• Part-Time (4 days per week) Max term Position until 15 October 2027 (Parental Leave cover)
• SCHADS Level 5 + Super + Salary packaging
• Increase take-home pay with access to $15,900 salary packing benefits
• Based at Pakenham

Your new role

The School Attendance Support Program (SASP) is an innovative program, servicing the suburbs of Cranbourne, Clyde, Clyde North, and the Shire of Cardinia that aims to support children and their families to improve primary school attendance.  SASP is a multi-faceted program utilising family support with the overall aim of the program to improve school attendance and to facilitate student, family, school and community integration.

As a Practitioner of the School Attendance Support Program you will:

• Work collaboratively with a number of primary schools in the City of Casey and Shire of Cardinia, to identify and engage ‘at risk’ students with school attendance issues
• Explore barriers to regular school attendance and develop strategies to overcome these utilising case management and maintaining relationships with key agencies
• Provide information to schools and families on referral pathways to access other services e.g. Child FIRST, housing and assist in mapping such services in the Casey and Cardinia area

Benefits of working at Uniting

At Uniting, you’ll enjoy:

• Working in a large values-led organisation with real community impact.
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging benefits that can be used for living expenses such as groceries, bills, clothing and streaming services.
• Save on dining out and drinks with a meal entertainment benefit of $2,650 annually.
• Increase your annual leave entitlements through our purchase leave program.
• Up to 10 weeks of paid parental leave for primary caregivers (4 weeks for secondary).
• An extra 17.5% on top of your fortnightly pay when you take paid annual leave.
• Opt in or out of public holidays and be respected for your unique background.

Your skills and experience

You will have a degree in Social Work, Psychology or a related tertiary qualification relevant to child and family welfare.

You will also have:

• Current Drivers licence valid in Victoria
• A good understanding of the ‘Best Interests’ framework, CYFA 2005 and the Child Protection system
• Sound knowledge of child development and experience in working with challenging behaviours
• Demonstrated knowledge and insight into barriers to school attendance and related issues such as family violence
• Demonstrated ability as a practitioner in the child, youth and family welfare field
• Experience in working in a child focused, family-centred approach with specific focus on family strengthening and empowerment models of practice
• Good knowledge of City of Casey, Cardinia Shire and local resources

View the position description here.

How to apply

Click "Apply Now" If this role sounds like a good fit for you, please apply soon. We'll review applications as they come in and may close the ad early.

For any questions, reach out to Jessica Homicki on 0466 648 793 for a chat.

About Uniting

We create real change in people’s lives by working in partnership with people, communities, governments and other agencies to reduce the impact of poverty, trauma and disadvantage.

We provide compassionate care for people facing tough times and personal challenges. We support children and young people to break the cycle of disadvantage. We help families keep safe, together and thriving.

For over 100 years we’ve been fighting inequality, opposing discrimination, and responding to the needs in our communities across Victoria and Tasmania.

Visit us: www.vt.uniting.org

We are an inclusive, values-led organisation and proudly welcome people of all identities, backgrounds and experiences. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with lived and living experience relevant to our work.

We are committed to inclusive hiring practices. You are welcome to share your pronouns and let us know if you require any adjustments during the recruitment process. We are here to support you.

Uniting is a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of all children and young people. We embed child safety in everything we do. Employment with Uniting is subject to relevant pre-employment checks, including a National Police Check and Working with Children Check.

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