Family Life - Transforming lives for stronger communities

• Work locally in the Dandenong and Casey Areas and make a difference within our Community
• Enjoy flexible work options and a great team culture
• Full-time, Permanent opportunity, 38 hours per week (1 FTE)
• Level 5 SCHADS Award $97,377.28 FTE + Generous Salary Packaging + Super

Family Life is a recognised Employer of Choice. Work with us and be part of our supportive, people-focused culture.

The Opportunity

The SHINE Practitioner is a Full Time Permanent role based in Dandenong, Bunurong Land, but works in an outreach capacity, providing case work and therapeutic support to children and families where there are concerns for the emotional wellbeing or mental health of children/adolescents with the aim to strengthen family relationships, community connection and to improve emotional wellbeing.

Key Responsibility Areas:

This role involves working with children and families, particularly those facing mental health challenges, family violence, and safety risks. You will provide therapeutic support through outreach case work, counselling, in-home family support, group work, and community education, using modalities such as Trauma Informed Practice and Strength-Based Approaches. A key aspect of the role is strengthening relationships between children and parents, supporting social connectedness, and collaborating with mental health providers. You will also assist with service referrals, conduct assessments, and maintain accurate documentation of service delivery.

Our Ideal Candidate at Family Life

• Growth Mindset - You pride yourself for your commitment to resilience and continuous improvement. You see growth opportunities as opposed to failures, and you are always on the lookout for an improved workflow or process. You think creatively, value input and feedback from peers, and adapt to changing or unforeseen circumstances.
• Curiosity - You naturally seek out learning opportunities and further information without being prompted to by your manager. You clarify the ‘Why’ and like to investigate and explore further information.
• Proactivity - You are a positive influence on your colleagues, you opt-in to support organisational projects, and always lend a hand to support others.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Community Services, or a related field, with eligibility for professional association membership. They should have experience working with families and young people with complex needs, using a family-inclusive, community-based approach. Key skills include group facilitation, empowering diverse communities, understanding child development, family violence, safety planning, and risk assessment. The candidate must be able to deliver high-quality services, work collaboratively, and have strong communication, time management, and report-writing abilities. Bilingual or multilingual skills are desirable.

Who we are

At Family Life, we believe every child deserves to thrive in a safe and healthy family environment. Family Life is a specialist family services provider that has worked with children, families and communities for more than 50 years. Our vision is to work with clients and partners to create capable communities, strong families and thriving children.

We are known for our innovation and whole-of-community collective impact approach. Our teams are committed to transforming the lives of our clients and communities to build resilience and healthy relationships. We are proudly purpose-driven, independent and not for profit. We support our community through our specialist family services, community strengthening programs, a network of op shops, a vibrant engaged volunteer community and passionate skilled staff.

Working at Family Life - more than just a job!

It’s the feeling of knowing that your work is contributing to making the community in which you live a better place and working with others who feel the same way.

Additionally, you will have access to:

• Flexible work options and a great team culture
• Salary packaging (receive up to an extra $18,500 in tax-free pay per year)
• Paid Wellbeing Leave
• Paid Study Leave
• Additional Paid Leave for End of Year Closedown
• Purchased Annual Leave Scheme
• Rostered Day Off Scheme for Eligible Employees
• Employee Assistance Program, a free and confidential counselling service for employees

How to Apply

A full position description is available on our careers page: Family Life Careers.

Please submit your confidential application including a CV and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria via our Application Portal.

For further information regarding the position please contact Rebecca Thompson, Program Manager – Family Safety & Wellbeing on (03) 8599 5433.

*We will be reviewing applications as they are received, therefore this role may close sooner if we find the right candidate. Please apply now to ensure you do not miss out!

All offers of employment are subject to the Family Life Safety Screening process, including a Working with Children Check and Police Records Check. Any person issued with a negative notice on their Working with Children Check will not be eligible for employment with Family Life.

Family Life values diversity and welcomes applicants who meet the position criteria, irrespective of race and ethnicity, colour, age, gender, gender identity, disability, religion and sexual orientation.

Family Life is a trauma informed organisation and recognises the unique skills, contributions and insights that come from lived experience.

Family Life is a child safe organisation. We value, respect and listen to children and young people. We are committed to the safety of all children and young people. Family Life supports children to meet their potential and thrive. We do not tolerate neglect, mistreatment or abuse of any kind.