POP Family Support worker Aboriginal Torres Stait Islander May 2010

							Advertisement for Family Support Worker – Parenting Outreach Program May
2010



           BARNARDOS PARENTING OUTREACH PROGRAM
    Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Family Support Worker required
                    (28 hours per week - negotiable)


We are looking for an energetic, creative and flexible, family support worker to
work in a program that offers one-to-one outreach support to vulnerable
families who may be experiencing poverty, difficulties caring for their children,
housing difficulties, domestic violence, mental health, drug and alcohol related
issues. The Parenting Outreach Program works with families using a
strengths based framework by highlighting their skills/strengths and then
empowering them to address difficulties in their lives.


Salary for family support worker positions are based on the Barnardos
Enterprise Certified Agreement, at level 29 – 39 ($44,337 to $52,529 – pro
rata according to part time hours). Additional on-call allowance is paid. Basic
computing skills and drivers licence essential.

For further information contact Alison Taylor on 6228 9529, or Sharon
Williams on 6228 9530. Expressions of interest in the position must include
three referees we can contact and be received by 5:00pm Wednesday 26th
May 2010.


This   is   a   designated     Aboriginal/Torres    Strait   Islander   Position.
The Barnardos Parenting Outreach Program offers assistance to families, especially
those parents who are very young and experiencing difficulties. These difficulties
include problems related to parenting, housing, budgeting, domestic violence, mental
health, drug and alcohol abuse and loneliness.

The program is available for parents of all ages but there is a specific focus on the
needs of very young people experiencing parenthood and perhaps homelessness at
the same time. Family Support Workers provide support with parenting skills and
accommodation options, while encouraging young parents during their teenage
years.

The Family Support Worker visits the family on a regular basis and can offer practical
support, information, education and referral to other agencies eg, access to daycare.
This support can be provided until the parent is confident enough to “go it alone”.

The Parenting Outreach Program has been operating since November 1994. The
program was initially established to address the needs of very disadvantaged and/or
homeless teenage parents, particularly in the Canberra region.

The Parenting Outreach Program works to:
 Provide an effective service for families that identifies needs and strengths within
   the family and works with the family to develop skills and connections to the
   community.
 Provide an effective service to assist vulnerable families to develop independent
   living/parenting skills.
 Support families in a variety of housing options.
 Provide practical and general support to families where children are perceived to
   be “at risk”.
 Provide wellbeing and support groups to families.
 Evaluate the service and ensure its appropriateness for families accessing its
   services.

SELECTION CRITERIA
1.1  Knowledge and skills in working with families, including the ability to work
     creatively and flexibly to meet the needs of children and families who may be
     in crisis.
1.2  Ability to make decisions independently and also be able to work as part of a
     team.
1.3  Knowledge and skills in working with families around parenting,
     homelessness, budgeting, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse and
     related problems.
1.4  Understanding of the special needs of children in disadvantaged families.
1.5  Ability to liaise with Government departments and Non-Government agencies.
     Knowledge of ACT Community Services; including Care and Protection
     Services and ACT Housing.
1.6  An understanding of the need for confidentiality.
1.7  Communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills with a capacity to
     work both one to one with families and groups.
1.8  Able to maintain productive, professional relationships with all family
     members.
1.9  Able to visit, engage, assess and support families with a range of needs.
1.10 Able to manage time effectively.
1.11 Basic administrative, written and computing skills.
1.12 Current drivers license.