Our client, SAGE Community Services, are seeking a qualified and experienced family support worker for their Targeted Early Intervention (TEI) program.

About the Opportunity

This role provides support to young parents through the provision of weekly groupwork, individualised case management, behaviour support and direct parenting support.

The details

• Part Time
• 21 hours (3 days a week)
• SCHADS Award Level 5
• Based in Pendle Hill, however some travel required throughout the Cumberland LGA for home visits etc.

About the organisation

SAGE is a community-based family support service for families in the Parramatta and Holroyd local government areas. The Department of Community Services has funded the organisation since 1978.

SAGE provides an efficient, preventative service to families who seek support to improve their well-being. They address issues such as child development and behaviour, parenting strategies, strengthening parent / child relationships, social isolation and family violence. The centre provides a variety of services for families, including information, referral, community development, counselling, support services, home visits and group work.

Leave work each day feeling part of making a difference to the local community! Find out more about SAGE via sagecommunity.org.au.

About the Program

Working collaboratively as part of the entire Family Support Targeted Earlier Intervention team, the Young Parent Group (YPG) works to ensure best outcomes for children and families by improving the capacity of young parents with complex needs aged 13 to 25, to live and parent independently.

YPG is designed to meet the needs of a highly vulnerable cohort, namely pregnant and parenting young women and men who are unable to access the safety, security and support required to parent effectively. YPG takes a strengths-based, early intervention approach, building the capacity of young parents to develop parenting and life skills to ensure best outcomes for their children and break the cycle of intergenerational trauma, abuse and neglect.

What you’ll need to succeed

The role requires demonstrated skills in providing support to young people who are pregnant and/or parenting; a strong understanding of child protection practice principles; a willingness to work flexibly; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and congruently with the entire Family Support Targeted Earlier Intervention team to provide a whole of program approach; and the ability to provide therapeutic support in assisting young parents achieve their goals.

Could this be you? If so, we want to speak with you right away.

Selection Criteria

• Tertiary qualifications in social work, social welfare, or health-related field, and minimum 2 years experience direct service and management in the social welfare/health sectors
• Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering group work programs with Young Parents
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of evidence informed casework practice and key functions of case management including child protection, issues facing vulnerable families, child development, parenting skills development, mental health, domestic violence, assessment, service planning, linking families to services, advocacy and case planning and review
• Personal and professional commitment to the SAGE Vision, Purpose and Values and working from person-centred, strengths-based, trauma-informed, feminist frameworks
• Superior time management and workload organisation skills
• Understanding and commitment to supporting Aboriginal and CALD families, ensuring a culturally responsive approach
• Ability to work both independently and within a small team
• Well-developed communication skills and capacity to engage others
• Working knowledge of issues in relation to groupwork, intersectionality and social isolation
• Demonstrated ability to reflect on own practice; undertake training and take a positive approach to receiving advice and constructive feedback
• Demonstrated understanding of WH&S, EEO, Access and Equity and Child Protection legislation
• Confidence and experience in online client management systems and Office 365
• Current driver’s licence and comprehensively insured vehicle

SAGE strongly encourages all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (including booster) due to the nature of the work including working with vulnerable members of the community.   Employees are required to comply with SAGE COVID19 Safety Plan, Policies and Procedures. Please note, the successful applicant may be required to provide their proof of vaccine certificate which will be securely stored in their personnel file.

benefits

Are you excited yet? Here’s some more benefits in joining the team:

• Salary Packaging
• Some above Award conditions
• Opportunities for multi skilling and up-skilling
• High level of diversity in role
• Excellent working environment

What to do now

Recruitment of this role is being managed by an external recruitment agency – Aster HR.

There is an Information Package available if you want more information (including the Job Description). You can find that on our website asterhr.com.au or call us on (02) 4555 4634 for a confidential discussion.

When you’re ready to apply please don’t just send us your resume – let us know a little more about you by including a cover letter (either written or video) that tells us:

• What motivated you to apply for this position?
• Briefly explain your experience working with families in a case management role
• What group programs do you have experience in developing/delivering?
• Why would you like to work with young parents in particular?
• What would you bring to this role?

All applicants will be required to provide current clearance of an NSW Working with Children Check and undergo a Police Check.