Want to know why it’s an exciting time to join Windermere? Firstly, there is no other organisation quite like us. Why do you ask? We are an independent community service organisation working across the Southeast of Victoria to help those who need it most. Our unique range of services include; Communities for Children, Family Health & Wellbeing, Childhood Development, Education & Support, Early Intervention Therapy Services, NDIS Support Coordination and Plan Management, Homelessness Support, Counselling Services, assistance to support victims of trauma, assault and violent crimes and Recovery Support Services.

As a Family Services Practitioner, you will provide outreach and support to families living within the Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong areas.

Our model is an integrated and evidence-based/informed approach to supporting and problem solving with families. Capacity building with parents and walk alongside them to create and foster a safe and stable environment for their children and young people.

The team will work as a cohesive whole and report directly to a Senior Coach within the Integrated Family Services team at Windermere.

We currently have a fixed term contract position available. This position is a hybrid model of working remotely (providing daily outreach) and within one of our offices based in the South East of Victoria (Narre Warren or Pakenham).

Why work at Windermere?

We are committed to outcome-focused care for children, families and individuals and to making a positive difference in the community. As well as tailored support services for individuals and families, Windermere provides a varied scope of services to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people. Windermere offers a culture of flexibility, support and wellbeing.

Staff Benefits - this is where we stand out from the crowd! Windermere offers staff a wide range of unique benefits beyond the salary.

• Flexible Ways of Working - home, in the office or combination of both
• Above Award Personal Leave and 17.5% annual leave loading
• Gifted days off (between Christmas and New Year)
• Employee Referral Program - $500 per referral
• Flexible Leave Scheme (50/52, 51/52)
• Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year + additional $2,650 meals and entertainment)
• Structured performance and 1-on-1 development check-ins
• Secondment and career growth opportunities
• Staff discount program for everyday items
• Opportunities for professional development
• Study Leave provisions
• Rostered Days Off
• 9 Day Fortnight
• Paid Parental Leave

Windermere care about staff and strive for continuous improvement, which is why we regularly ask our staff and consumers about what we can do better. n our staff survey from November 2024, 87% of respondents said they were "proud to work at Windermere" and 86.3% feel "we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion". Read more here https://tinyurl.com/pulsesurveynov2024

Now, let’s talk about this exciting opportunity!

A Family Services Practitioner will be responsible of holding a case load of between 10-12 families living within the Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong areas who have been referred via The Orange Door, Child Protection, schools and many other local community services including families who self-refer. We work alongside families to achieve their identified projects whilst supporting and building their parenting capacity and capabilities always keeping the child and/or young persons voice and Best Interests at the core of everything we do.

This is a Fixed Term Contract role until June 2027 and is a truly rewarding opportunity for someone with a professional background and passion in working with families and wanting to make a difference in children and young people’s lives.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Bachelors in social work, Social Welfare, Psychology or similar disciplines
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working as a practitioner within the community sector
• Demonstrated understandings of Child, Youth and Family service acts and relevant legislation/s
• Experience facilitating coaching practices, group work, and strengths based work to vulnerable families
• Experience is using evidence-based practice/models is desirable
• Sound problem solving skills and time management abilities
• Strong communication skills and professionalism
• Willingness to promote and support practices that are inclusive, culturally responsive, safe and accessible.
• Current Victorian Drivers’ Licence
• Willingness to undertake relevant pre-employment screening and checks - including, Police Check, Pre-Employment Medical and Working with Children's check
• Right to Work in Australia e.g. Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Visa holder with full working rights

*As Windermere is a not-for-profit organisation, employees are able to claim everyday living expenses up to $15,900 against their annual Pre-Tax Salary. Use the salary packaging calculator available here - Salary Packaging Calculator | Accesspay

If this job excites you, then click the “Apply” button to view the detailed Position Description and submit your application. Please also ensure you address the Key Selection Criteria in your application letter.

If you require any specific access adjustments or support within the Windermere recruitment, interview or onboarding process please contact our Talent Acquisition Specialist via phone +613 8794 1311 or email [email protected]

Windermere is committed to creating equitable environments for consumers and employees, this by building diverse and inclusive services and workspaces, where all peoples from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, CALD, LGBTIQ+ Communities and those living with disability will know and feel accepted, affirmed, safe and celebrated. Windermere is delivering this through the continued development and implementation of our Welcoming and Inclusion Strategy as we seek to provide a diverse workforce at all levels.