requirements

• Bachelor's qualification in Social Work, Family Therapy, Psychology, or similar Human Services field, with eligibility for membership of relevant professional associations
• Experience in supporting families experiencing high levels of conflict, with knowledge of family law, mental health, substance abuse, and family violence
• Ability to address the developmental and therapeutic needs of children who have experienced trauma, abuse, and neglect
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to think laterally and use initiative
• Commitment to resilience and continuous improvement with a growth mindset
• Curiosity and proactive approach to seeking learning opportunities and further information
• Ability to work effectively within a case management framework
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Sound judgement and decision-making abilities
• Current registration or eligibility for registration with relevant professional bodies
• Experience working with trauma-informed models, mental health, disabilities, and child protection
• Leadership experience overseeing large teams, including supervision, training, and support of staff
• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders
• Knowledge of Child Protection practices, mandatory reporting guidelines, privacy, and confidentiality principles
• Willingness to travel to satellite offices
• Current employee Working With Vulnerable People Check ACT drivers License, and NSW Driver's Licence

Remuneration Package

• Fully maintained vehicle
• Superannuation and leave loading
• Salary packaging options available

About us

We provide services to people with disability, young people and children in out-of-home care, their families and communities. We believe everyone is equal. You can learn more about us here. 

How to Apply

All applications must be lodged online. For any further questions or enquiries, please feel free to email Jessica at jessica.vainer@lifestylesolutions.org.au 

Our organisation is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the well-being of separated families and make a meaningful impact in their lives.