Senior Social Worker – Children’s Contact Service

• Join our dynamic team and make a difference in the lives of children and families.
• We are a team committed to delivering a high standard of service to our communities.

Comm Unity Plus Services Ltd (operating as commUnity+) is a multidisciplinary community organisation delivering a range of community programs focused on community development, social and economic inclusion, and social justice. This is achieved via high quality Community Education, Legal Services (Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre), our Neighbourhood House program, and our Children’s Contact Service, as well as a range of community development activities across commUnity+.

The commUnity+ Children’s Contact Service (CCS) provides safe, neutral, onsite facilitated changeovers and supervised visits for children and their separated parents. These contacts are often court mandated due to high conflict familial circumstances, and often exist within a broader suite of family law services. The neutrality and child- centric focus of the program enables the children to maintain a meaningful relationship with the parent whom they do not live with.

About the position

Reporting to the Manager Children’s Contact Service, the Senior Social Worker works within the Children’s Contact Service (CCS) to facilitate changeovers and supervised visits in accordance with individual client agreements and in line with program guidelines. The Senior Social Worker will be responsible for the day-to-day site coordination and supervision of CCS Workers within their site. CCS workers are to be child focused and therefore must be vigilant in ensuring the physical and emotional wellbeing of all parties, but in particular the children using the service.

Further, this role is responsible for organising and facilitating intake assessments, case management and client support, and managing stakeholder relationships and network.

This position is primarily based at the commUnity+ Deer Park office, however the role may require occasional attendance at other sites.

This is a fixed term, part time position for 24 months averaging 33.5 hours per week.

Key Selection Criteria

• Tertiary qualification in Social Sciences (i.e., Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, etc.) with a minimum of 3 years’ experience
• Demonstrated experience and ability in working with children, with an understanding of children’s development and their needs around contact issues
• Demonstrated case work or case management experience with negotiation and problem solving skills
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral with the ability to handle sensitive communications with clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated understanding of the impact of family violence on families, particularly children
• Demonstrated experience in supervising staff utilising reflective supervision practices
• Proficient in computer skills with the ability to work autonomously in an effective accountable and transparent manner

What we offer:

• Flexible workplace arrangements
• Salary packaging benefit
• 40% off your membership at Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre (BAWC)
• Opportunity to further develop your skills
• Supportive and Inclusive team
• Free Parking at Deer Park site

commUnity+ is a child safe organisation that is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of children and young people and protecting them from harm. Applicants must hold a valid Working with Children Check and Police check or the ability to obtain the same.

To apply

To apply online, simply click on the Apply Now button.

Applications must include a cover letter responding to the key selection criteria and a current resume.

For further information or a confidential discussion, please call Ruth Kerkhoff on 0437 585 079 or email [email protected], using the subject line: Senior Social Worker – Children’s Contact Service enquiry via EthicalJobs.

community+ is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

A position description is attached.