KEY DUTIES

Direct Service Provision

Provide advocacy, support, advice and information to parents and family members involved in the child protection system including the provision of outreach support where required

Work alongside parents and family to enhance skills and abilities required to participate effectively in the child protection process

Attend departmental meetings, court and other relevant forums with parents to assist them to participate

Where necessary, negotiate or seek to resolve differences between families and the Department or other relevant stakeholders

Provide limited advocacy to families in regional areas by way of phone, email or other suitable means e.g. video conferencing

Identify and promote appropriate and culturally safe referrals for parents and or family members across the state

Work collaboratively with all stakeholders involved with a family

Provide support and peer mentoring (where required) to students and volunteer workers as required

Share the ‘voice of parents’ and their experiences to nominated and appropriate target groups

Assist in the development and facilitation of support groups or workshops for parents

Networking and Representation

Develop and promote positive working relationships between parents, family members and the Department of Communities, Child Protection & Family Support

Develop and promote positive working relationships between parents, family members and other stakeholders involved with a family

Where appropriate, represent Fin WA Inc. on selected committees, forums and other membership-based services

Where appropriate, provide information sessions to targeted groups including professionals, students and to raise their awareness of Fin WA Inc.

Administration

Document client data and information in a professional and confidential manner which aligns with organisational policy and procedures

Maintain appropriate file management and statistical data

Provide timesheets and reimbursements as required in accordance with agency policies and procedures

Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures as required

Team Work and Supervision

Contribute to the team ethos by modeling respectful communication with colleagues, and actively contributing to a purposeful and healthy team environment

Attend and actively participate in scheduled meetings with other Fin WA Inc. workers, including individual and group supervision

Identify and attend relevant training and seminars

Participate in team activities as required

Other:

Promotion of the Fin WA way of working – respectful inclusion

Participate in Fin WA activities as required

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND OTHER

Qualifications

Degree in Social Work

Experience

Working with diverse groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families

Family work relevant to child protection or related areas

Provision of advocacy and support to families with complex needs

Working collaboratively with stakeholders

Working in team settings and independently

Skills

Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

Excellent assessment, planning and intervention skills

Sound negotiation and conflict resolution skills

Ability to work with marginalised groups including Aboriginal Torres Strait families, their children, and communities

Ability to promote and facilitate small groups

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Ability to contribute to a working atmosphere of friendliness, trust and professionalism

Knowledge

Understanding of issues affecting vulnerable families, including early intervention and prevention

Knowledge of the issues impacting families with children in care with the Department of Communities, Child Protection & Family Support

Informed knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s history and the effect previous policies have had on disconnection from family and culture

Other

Able to work within the parent-focused ethos of Fin WA Inc.

Current driver’s licence and own vehicle with full comprehensive insurance

A national Police Clearance