• Hours: Full-time, 38 hours week to June 30th 2026
• Operational Base: Mission Australia / First Steps Count- Taree

This is an exciting and unique opportunity for a First Steps Count Navigator to make a difference in the lives of families and children in Taree by supporting parents to be empowered to give their children the best start in life.

You will have exceptional skills in working with families with children 0-12 years and demonstrate an understanding of their unique circumstances.

You are familiar with the Taree community and local needs and are passionate about making an impact. You are empathic, a good communicator and are able to connect and engage with a variety of stakeholders and families.

• Hours: Full-time, 38 hours week to June 30th 2026
• Operational Base: Mission Australia/ First Steps Count- Taree
• Award: Allied Health Level 2 or equivalent, Social Worker, Community Worker, Nursing or Psychology
• Vaccination Category: Category A including 2 doses approved COVID vaccinations
• Responsible To: Responsible to the NSW Community Program Manager, through Director of Education and Business Development

PURPOSE OF ROLE

First Steps Count Navigator (FSCN) is a key enabler of the integrated services of FSC Child and Community Centre. The FSCN will ensure that those families seeking support feel comfortable, understood and cared for. The Navigator will provide the space for people to navigate challenging questions and complex situations. The Navigator will ensure families are linked with services in a coordinated, stepped model of care that best meets their identified level of support need.

The FSCN will support parents to access services that improve family functioning, parent / child relationships, increase parental confidence and capacity, improve personal wellbeing, reduce parental stress, promote optimal child development, growth and behaviour and improve connections with the community and services.

The Navigator will play a pivotal role in fostering integration between service providers in health, NGOs and education and developing a more collaborative service ecosystem. The Navigator will act as a “way-finder” through connecting families to the right services and will have extensive knowledge about organisations and services in Taree.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA: (each criteria must be addressed in your cover letter)

• Qualifications in social sciences, community services or equivalent with minimum 3 years experience
• Knowledge and understanding of issues affecting parents and children experiencing vulnerabilities and capacity to work in partnership with families
• Demonstrated experience working alongside families with children (0-12 years), using a strengths-based, trauma informed approach
• Demonstrated experience delivering therapeutic and / or evidence based group work programs
• Demonstrated experience working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with children
• Effective written and verbal communication skills (including computer skills); interpersonal, problem solving and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated ability to build service partnerships to facilitate access to services for children and families
• Demonstrated ability to work in an inter-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder team to facilitate access to services for children and families (including services provided through NSW Health)
• Current Drivers Licence

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The majority of Karitane’s services close for approximately two weeks over the Christmas/New Year period, during which time employees are required to take leave.

Karitane supports a smoke free environment including grounds, buildings and vehicles. Applicants will have a commitment to EEO and WHS, ethical practice and the principles of cultural diversity.

Relevant Police Check, Working with Children Check, Apprehended Violence Orders and prior employment checks, including relevant disciplinary proceedings, will be conducted on recommended applicants.

A full position description detailing this role and what Karitane is all about is in detail and can be viewed on the Karitane website under Employment Opportunities: karitane.com.au.

Benefits of a career at Karitane

• Dynamic team
• Innovative organisation
• That we are an accredited Family-friendly workplace
• Professional development, support, and mentoring
• Opportunity to salary package up to $16,050 tax free (as not-for-profit and registered charity)
• Additional leave accrued day off once a month where applicable.
• Encouraged to achieve your full potential.
• Respected and recognised.
• Flexible work practices where applicable and appropriate
• Meaningful work – that makes a difference.

Please note: If you work in the NSW Public Health system and other Affiliated Health Organisations your accruals of leave and service can be transferred across to Karitane.

COVID-19 Requirements

All NSW Health workers are required to have received two (2) doses or have an approved medical contraindication certificate.

You will be required to provide a record of your COVID-19 and current Influenza vaccination status if successful.

Enquiries via email should be addressed to Lee Bratel, NSW Community Programs Manager:

Mobile: 0407 270 643 | Mon - Thurs

Email: [email protected], using the subject line: First Steps Count Navigator - Taree enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Please click Apply Now to submit your application.

A position description is attached.