About the Position

The aim of Family Services is to promote the safety, stability and development of vulnerable children, young people and their families, and to build capacity and resilience for children, families and communities. Utilising a strength-based case management approach, the Integrated Family Services practitioner will work with vulnerable families where the child/children’s development may be affected by the experience of risk factors and/or cumulative harm. The practitioner will support families who are at risk of concerns escalating and becoming involved with Child Protection if problems are not addressed. The intention is to provide services to the target group earlier, to protect children and young people and improve family functioning.

Key Responsibilities 

• Identify and work cooperatively with support services that could be engaged to support Families (e.g. Family Violence services, Child protection, ChildFIRST, Anglicare, Drug and Alcohol Services, Maternal and Child Health, education providers, mental health support)
• Provide assertive outreach to clients, working intensively with families to strengthen family relationships and address issues contributing to family disconnection and risk
• Conduct family assessments, identifying risks and goals, resourcing families to clarify and develop goals to address the issues that concern them
• Work with the family – often in their home - to facilitate access to a wide range of supports and specialist services as required
• Undertake intense casework practice and management of complex cases/tasks to ensure that resources are in place to meet the family’s goals
• With support from Program Manager, identify appropriate use of brokerage funds to facilitate achievement of goals
• Support guidance and planning to individuals regarding the use and effects of alcohol and drugs, behavioural issues, family violence and safety
• Ensure comprehensive file management, including case notes and reporting as required
• Maintain a professional and responsible approach to duties and clients and maintain strict confidentiality guidelines regarding all clients, conversations and referrals.