About us:

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 Specialist Disability Practitioner based at Geelong West. This is a part time (0.8 EFT) position and is fixed-term until 30 June 2022. This position will have the responsibilities of supporting families with NDIS access and participation and assisting families to navigate systems of disability support, including the NDIS, disability advocates, disability service providers and mainstream services. This will include direct case management support to support families with a disability, including parents and /or children with a disability using a range of interventions including care team coordination, home-visiting, office-based support, within an agreed goal plan to meet the family’s needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with vulnerable families to identify disability support needs, assist with NDIS access and undertaking NDIS disability-related goal setting and helping families prepare for their plan reviews.
• Provide case coordination of relevant mainstream services, such as schools and health care providers, (where needed) and work with NDIS LACs, planners and Support Coordinators to ensure a joined-up approach tailored to the needs of the family. Coordination could occur via telephone or email, through case conferencing or during care team meetings.
• Engage with local NDIA/NDIS staff and providers to work collaboratively to support families.
• Engage with specialist schools to encourage the early identification and early support of families where the complexity of the disability support needs are likely to cause increased family pressure.
• In collaboration with families, establish quality family assessments, safety plans, goals and interventions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and empower families towards positive change.

Skills and Attributes:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in social work, psychology, behavioural sciences, and/or diploma qualification relevant to the human services sector and eligibility for membership of a professional association.
• Experience working with families within a casework/case management context utilising a variety of intervention skills including experience in engaging vulnerable families through relational strategies of assertive outreach with safety screening and planning as required.
• A high level of knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of case management/case work and an understanding of the issues related to families at risk, child safety and wellbeing concerns with a commitment to the strengths based and solution focus work with vulnerable families with disability.
• Knowledge of the NDIS operational model and NDIS planning processes with experience liaising with the NDIS funded sector, including Local Area Coordinators, Support Coordinators and NDIS planners.

What we offer

• A diverse and inclusive environment
• Flexible working arrangements
• Salary Packaging
• 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.

Bethany celebrates diversity and seeks to engage respectfully with people of diverse experiences and backgrounds.

A position description is attached.