VANISH is offering an opportunity to make a significant, life-changing impact for individuals and families affected by separation for a skilled professional with experience in family tracing, genealogy and analysis of DNA results. The role is three or four days a week in the North Melbourne office and from home.

ABOUT VANISH

Established in 1989, VANISH is Victoria’s state funded post-adoption search and support service. We are a community-based, secular, not-for-profit organisation that provides specialised search services, peer support, counselling, and workshops for adults who have been separated from their child or family of origin through past and forced adoption practices, state wardship, and donor conception. Through community education, professional training, and advocacy, we work towards our vision for a society in which the human right to genealogical connection and identity is recognised and supported in the broader community.

THE ROLE

Under the direction of the CEO, the Search and Support Worker is responsible for supporting and assisting service users to search for their relatives utilising public records and analysis of DNA test results, complying with legislation and practice standards, and participating in community education and advocacy. The position involves working as part of a team to ensure the smooth operation of VANISH activities and promoting the philosophy and values of VANISH.

KEY OBJECTIVES

The key objectives of the Search and Support Worker role are to:

• complete searches on behalf of service users and partner organisations
• provide information and support to service users
• keep precise, confidential records
• contribute to monitoring, reporting and continuous improvement of services
• support the CEO and team in daily activities and special projects

SELECTION CRITERIA

The following qualifications, experience and attributes are required:

• demonstrated ability to research public records and interpret relevant information
• skills and experience in interpreting genealogical DNA test results
• well-developed communication and interpersonal skills
• a qualification and/or sound experience in family tracing, genealogy, community services, human services, counselling, social work or another relevant field
• demonstrated computer literacy with proven knowledge of MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel)
• knowledge of the impacts of past adoption practices, out-of-home care and third party reproductive technology

The following criteria are desirable:

• a personal experience of separation from a child or family of origin through adoption, state wardship or donor conception and a deep level of understanding of what this experience means
• knowledge and experience of working with databases
• a willingness to work out of hours when required e.g. for community events.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Contract: Two year contract with the potential to renew

Hours: three to four days per week (0.6 – 0.8 EFT) in the Melbourne office and from home

Salary Range: $77,578 to $81,648 pro rata, depending on qualifications and experience

Annual leave: four weeks pro rata + paid grace days at Christmas

Other benefits: Salary packaging, superannuation, expenses, clinical supervision and ongoing professional development opportunities and other terms and conditions in accordance with the SCHADS Award 2010.

VANISH requires new employees to disclose any past disciplinary action against them and to undergo a police check prior to commencing employment.

A three month probationary period will apply followed by annual performance reviews.

Thank you for your interest in VANISH. For more information about the organisation please visit www.vanish.org.au.

Employment commences late May / early June 2023 subject to the availability of the successful candidate.

Only applicants that respond to the selection criteria will be passed to the selection panel.

A position description is attached.

VANISH is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team with a variety of backgrounds, skills and views. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, and people of all ages, people from CALD and LGBTIQA+ communities, and people with disabilities to apply for our roles.