The Australian Refugee Association Inc. (ARA) is a community-based organisation providing settlement, migration, and other forms of assistance to refugees, migrants and other people of concern.

As a member of our team, you will be supporting new arrivals in South Australia to achieve their social, economic, cultural and community participation goals. You will be making a difference in the lives of individuals and families as they re-establish themselves in a new home.

The Family Safety Case Manager (Multicultural Family Support Service) plays a vital role in providing support and advocacy for children, young people, and their families to address any issues that could escalate and result in an unsafe environment for children in the home. The position involves working with families from diverse cultural backgrounds, including refugees and recently arrived migrants, to address their unique needs, building on the strengths of each family member and acknowledging any past traumas. Through a holistic family case management approach, parents and family members are supported to get better at communicating openly, make decisions to improve children’s safety and set goals together as a family.

The main responsibilities and tasks for this role include:

Case Management

• Providing intensive case management services to individuals and families at risk of or experiencing deteriorating circumstances that could escalate and result in an unsafe environment for children. Case management includes undertaking risk assessments, safety planning, and referrals to appropriate support services.
• Conducting comprehensive assessments of clients' needs and developing tailored support plans.
• Collaborating with relevant stakeholders such as government agencies, community organizations, and legal services to advocate for clients' rights and coordinate access to essential resources.
• Monitoring and reviewing case objectives and case progression, responding appropriately to emerging needs as they arise.
• Contributing to the development of culturally sensitive resources and materials related to child safety and wellbeing, including cross-cultural workshops for CALD and mainstream service providers.
• Provide relevant information, practical assistance and support to clients to develop the knowledge and skills to resolve their issues and increase independence.
• Maintaining accurate records of client interactions, progress, and outcomes in accordance with organizational procedures.
• Participating in regular team meetings, case discussions, case conferences, case studies, and professional development activities.

This role is being offered part-time 3 days per week (0.6FTE) on a fixed term to June 2025, with the intent to grow the role as our business grows.

The role is classified as Level 4 under the SCHADS Industry Award. ARA is a Public Benevolent Institution and able to offer salary packaging benefits.

Desired Skills and Experience

The Family Safety Case Manager (MFSS) will require strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, empathy, resilience, and flexibility, as well as a commitment to social justice.

Qualifications:

• A tertiary degree in social work or similar, unless the equivalent knowledge has been gained through a combination of lesser qualifications and relevant professional experience.

Required skills:

• Strong understanding of family and child safety issues, and parenting models particularly as they relate to refugee and CALD communities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Empathy and sensitivity when dealing with vulnerable clients.
• Intensive case management and crisis intervention skills, including case planning, safety planning and risk management assessments.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation abilities.
• Knowledge of community resources and support services for refugees and migrants.
• Proficiency in data management and reporting.
• Fluency in languages other than English would be an advantage.

Required experience:

• Prior experience working in a similar role, preferably within a refugee or migrant support organization.
• Demonstrated experience in providing support to individuals, parents, and families affected by domestic violence and child safety concerns.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed, client centred, strength based case practices and principles.
• Experience conducting risk assessments and safety planning for individuals experiencing domestic and family violence or child safety concerns.

How to apply

The Family Safety Case Manager (MFSS) will be an integral part of the Australian Refugee Association's commitment to empowering individuals and families affected by domestic and family violence within CALD communities. If you are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families while upholding cultural sensitivity and inclusivity principles, we encourage you to apply for this meaningful role.

Applications can be lodged by clicking on the "Apply now" button below. Please provide a cover letter addressing the position description along with your resume and the contact details of three referees.

A copy of the Position Description can be downloaded below or from ARA's career's portal on ARA's website.

All applications will be treated in strictest confidence.

ARA is committed to equal employment opportunity. Individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and communities are strongly encouraged to apply.