Family Preservation and Reunification Practitioner

Family Preservation and Reunification Practitioner

• 75 hours per fortnight, maximum term position until 30 June 2026.
• Ballarat.

Take the next step in your career with CatholicCare Victoria.

About the Position

CatholicCare Victoria is committed to building thriving communities through disrupting the cycle of disadvantage. The Family Services program at CatholicCare Victoria provides Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) funded services to families and children in the community.  The Family Services program provides a continuum of support to families in the community, ranging from supporting them in their parenting role, to working intensively with families under increased pressure whose children are at risk of placement in care services, or have been placed in care and are able to be reunified with family in a short timeline, through the Victorian Family Preservation and Reunification Response (FPRR).

Family Preservation and Reunification Practitioners are responsible for working as lead practitioners by undertaking complex case work. Family Preservation and Reunification Practitioners demonstrate an advanced level of skill and competence in their work due to their experience in working in similar child and family focused roles.

Specifically, the position is responsible for:

• Working with the Best Interest Case Practice Framework and the Response Practice Modules and Elements, provide assessment and time limited case practice interventions that lead to improved outcomes for children which include safety and stability within families.
• Using a Care Team Approach, coordinate, facilitate and deliver a rapid, culturally safe, flexible and intensive service to children and their families.
• Working as a Lead Practitioner providing services to families referred to the program through the Family Preservation and Reunification Response.
• Have a case load of more complex case work from the Victorian Family Preservation and Reunification Response and/or Family Services.

To be considered for this position, you will require:

• Professional qualification in Social Work, Welfare or other relevant tertiary study.
• A minimum of 2 years experience working within either the Child Protection or the Family Services sectors, or other service providing direct case work to families and children, as a practitioner or similar role.
• Advanced knowledge and application of relevant theories, intervention approaches and understanding of the causes of family breakdown, child safety and child development.
• Advanced knowledge of the impacts of trauma on children and adults and demonstrated experience in the application of approaches for working effectively where trauma is featured.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of the Best Interest Case Practice Framework, MARAM framework and an understanding of goal setting and review and family safety planning.

About CatholicCare Victoria

CatholicCare Victoria is a leading and influential provider of charitable and social services in Victoria.  The Mission of CatholicCare Victoria is to build communities that recognise and nurture the dignity of each person.  Our employees share our Mission for a stronger, more inclusive society through supporting individuals, families and communities in times of need, especially those who are most disadvantaged, vulnerable and/or marginalised.

We deliver excellence in a broad range of child, family and youth services, family relationship services, school counselling and pastoral care services, social housing, employment and advocacy services across various office locations and delivery sites in Victoria.

We draw on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching to inspire and direct our endeavours.  We value and respect human dignity, and embrace diversity in an inclusive work environment.

At CatholicCare Victoria we live our values of Respectfulness, Integrity, Inclusivity, Collaboration and Compassion.

Working for CatholicCare Victoria

At CatholicCare Victoria we offer:

• A family friendly working environment.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Salary packaging for eligible staff.

We embrace, value and respect an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.

We are committed to the safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply.  We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

How to Apply

For further information and how to apply, visit our website 

Enquiries to:  Applicants are encouraged to contact Melinda Shaw, Manager, Family Services on for a confidential discussion.

Applications close:  Sunday, 12 October 2025

Applications are required to be submitted via our website for your application to be considered.

Please ensure your application includes your resume and a cover letter detailing a summary of your experience relevant to the position.

The successful applicant must have the right to work in Australia, undergo a National Police Check with a satisfactory outcome (and International Police Check if applicable), hold a current Working with Children's check (employee status) and for some positions a valid drivers licence.

Should you require cultural or other support in submitting your application, please contact our People Team on

Should you require information in alternative formats, please contact our People Team on