1 of 7 CARE GOONDIWINDI ASSN INC INDIGENOUS FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER Context Indigenous Family Support Children & Schooling Programme, funded through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy under the jurisdiction of the Australian Government, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The provider and staff within this programme agree to contribute to or achieve the following programme outcomes to the extent they are not inconsistent with the project: Programme Outcomes: Getting children into school Improving education outcomes including Year 12 attainment Improving youth transition to vocational and higher education and work Support families to give children a good start in life through improved early childhood development, care, education and school readiness The provider and staff agree to deliver each project under this Project Agreement so as not to conflict with or adversely impact upon the school attendance of children in the location/s at which the project is being delivered. is an organisation managed by a volunteer committee of local community representatives. Care Goondiwindi manages a range of youth, family, disability, community development and welfare support programs within South West Queensland. is an equal opportunity employer. Staff are supported, and encouraged to draw upon the resources offered by Care Goondiwindi s multi disciplinary team. Professional Support is provided by the Manager and/or the Rural Family Support Service Coordinator.
2 of 7 CARE GOONDIWINDI ASSN INC INDIGENOUS FAMILY SUPPORT (IFS) PROGRAM Children and Schooling Program FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER Position Description Position Title: Reporting To: Location: Family Support Worker - Indigenous Family Support (IFS) Program Manager, Care Goondiwindi and/or Rural Family Support Service Coordinator Goondiwindi, Boggabilla & Toomelah Purpose of Position The key objectives and purpose of this position is to: Support families to give children a good start in life through improved early childhood development, care, education and school readiness. To work within key stakeholders to assist in getting children into school; to improve educational outcomes and to improve youth transition to vocational and high education and work. Employment Status The position of Family Support Worker Indigenous Family Support Programme is a permanent part time position (approximately 30.5 hours per week Monday to Friday). Accountabilities The Family Support Worker IFS Programme is directly accountable to the Manager and through this position to the Management Committee of Care Goondiwindi Assn Inc. Qualifications / Experience Qualification in early childhood development and/or extensive experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and children Understanding of, or willingness to learn the issues relating to early childhood development and parenting for Indigenous Australians in rural and remote communities
3 of 7 Evidence of program-based planning, implementation and evaluation Ability to analyse program data and produce written reports Experience in building and maintaining rapport with people from a diverse range of cultural and occupational backgrounds Ability to conduct meetings and facilitate consultation with a range of community stakeholders A valid Working with Children Suitability Card (Blue Card) through the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Possession of a current Class C (or equivalent) drivers Current First Aid certificate (or willingness to undertake) Ability to use computer software including Microsoft applications, and audio-visual, electronic and other equipment for meetings, events and teleconferences Willingness to undertake professional development as appropriate The position may be subject to pre-employment history checks, criminal history, identity or previous discipline history checks. Personal Qualities Ability to build and maintain rapport with Indigenous people and people from varied backgrounds in the context of a professional relationship Ability to work within existing legislation and defined service agreements Ability to work with a high level of autonomy Ability to work effectively, flexibly and contribute as required within a small professional team Ability to develop and implement innovative and creative solutions to problems Ability to bring to the position a high level of professional integrity in relationships with clients, colleagues and complementary organisations Willingness to commit to the culture and practice of continuous quality improvement Willingness to work within the framework of values defined within Care Goondiwindi Assn Inc s Policies and Procedures Energy and enthusiasm for the continual development of an objectives driven, client responsive Program. Responsibilities and Deliverables Implement the Indigenous Family Support (IFS) Program Children and Schooling; and related activities to ensure that the program outcomes are achieved in compliance with the funding contract
4 of 7 Provide parents/care-givers with support on early childhood development, care, education and school readiness. Provide children with age-appropriate social, emotional, developmental and educational experiences Provide families with opportunities to connect and interact socially Participate in the development of data collection methods, including online if appropriate, for program performance and evaluation purposes Work with the Department to ensure the agreed activities meet the objectives of the Children & Schooling Programme Participate in developing a plan for evaluation of activities Liaise closely with all program stakeholders and negotiate effective outcomes as delegated Develop and use administrative skills and reporting tools to meet deadlines Effective performance of routine administrative tasks including accurate record-keeping Communicate with management, staff, service providers and stakeholders at a professional level Compliance with Care Goondiwindi Quality Management Systems and identification of areas for continuous quality improvement Complete tasks without direct supervision in a professional manner Demonstrate personal resilience in difficult situations and perform at high competency levels for extended periods. Key Performance Indicators for Review The following Performance Indicators will be assessed by the Department in order to monitor the IFS Program. As such, they will form a key part of the review mechanism for the performance of the Family Support Worker. Number and proportion of Indigenous people employed in delivery of the Project number and % of staff employed in delivery of the Project who are Indigenous. Compliance with Project Agreement terms and conditions. Number of children or students participating in funded activities. Number of Indigenous people involved and actively participating in the funded activities eg. volunteering, committees or boards. Number of Indigenous parents actively participating in their child s education by volunteering or other means. Proportion of children displaying signs of progress towards school readiness ie. Percentage of Indigenous children who are school ready.
5 of 7 Case management of identified students/families track the increase in educational and behavioral outcomes. (source of data from Educational institutions). Provide relevant monthly, half yearly and yearly reports to the Board and funding body. Appropriate connections made with Indigenous Community and relevant local services to facilitate engagement and involvement in funded activities.
6 of 7 Key Selection Criteria Professional KSC1 Demonstrated knowledge and skills regarding community development initiatives, particularly with respect to early childhood development and parenting KSC2 Demonstrated ability to plan and manage activities to achieve effective outcomes and benefits KSC3 Prepare reports and submissions using information technology, in compliance with the priorities contained in funding and partnership agreements Communication KSC3 Well developed interpersonal communication and negotiation skills, particularly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples KSC4 Active participation in a multidisciplinary team developing partnerships with local stakeholders Initiative and Administration KSC5 Proven ability to think conceptually, analyse complex issues, and develop solutions within organisational constraints KSC6 Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to obtain timely outcomes with limited supervision KSC7 Demonstrated ability to actively support: a) work values of continuous quality improvement, professionalism, teamwork and performance accountability b) work policies including employment equity, anti-discrimination, workplace health and safety c) privacy principles and clinical confidentiality where relevant.
7 of 7 Terms and Conditions of Employment Conditions of employment are set down in the SCHADS Award with rate dependent on qualifications and experience. Provision for training and professional development exists. A three month probationary period applies to all new employees of Care Goondiwindi Assoc Inc. All employees and positions are appraised annually in accordance with Care Goondiwindi Assoc Inc s Management Policies and Staff Training and Appraisal procedures. A formal letter of Appointment will be provided at time of initial employment, and after the satisfactory completion of the probation period