POSITION TITLE ORGANISATION LOCATION REMUNERATION HOURS PROGRAM REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS DECISION AUTHORITIES ROLE PURPOSE AND CENTACARE FAMILY AND RELATIONSHIP SERVICES POSITION DESCRIPTION Family and Community Support Practitioner Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Centacare Family and Relationship Services (CFRS) is part of Centacare in the Archdiocese of Brisbane. Our branches respond to local community needs throughout South East Queensland. Gold Coast 38 hours per week including after hours work to meet client need Level 5/6 (Classification pending experience) Social Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award. Level 5.1 starting at $35.1429 per hour. Archdiocesan salary packaging options available Annual Leave Loading 17.5% Superannuation 9.5% Gold Coast Regional Operations Family and Community Support Practitioner reports to, and is directly responsible to, the Regional Manager, Gold Coast for the effective and efficient performance of the position. Family and Community Support Practitioner has the authority to make decisions relevant to Centacare standards and guidelines and the day to day operations of the role. To resource, support and provide brief counselling, group work and community engagement activities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, within the framework of Centacare Family and Relationship Services (CFRS) mission, values and vision. PROGRAM VISION CFRS brings a commitment of care and respect to our work in family and relationship services. We aim to support and strengthen healthy relationships; to promote an understanding of the need for respect and equity in relationships. We aim to empower, support and educate families in making healthy choices. We work in an atmosphere of inclusivity and collaboration with the wider community. MISSION To provide high quality care services to support people, strengthen families and build communities in the spirit of the Gospel. VALUES Respect for the dignity of the individual; Integrity in the delivery of our care services; and Equity and justice for those we support. PD Family and Community Support Practitioner Page 1 of 5
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT Centacare is committed to the safety and well-being of all children and young people and we will treat them with respect and understanding at all times. We will maintain a high standard of professional service to them and their families. Our language and behaviour, interactions and decisions will always be guided by what is in the best interests of children and young people and for their protection from harm. DEMONSTRATED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY (KEY SELECTION CRITERIA) Essential 1. Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling (along with eligibility/membership to a professional association such as AASW, APA, PACFA) including extensive experience (minimum 5 years) or equalivant demonstrated training and experience along with well-developed knowledge and experience in culturally appropriate communication and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in: crisis intervention and risk management (DFV, Child Safety, Suicidality); individual, relationship, couples, child and family counselling; community consultation and partnership engagement. 1. Demonstrated commitment to social justice including an understanding of the issues that impact on children and family relationships, specifically Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. 2. Knowledge, skills and experience in the principles and practices of community development, community consultation/engagement and community education with diverse stakeholders and age groups. 3. Strong knowledge in Domestic and Family Violence, Child Protection and Family Law and how these matters impact on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. 4. Knowledge, skills and experience in brief solution-focused counselling and facilitating groups with children and families (family dispute resolution would be a benefit). 5. Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills to respectfully and appropriately interact with and support clients; and in working cooperatively with other members of staff, management, and community stakeholders. 6. Well-developed written work including report writing and case notes, as well as data collection, data entry and computer literacy skills. 7. Demonstrated computer skills and accurate document production (e.g. word processing, databases, spreadsheets, email and internet). 8. Essential Documents (If interviewed: to be provided): a. Current driver s license. b. Current (or eligibility for) Qld Working with Children Check Blue Card. c. Current (or eligibility for) Australian Criminal History Check. d. Evidence of Australian Work Rights to confirm citizenship or a visa holder. STANDARD CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT All members of staff will: Commit to the philosophy, mission, vision, and values of CFRS and ensure that they are integrated into all interactions with clients, colleagues, and community stakeholders. PD Family and Community Support Practitioner Page 2 of 5
Ensure that behaviours are consistent with the ethos of the Catholic Church and Catholic Social Teaching. Ensure that standards of language and behavior, when supporting children and young people, are developmentally and ethically appropriate. Be actively committed to a professional, cooperative, supportive and respectful workplace environment and culture informed through principles of equity, anti-discrimination and harassment, and cultural diversity. Adhere to all Centacare policies, standards and procedures relating to client and staff safety, ensuring a safe and positive working environment for clients and team members. Develop an understanding of the contracts, policies, procedures and standards of the service and how they apply to the requirements of the service and position. Meet contractual requirements including key performance indicators and targets. Adhere to all legislative, confidentiality and privacy requirements. Use all resources, facilities and assets responsibly and with an awareness of the environment. Actively participate and contribute to continuous learning and quality improvement of both position and service reflective of CFRS s commitment as a learning organisation. This includes Standards and Approval Requirements nominated by funding bodies. (e.g. Dept of Communities, Department of Social Services FaC Administrative Approval Requirements). Actively prepare for, and participate in CFRS meetings and meeting processes. Actively prepare for, and participate in supervision and performance appraisals. Keep senior staff regularly informed of issues and needs relating to the position and service. Observe professionalism in one s own appearance, dress and behaviour. Undertake other duties as required DESCRIPTION OF POSITION ACTIVITIES The position activities outlined in this position description are a general guide only. In close consultation with the Regional Manager, the Family and Community Support Practitioner will carry out the following activities. 1. Planning and Development Develop and maintain knowledge of the Family Relationship Services Guidelines, Federal and State Service Agreements, quality assurance standards and legal obligations of the program, relevant to the position. Promote a positive profile in the community of the range of services offered through CFRS. Undertake the appropriate internal and external networking activities relevant to the role. Identify trends and key issues relevant to needs of families from disadvantaged backgrounds. Participate in operational, and program planning and development initiatives of CFRS. 2. Financial, Workplace and Human Resource Management Undertake the range of administration requirements for the position including the appropriate recording and archiving of documents in line with legal and organisational requirements. Provide timesheets and leave requests in a timely manner. Liaise with the Regional Manager and workplace health and safety representative regarding the risk management requirements for service delivery activities. Ensure regular compliance with contractual, legal and organisation requirements relating to financial management; risk management; and workplace health and safety for clients and staff. PD Family and Community Support Practitioner Page 3 of 5
Provide any financial information to Regional Manager and/or finance administration in a timely manner. Identify and report any issues relevant to the management of finances, workplace and human resource management. 3. Service Provision Develop and maintain current knowledge of federal, state legislation and policy relevant to service delivery activities, where required. Develop and maintain current knowledge of all service delivery activities offered within CFRS Gold Coast region. Support CFRS to facilitate client access and referral pathways for clients and groups from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds to regional services, with a focus on supporting access for people from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background. Assist in the preparation, facilitation and delivery of educational and therapeutic groups where identified. Develop and promote the range of internal programs of CFRS Gold Coast region at identified network meetings and community events. Develop and maintain appropriate community networks and resources relevant to enhancing access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, and disadvantaged families to CFRS services. Organise displays and promotional material for community engagement events, where required. Report risk management issues that may impact upon the safety and health of clients. Liaise and work cooperatively with relevant staff to ensure appropriate access, eligibility and suitability of clients for training and education. Support senior staff with research and to manualise group service delivery. Ensure the maintenance of client records systems in line with Centacare requirements, funding body standards and privacy legislation; including the accurate and appropriate recording of case notes. Undertake the data collection and overall administration tasks associated with the maintenance of the position in a timely manner. 4. Learning, Feedback, Review and Evaluation Assist with the integration of a learning organisation and continuous improvement culture within the program. Provide management where required with qualitative and quantitative data, activity / service reports and information. Actively prepare for, and participate in regular supervision and performance appraisals with the Regional Manager. Contribute to the regular evaluation of the program through action learning principles and practices. Participate in relevant training as identified by regional and individual practice needs. Provide Regional Manager with required qualitative and quantitative data, activity / service reports and information for reporting to funding bodies. Undertake professional supervision and training activities relevant to role area, training plan, organisation capacity and best practice - and provide information to colleagues as required. PD Family and Community Support Practitioner Page 4 of 5
Actively prepare for, and participate in regular supervision and performance appraisals with the Regional Manager. Contribute to regular evaluation of the program through action learning principles and practices. Provide regular internal and external reports in a timely manner. Signature of Staff Member:... Signature of Regional Manager:... Date:... PD Family and Community Support Practitioner Page 5 of 5