MacKillop celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. Every person at MacKillop has the right to be safe and to be treated justly. We value every person’s cultural or linguistic background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, intersex status, relationship status, religion or spiritual beliefs, socio-economic status, age, and abilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

This is a Permanent Full-time opportunity based in Broadmeadows within our FPR Northern Program.

Ouroffer:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – free and confidential counselling, couching and emotional support for work and personal challenges
• Ongoing Training and Development
• Study Leave for ongoing employees
• Click HERE to find out more about becoming a member of the MacKillop Family Services team and what further support we have to offer our employees.

Position Purpose:

This position is situated within the Northern Metro Region.

The Victorian Family Preservation and Reunification Response (the Response), has been funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. It was co-designed with representatives from the child and family services sector and was implemented in 2020-21 by Victorian registered children and family service providers.

This Response includes an initial intensive intervention phase, delivered through a mobile and integrated approach, followed by a sustained service support phase, aimed at preventing at-risk children entering or re-entering care. The Response will link to, align with, and build on (and not duplicate) existing child and family services within the broader service system, providing an enhanced continuum of care across the state. It will be evaluated and continuously developed to enhance the Family Preservation and Reunification (FPR) evidence-base for Victorian child and family services (including Child Protection).

The model is an integrated and evidence-based/evidence-informed approach to supporting and problem solving with families and preventing children and young people’s re/entry to out of home care. The team will work as a cohesive whole and this position reports directly to the Manager Family and Community Services.

Primary Objectives:

This program will test if an intensive family preservation response linked to a clinical therapeutic service can reduce the demand for residential care services for some of the most complex children and young people in Victoria.

The FPR team will bring an innovative and wrap around service that will outreach to families with unborn and preschool children and families with young adolescents.

Key Selection Criteria:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Bachelors degree in Social Work, Child Development, Psychology or a related subject area. Two-three years of clinical supervisory-level experience preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and values and an awareness of the current issues faced by Aboriginal children, young people and their families.
• Significant work experience in a relevant field which supports an understanding of key child development issues relating to young parents and their families who have complex needs.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and improving child and or parent focussed programs.
• Demonstrated capacity to develop collaborative relationships across professional and organisational boundaries, as well as knowledge of relevant Community Service Organisations, local and State Government (DFFH) and the ability to network with these services.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake complex casework with families and children who have experienced trauma.
• Support for the mission and ethos of MacKillop Family Services.
• Provision of group and individual clinical supervision

For a full listing please view Position Description.

You must have a:

• Proof of vaccination (including third dose) against Covid-19
• Valid and current Driver’s Licence;
• Satisfactory Criminal History Check;
• Valid Working with Children Check;
• Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check

The Australian Government recently introduced the NDIS Worker Screening Check, an additional, national legislated compliance requirement to determine if a person is cleared to work with people with disability. MacKillop requires all client facing staff obtain the NDIS Worker Screening Check. An employment application will require the submission of evidence that this check has been attained or an application has been submitted.

For more information and how to apply please view:

Victoria: Department of Justice and Community Safety

Click 'Apply Now' where you will be prompted to proceed with your application via the Ethical Jobs website.

A position description is attached.

For more information, please contact: Erin Carolan at [email protected] using the subject line: Practice Team Leader - Family Preservation Reunification enquiry via EthicalJobs or on 0409 562 705.

It is our goal that MacKillop Family Services continues to evolve as a culturally safe, culturally competent, and welcoming organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities.

Shortlisting for this position may commence immediately so please submit your application as soon as possible.