About Bethany

At Bethany we value people and build upon their strengths. We are innovative and for over 150 years we have been supporting individuals within the community by developing new ways of working to make a difference. We have a broad range of programs from providing early childhood education and care through our 22 Kindergartens, to tailored community services to support children and families wellbeing.

About the role

Bethany is excited to advertise for the role of Family Services Early Help Worker, based in Geelong. This is a part time 0.8 FTE (30.4 hours a week) fixed term position to 16 December 2022.

The role is positioned in the Connect Up team and will report to the Connect Up Team Leader. The Connect Up program places Family Services Workers within universal services in high needs communities to provide a range of early intervention responses to engage and support families with children aged 0 – 12 years.

This position will also provide a Connect Up school readiness response for families with a child enrolled at a state funded kindergarten service that have included Connect Up as part of their School Readiness Funding package.

Key responsibilities

• Individual Family Support:
  • Identification of individual family and children’s support needs and, in consultation with the family, development and regular reviewing of Family Action Plans
  • Support families to navigate the service system and engage with relevant service providers or community supports to maximise the child/family’s quality of life
  • Provision of flexible funding to support families in crisis or facilitate their participation and connection to community.
  • Work respectfully with all children and families to ensure that services provided are culturally appropriate
• A range of group-based family supports that will include:
  • Delivery of supported playgroups
  • Delivery of other evidence-based parent education groups to build parents knowledge, skills and confidence.
  • Collaboration with services to develop/deliver parent engagement and peer support groups
• Provide high level and professional consultations to universal services staff and other service providers
• Maintain accurate DHHS, DSS and other data as required by funding bodies and the organisation and participate in periodic evaluation and program performance reporting

About you

• A tertiary qualification in Early Years, Social work, Psychology or other related Behavioural Sciences at degree or diploma level
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, risk and needs assessment frameworks and appropriate application of these
• Demonstrated capacity to engage with children and parents and knowledge and experience in providing a range of family interventions
• High level organisational skills, the ability to work autonomously and self-manage in the context of varied and complex competing priorities
• Demonstrated commitment to social inclusion and social justice
• Demonstrated capacity to provide high level collaborative work practices with families, schools, Early Childhood Education Centres (ECEC) and other relevant service providers

What we offer

• A diverse and inclusive environment
• Flexible working arrangements
• Salary sacrificing
• Employee Assistance Program

In order to comply with mandatory Child Safety Standards, all employment is subject to a valid and current Police Check and Working with Children Check.

Please note, Bethany Community Support is an essential service, and all employees are classified as essential workers. In order to comply with the CHO directions, all employees must provide evidence of their Covid-19 vaccination.

Bethany values and celebrates diversity and is working to create a team of people who reflect the diverse community we support. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+ and culturally diverse people as well as those living with a disability and those looking to return to the workforce following a break in their career are encouraged to apply for our roles.

A position description is attached.