Family Support Specialist

Across Tasmania, children are facing more and more challenges to their development. At 54 reasons, we provide critical support to families who need it most. _Through a variety of programs and individual case management, you’ll provide professional support to families with complex needs. _This is y_our opportunity to help children reach their potential and give them a chance to thrive._

**54 reasons** is Australia’s leading child rights organisation - no ordinary not-for-profit.**

A place where your purpose matters. Proudly part of the Save the Children Australia Group and global movement, we’re here to make sure that children and young people have their rights met and thrive, in all their diversity.

With the child’s voice at the centre, we provide quality services to children and their caregivers, advocating with them so that children develop, learn, and are connected, safe and confident. Our people are proudly local, reflective of the communities we serve - in every state and territory, and across regions, remote areas and capital cities.

It takes all types of personalities and talents to drive our organisation
- yours included. We value a healthy work-life balance and ensure our people feel connected to each other and our impact. Learn from inspiring people and grow from a connection to our strong local and global networks. From our programs to our support services - this is the place to realise your purpose.

**A place to make a difference**:
We currently have two permanent Family Support Specialist roles available:

- A part time role in the Integrated Family Support Services (IFSS) team (3 days per week)
- A full time role in the Intensive Family Engagement Service (IFES) team

In both roles, your work will focus on identifying the needs of families who have been referred to the specific program, with the aim of working collaboratively to ensure these needs are met and the best outcomes for the children and their families are achieved. Based in Hobart, you’ll work within our larger Family Support Services team and report to our Team Leader.
- In both roles the successful applicant will make a difference by:_
- Providing families with a coordinated, professional family support service
- Providing case management support to families through outreach and home visits
- Building family capacity in a family partnership service model, using strengths and family-centred approaches
- Providing evidence-based, trauma-informed parenting information and education material

**A place to feel valued**:
You’re an experienced family support practitioner who is truly passionate about maximising opportunities for children to develop and thrive. Your ability to think on your feet will see you find solutions to complex situations, and your experience in similar roles will see you able to hit the ground running. Your cultural knowledge will help you build strong connections with people from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. You have empathy, a ‘can-do attitude’ and most importantly, an infectious enthusiasm for your job.
- Bringing your best every day means having:_
- Degree or Diploma in Social Work, Health or allied areas (or significant relevant experience)
- Demonstrated experience in case management, working alongside families using partnership, strengths-based and family-centred approaches
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and families
- Understanding of the importance of the “early years” and the impact of trauma on child development

**What are the key differences between IFSS and IFES?**

Whilst there are a lot of similarities and skills that are needed to perform the Family Support Specialist role in IFSS and IFES, there are also some significant differences in the services that are provided.

IFSS Family Support Specialists work with a larger number of families, for an average of one hour per week over twelve months. Comparatively, IFES Family Support Specialists work with a small number of families for up to twenty hours per week over a twenty-week period.

Additionally, IFES works alongside Child Safety Services and is designed to service families identified by Child Safety Services as requiring intensive support. In contrast, IFSS referrals come from a wide variety of sources and the complexity of the families support needs fluctuate.

**A place to belong**:
54 reasons is proudly part of Save the Children Australia. We are a learning organisation that invests in the development and wellbeing of our people. Our workforce is approximately 1100 people strong, and proudly diverse, whether in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, cultures and beliefs.

It takes all types of people to do the challenging work we do. We are diverse personalities, backgrounds and talents, embracing our differences as one strong and united team. We see and celebrate the unique value you bring to our organisation, and