Family Support Program Worker

Do you want to join us in delivering outcomes in a strengthened community?

About us

The Neighbourhood Hub is the leading locally based neighbourhood centre and has been delivering services to the Mackay region for over 35 years.

Our purpose is to respond to the needs of our community through compassion and connection.

The Program

The Program supports families in Mackay through case management and the provision of information, advice and referrals to strengthen the family unit. Support includes helping parents develop effective family functioning and household management skills.

Centre-based parenting peer support groups help develop the knowledge, confidence and skills of families in their parenting roles, while connecting them to other parents and local community networks.

The Program provides linkages with external support services, enabling families to access resources to stabilise and maintain family wellbeing.

The aim of the Program is to provide family support services that reduce harm or risk of harm to children and young people, prevent crises or problems within families from arising or escalating, and stabilise or maintain family wellbeing.

The Role

The Program Worker is responsible for coordinating and delivering all aspects of the Program including connecting with and supporting families, completing risk assessments and risk management plans and meeting budget and reporting requirements, as well as networking and building strong referral pathways.

In working with families the Program Worker will work from a strengths based approach to:

• Support families to develop case management support plans;
• Implement and review these support plans with families;
• Assist families to access other appropriate services and resources within the community;
• Respond to the diverse and complex needs of children and families considered to be at risk of contact with Child Safety Services.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate, implement and evaluate the Program in accordance with the Funding Schedule/Agreement provided by the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety.
• Work with families and children aged pre-birth to 18 years of age who have been identified as being ' at risk' of coming into contact with Child Safety Services or who have recently exited the child protection system
• Provide information, referral, advocacy, and support to families in order to reduce their likelihood of future contact with Child Safety Services.
• Respond to referrals into the Program in a timely and appropriate manner
• Build positive relationships with families.
• Work with families to enhance their parenting capacity and resilience through implementing strengths based case management processes including goal planning, implementation and review.
• Support families to transition to independence by assisting them to increase their access to resources and support networks, including supported referrals to other services and agencies.
• Utilise a range of intervention frameworks that are responsive to the individual needs of the family and that are underpinned by strength based, empowerment and developmental theoretical approaches.
• Coordinate and maintain all operational activities and procedures of the Program.
• Maintain accurate and appropriate records and statistics according to the requirements of the organisation and the funding body.
• Ensure that culturally appropriate services are provided to families who identify as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Australian South Sea Islander and/or other Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
• Ensure the appropriate use and allocation of brokerage and resources to support families to meet their holistic needs.
• Meet the reporting requirements of the funding body and the organisation.
• Work with the Leadership Team to maintain the program budget and ensure expenditure is in accordance with funding body and organisational requirements.
• Develop positive relationships and communicate effectively with key stakeholders.

Desirable qualifications and requirements for the role

• Qualifications and/or extensive experience in Social Sciences, Human Services or other relevant field
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with all stakeholders
• Exceptional time management and prioritisation skills
• Possession of a current driver's license and own reliable transport
• Holder of a Blue Card through the Commission for Children and Young People

This role is part time up to 35 hours per week with part time/job share arrangements to be considered for the right applicant/s.

When applying for the role please include a written cover letter addressing required competencies (as outlined under the heading duties and responsibilities) and your resume.

Candidates musthave a Working with Children Check (Blue Card) before commencing with The Neighbourhood Hub.

For any enquiries, please email

Please note that applications will be shortlisted as they are received.

Commencement Date - as soon as possible.