• Full-time position based in Hurstville
• $86,000 - $92,000 + Super + Salary Packaging for degree qualified person
• Hybrid, flexible, friendly organisation

Our Organisation

The Benevolent Society’s vision is to build a just society where all Australians can live their best life. For more than 200 years we have supported people at the margins of society: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians; children, young people, and their families; older people; carers and people with disability. We are an independent, non-religious service provider which supports people to live life their way.

As part of The Benevolent Society's vision, we are strongly committed to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia. We remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting the economic, political, and social inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

About the Program

We are excited to be a provider of an evidence-based program Functional Family Therapy – Child Welfare. In partnership with DCJ, this service aims to shape how our sector works with families in the future.

The Functional Family Therapy – Child Wellbeing framework provides clinical therapeutic treatments within a child protection context, to address underlying causes of drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness and domestic violence that results in harm to children, young people and families.  The aim is to achieve sustained behavioural change in families, reducing referral to out of home care and keeping families together.

Duties

• Develop extensive community networks with stakeholders including; community members and groups; other Benevolent Society operated programs; business; government departments and agencies; and other service providers such as DCJ.
• Screen suitability of families being referred into the program & keep client databases up to date
• Conduct face to face initial sessions with families outlining the program expectations

Our Benefits    

We support people to live their best life. That includes you, our employee. A ‘best life’ is unique to everyone and can change as life changes. Here are a few things you might be interested in:    

• Salary Benefits - You can package up to $15,900 pa of you pre-tax salary to pay for everyday expenses before income tax is calculated, meaning you take home even more pay!  
• Motor Vehicle Packaging Options – to suit your lifestyle such as choice of novated leases or a packaged vehicle.    
• Work/Life Balance - Flexible work arrangements including part time hours, hybrid home/office work arrangements, 1 accrued day off a month for full time employees.    
• Recognition and Reward – Sector competitive remuneration, various recognition programs and access to long service leave after 5 years 
• Wellness - Fitness passport + Employee Assistance Program + opportunity to purchase additional leave.     
• Professional Development – We tailor career development opportunities to all employees and volunteers for career enrichment, fulfilment, and growth
• Our Reconciliation Commitment – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees are entitled up to 2 days paid plus up to 10 days unpaid cultural leave, as well as the option to be a voice on reference networking groups, the opportunity for cultural and professional development that supports career pathways and your social and emotional wellbeing.

Skills and Experience 

We want you to be successful in your new role! This means you’ll have a tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or related discipline and:

• 2+ years experience working with children and/or families in a child protection focused role, including experience undertaking comprehensive assessments.
• Excellent understanding of child protection issues and client vulnerabilities such as drug and alcohol use, domestic violence, mental health issues, and the impact of trauma and the effect on child behaviour and development.
• Ability to quickly and effectively evaluate the needs of a client who may be in crisis and identify potential referrals that may meet their needs.
• Ability to work under pressure, excellent time management skills supported by your strong administration foundation.
• Good relationship building skills with the ability to quickly build rapport with different stakeholders.
• Understanding of the needs of diverse communities such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, CALD, LGBTIQ+ communities.
• Ability to work flexible hours as evening work will be required
• Hold a valid NSW drivers license.

If you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, then we want to hear from you. The Benevolent Society recognises and values cultural knowledge and wisdom of the First Nations people, we therefore strongly encourage you to apply. We are strongly committed to being an Employer of Choice, one who offers, provides, and practices cultural safety in our workplace. 

Apply Now! To apply please follow the link and submit your current CV along with a 1 page cover letter discussing your reasons for applying and suitability for the role.

Have any questions? Please contact Gemma on 0403 099 418  for a friendly, confidential discussion. 

*Internally this role is known as a Child & Family Practitioner

The Benevolent Society respects and promotes human rights and diversity. We are committed to building an inclusive culture where individuals from all backgrounds and identities are not only welcomed but valued. We pride ourselves on being a client safe and child safe organisation, which is why all staff and volunteers undergo comprehensive employment screening. We value relationships with local Aboriginal community and welcome applications from its members. To ensure you are best supported with your application if you have any specific needs requiring a reasonable adjustment, let us know what accommodations you require.

Click here for Position Profile.