• Based in Oran Park
• Closed period contract, full time until December 2023
• Key role in the Family Connect and Support program

About the opportunity

This role is responsible for the triage and assessment of children, young people and families referred to the South West Sydney Family Connect and Support (FCS) program.

Triage and Assessment specialists will conduct comprehensive whole of family based assessments to determine the level of complexity and vulnerability of children, young people and their families to identify their immediate needs. They will use a varying range of engagement approaches in undertaking these assessments including; telephone interviews, home visiting, cold calling, liaison with key stakeholders and the exchange of information under chapter 16a of the Child Care and Protection legislation.

What you will be doing:

• Deliver services that are built on evidence based frameworks, approaches and models and maintain program fidelity.
• Operate a triage system for children, young people and families referred to the FCS that is in line with the identified priority cohorts
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments to determine the level of complexity and vulnerability of children, young people and families and align them with the FCS tiered service response types
• Utilise a range of client engagement approaches that are flexible and responsive to need, including; home visiting, cold calling and meeting with children, young people and their families in community locations when appropriate.
• Act as an internal specialist resource to the broader FCS team in addressing child protection risk and guiding safety planning in situations of escalated risk.
• Deliver services to children, young people and families that are compliant with the FCS Program Specifications timeframes and service indicators.
• Provide planning, support and structure for the safety of children and young people in families and immediately take appropriate action in line with Uniting’s policies, procedures and Government legislation where the safety of a child or young person is at risk
• Work closely with the FCS Case Coordination team in a way that supports the seamless transition of families from assessment ongoing support
• Provide feedback to and follow with both inbound and outbound referral agencies within the FCS specified timeframes
• Maintain up to date knowledge of the local service system and work positively towards building relationships and referral pathways into the FCS program.
• Maintain appropriate and up to date client records and related administration processes in accordance with Care Link practice and procedures.
• Be available to provide services to children, young people and their families at flexible times and in locations that are most suitable to their needs.

About You

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Youth Work etc. or equivalent experience in a similar role  
• Previous experience conducting comprehensive needs assessments with a focus on risk and safety planning for children, young people and families 
• Demonstrated ability to engage families with high and complex issues and work in partnership with them to identify their needs, utilising the Common Assessment Tool (CAT)
• Demonstrated understanding of child protection issues and the ability to identify and respond in line with legislative requirements
• Demonstrated experience in working with Aboriginal children, young people and their families in a way that is culturally appropriate and responsive
• Demonstrated ability to work with and identify the needs of CALD children, young people, their families and communities and work with interpreters where needed.
• Ability to lead and coordinate triage and assessment work
• Current NSW Working with Children Check
• Current NSW drivers licence

Even better

• Knowledge of service systems and networks in SWS region.
• Demonstrated experience engaging and working with young and their families who are impacted by mental health issues.

Benefits & culture 

Uniting is proud to be an EEO employer. People with a disability, or who identify as LGBTQI or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander are encouraged to apply.

We work together to ensure that every individual can be the best they can be. We value you and will support you in your career by:

• Ongoing training and mentoring to improve and learn new skill
• Family friendly workplace and flexible working hours
• Salary Packaging

Don’t miss out on this new and exciting opportunity. Apply today!

Employment with Uniting is subject to satisfactory background checks which may include a National Police Check and Reference Checks.

For more information about the role, please contact Soraya Kauhiva, Talent Acquisition Specialist on 0466 867 721 or [email protected], using the subject line: Triage & Assessment Specialist enquiry via EthicalJobs.