Family Life - Transforming lives for stronger communities

• Work locally in Dandenong and Casey area, making a difference within the community
• Full-time, permanent opportunity
• Work from our Dandenong site and in an outreach capacity
• Level 5 SCHADS Award $88,761 per annum + Generous Salary Packaging + Super

Be part of an organisation that allows you to prioritise your health and wellbeing within a supportive, people-focused culture.

Who we are

At Family Life, we believe every child deserves to thrive in a safe and healthy family environment. Family Life is a specialist family services provider that has worked with children, families and communities for more than 50 years. Our vision is to work with clients and partners to create capable communities, strong families and thriving children.

We are known for our innovation and whole-of-community collective impact approach. Our teams are committed to transforming the lives of our clients and communities to build resilience and healthy relationships. We are proudly purpose-driven, independent and not for profit. We support our community through our specialist family services, community strengthening programs, a network of op shops, a vibrant engaged volunteer community and passionate skilled staff.

The Opportunity

The SHINE Mental Health Program is an initiative to improve mental health for children, youth and their families by delivering innovative integrated services of Support, Help, Information Networks and Education (SHINE). The primary target for prevention and early intervention is children between the ages of 0-18 years, with individual behavioural needs and family, environmental factors posing risk for continuing mental health problems (i.e. anxiety, depression, and conduct disorder). The focus of the program is to reduce risk, strengthen protective factors and link to appropriate services for coping with mental illness in families.

We are seeking a Practitioner to work as part of the SHINE team, providing outreach services to:

• address the impact of ongoing exposure to parental mental health challenges on children and young people
• support children and young people with early signs of mental health issues
• provide case work and therapeutic support to children and families where there are concerns for the emotional wellbeing or mental health for children and/or their parents, with the aim to strengthen family relationships and improve emotional wellbeing.

Key Responsibility Areas

• To work with children and their families, including where there are complex mental health needs, issues of risk and safety, particularly in relation to situations where family violence has been experienced/witnessed by the child/young person.
• Work with children, youth and their families to address mental health concerns, including where there are complex needs, wellbeing concerns or issues of dysregulation and disconnection.
• Apply a range of therapeutic modalities to best meet client/family needs with a particular focus on outreach case work and in-home support, group work, community development and community education.
• Provide therapeutic support and case management to promote the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and families.
• Work effectively and collaboratively as part of a team to deliver evidence-based, trauma informed services to children, youth and their families where impacted by mental health.
• Work to improve and strengthen the relationship between children and parents and support the child to increase healthy social connectedness.
• In conjunction with the Mental Health Social Worker, work closely with mental health providers to develop and strengthen the family where mental health is the primary issue.
• Identify services that can assist clients and undertake an assisted referral process to refer clients to suitable services.
• Undertake an assessment with the child and family as required and undertake a systems approach when working with children and families.

• Manage a caseload of clients, as well as providing support and assistance to co-workers on their cases.

As part of our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our people, you will enjoy the benefits of our Hybrid Working Model, which provides the opportunity for full-time employees to work remotely for up to two days per week.

Our Ideal Candidate

You are bachelor qualified in Social Work, Family Therapy, Counselling, Psychology or similar and/or with a specialisation in the field of Family Therapy. You are trauma informed and understand the complexities of mental health.

You are passionate about providing service excellence that meets the needs of our community with a commitment to continuous improvement and ongoing learning.

Working at Family Life is more than just a job

It’s the feeling of knowing that your work is contributing to making the community in which you live a better place and working with others who feel the same way.

Additionally, you will have access to:

• Flexible Work Culture through our Hybrid Working Model
• Salary packaging (receive up to an extra $18,500 in tax-free pay per year)
• Paid Wellbeing Leave
• Paid Study Leave
• Additional Paid Leave for End of Year Closedown
• Purchased Annual Leave Scheme
• Rostered Day Off Scheme for Eligible Employees
• Home office equipment provided by Family Life to support Hybrid Working
• Employee Assistance Program, a free and confidential counselling service for employees

How to Apply

A full position description is available on our career page: Family Life Careers page.

Please submit your confidential application including a CV and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria via the "Apply Now" button.

For further information regarding the position please contact Ali, Team Leader, SHINE on 03 8599 5433.

*We will be reviewing applications as they are received, therefore this role may close sooner if we find the right candidate. Please apply now to ensure you do not miss out!

All offers of employment are subject to the Family Life Safety Screening process, including a Working with Children Check and Police Records Check. Any person issued with a negative notice on their Working with Children Check will not be eligible for employment with Family Life.

Family Life values diversity and welcomes applicants who meet the position criteria, irrespective of race and ethnicity, colour, age, gender, gender identity, disability, religion and sexual orientation.

Family Life is a trauma informed organisation and recognises the unique skills, contributions and insights that come from lived experience.

Family Life is a child safe organisation. We value, respect and listen to children and young people. We are committed to the safety of all children and young people. Family Life supports children to meet their potential and thrive. We do not tolerate neglect, mistreatment or abuse of any kind.

A position description is attached.