Children's Contact Workers - Central Coast / Newcastle

• Are you keen to be involved in professionally challenging, and personally rewarding work?
• Do you have experience working closely with parents and children in the welfare sector?
• Are you looking for a supportive management team, regular weekend work, and a positive work / life balance?

Holding Hands Family Services is expanding our CENTRAL COAST AND NEWCASTLE teamS.

We are currently looking for Children's Contact Workers (Supervisors) to work in the Central Coast and Newcastle, and surrounding areas (with KM/toll reimbursement depending on distance from the relevant city centre).

About the Service

Holding Hands Family Services is a specialised community-based Children's Contact Service operating in Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle and Wollongong. We are a child-focused provider of in-person supervised visits, online contact visits, and supervised changeovers, as well as other post-separation services. We practice from a child-focused approach, making decisions that are in the child's best interest. Holding Hands works closely with parents, in role-modelling and guidance on positive parenting practices, in order to assist them with developing a stronger connection with their children. We also have a range of parent resources and a podcast called #alwayschildfocused that guides and supports parents through their post-separation journey, and prepares them for what to expect when using a children's contact service.

Visit the Website to learn more: www.holding-hands.com.au

About the role

As a Children's Contact Worker, your role is specialised and incredibly important in building and supporting relationships between children and their parents, often at times of high conflict and anxiety. You will be responsible for facilitating safe and meaningful contact between children and the parent they do not live with, in accordance with court orders or parenting agreements. You will also be responsible for compiling a report (template provided) based on your observations during the visit. These visits generally take place in the community, in a space that has been assessed as a safe and neutral environment e.g. park, playground, library, play centre etc.

To apply for the position, please submit your Resume and a cover letter addressing the Selection criteria below. Please apply as soon as possible, as applications will be considered as they are received. We are looking for an IMMEDIATE START.

Please note: This is a Contract Position (ABN is required), and the hours are flexible according to your availability. Regular availability on weekdays and/or weekends is ESSENTIAL - higher pay rates apply for weekends.

All applicants will be required to have or obtain a Working With Children Check, a National Criminal History Check, and First Aid Certificate, as well as a complete COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

Essential Selection Criteria

To be successful in the role you will have:

1. Tertiary Qualification in a relevant discipline, e.g. Social Work, Psychology, Social Science, Counselling etc.
2. Demonstrated experience in (and knowledge of) areas such as: family services, child protection, mental health, parent education, family law, family violence, e.g. the impact of trauma on children
3. Demonstrated ability to build rapport and positively engage with children, young people and parents/carers.
4. Ability to manage challenging behaviours, and prevent or de-escalate situations of conflict.
5. Strong observational skills, interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication skills
6. Ability to work flexible hours, which may include some weekdays (if available), regular weekends (essential) and public holidays (on occasion, higher pay rates).
7. Access to own computer/laptop and competence in Microsoft Word.
8. Current Working With Children Check, National Criminal History Record, First Aid Certificate (or ability to obtain)
9. Willingness to travel to surrounding Central Coast / Newcastle suburbs (no transport of clients is required for this role)
10. A current ABN

Desirable Selection Criteria

1. Experience supervising visits between parents and children
2. Experience working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse populations.
3. Knowledge of the family law sector

In return, you will:

• Be provided with comprehensive orientation training, regular and ongoing professional support, training and supervision.
• Be working in a committed and supportive team of highly-skilled professionals.

next steps

To submit your application, please click ‘Apply Now’ by the closing date.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact the Service Manager Jakki, on (02) 9031 9637, or jakki@holding-hands.com.au using the subject line: Children's Contact Workers - Central Coast / Newcastle enquiry via EthicalJobs.