Family Preservation Practitioner

• Work intensively with families at the point of crisis in Rapid Response
• Work collaboratively with parents and set them up for success in Future Pathways
• Program delivery requires innovative new ways of thinking

A fixed term contract covering a period of secondment until January 29th 2027.

The Role

Rapid Response (click for more info) is an evidence-based program where you hold a small caseload of only two families, providing families with short-term and intensive (up to 15 hours per week) face to face support.

A safety-focused plan is developed with child protection and the family, and provides intensive, in-home support to address the crisis and immediate needs identified.

The Future Pathways program is an innovative approach built on practice elements such as motivational interviewing, communication skills building and goal setting to respond to identified needs and achieve real and demonstrable outcomes. You seek to address key intersectionality issues with families (e.g. substance use, mental illness, low income, social isolation) as identified by each regional FPR Response.

Key outcomes:

• Short term intensive support to help keep families together.
• Equip parents with a greater knowledge about their children's development.
• Assist in developing parenting strategies they can use to the best meet the development needs.
• The program aims to strengthen parenting capacity to ensure child health, safety and developmental outcomes are being met.

Who we are looking for:

• Previous experience in a therapeutic environment ideally utilising recognised therapy practices such as CBT and motivational intervewing
• Knowledge and experience working with families with complex needs, mental health, AOD, family violence
• Good communication skills and the ability to build relationships and rapport with families using innovative approaches
• Willingness to work outside of normal hours to see families together and at home
• Ability to engage quickly and assess risk

Qualifications

• Professional experience and relevant qualification(s) in social work, psychology or a related discipline is essential, diploma level qualifications are suitable with relevant experience.

Make it work:

• You get a salary starting at $110,102 plus super.
• Salary packaging is available up to $15,900 plus an entertainment card.
• SCHCADS award level 6.
• Negotiable salary based on experience or current award level.
• Fixed term to January 29th 2027.
• Work from our great office space in Lilydale.
• Quality supervision and feedback on your practice.
• Access to pool cars.
• We take the Health and Wellbeing of our people seriously offering a Well Worth It Program, Fitness Passport, EIP and EAP.
• Access to discounted health insurance as well
• A diverse and inclusive workplace for you to feel safe, acknowledged and included.
• Our people are our biggest asset, we will support you to progress your career with a dedicated L&D team.
• We have a Rainbow tick and DCA accreditation, so our inclusive culture is not only demonstrated but also recognised.

What our people say- "AV is an organisation where if you want to challenge yourself or explore opportunities, you don't have to leave to do that. There are so many great people, programs and services, so it's an organisation where you have great conditions for growth and development".

Ready to take the next step:

The advert is only meant to be an overview. For further enquiries please contact Sinead Hope via email at

Applications close Sunday 16th November.

Please Note: It is mandatory for the successful applicant to hold a current Working with Children Check and be prepared to undergo a National Criminal History Check prior to commencement.

Anglicare Victoria acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate. We commit to working respectfully to honour their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to this country.

Diversity and inclusivity are important to Anglicare Victoria and we are committed to ensuring our workplace and services reflect this. Everyone is welcome at Anglicare Victoria, regardless of age, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation and physical ability.