RECRUITMENT PACKAGE

MFSS Overview

Selection Process

Position Description

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Overview

Maitland Family Support Scheme (MFSS) is a not for profit service that has been providing support to local families in the Maitland area for over 35 years.

The aim of our service is to support families to become more confident and empowered to make positive, independent decisions. MFSS is an inclusive service, offering support to all families in the area, providing early intervention and placement prevention programs to reduce the likelihood of children entering or remaining in the child protection and out of home care systems.

MFSS is funded by NSW Family & Community Services (FaCS), Early Intervention and Placement Program (EIPP). Services provided in this program include:

  • Advice & Referral
  • Case Management
  • Parenting Support Programs
  • Parenting Skills Programs
  • Supported Playgroups

Our Vision: Supporting families, strengthening communities

Our Mission: Strives to achieve the best outcomes possible for children, families and the community, by promoting and supporting the safety and wellbeing of children, supporting families and strengthening communities.

Our Values:

  • We recognise the resilience of individuals and families, focusing on the potentials, strengths, interests, abilities, knowledge and capabilities of all people.
  • We ensure that families have access to a supportive, respectful and inclusive service.
  • We support and promote the principles of Aboriginal Reconciliation and Cultural Diversity in the way we deliver services and provide support.
  • We will be accountable in all aspects of our work and service delivery.
  • We hold that the core of all our work with families is the safety, health and well being of children and young people.
  • We work together as a service in relationships based on trust and respect.

We acknowledge…

Difference and diversity, we are committed to inclusiveness, and we believe in the right of all people to live with dignity and safety.

This means that all work with families:

  • Is professional and ethical
  • Seeks to provide equal access and rights to all people
  • Respects all people’s right to autonomy and choice
  • Respects privacy and seeks to establish informed consent before working with any family
  • Recognises, and works to increase, the inherent strength and capacity to resolve problems of both individuals and families
  • Is collaborative and optimistic
  • Values diversity and difference

Selection Process

On receipt of your application, you will receive an email confirming that your application has been received and will be reviewed. It is essential that you read the selection criteria and answer each individual criterion as best you can.

MFSS is a child safe workplace and therefore it is a requirement of employment to confirm that you have not been charged with an offence against children. A current paid Working with Children’s Check and current NSW Police Check is required before proceeding to interview stage. It is also a requirement that we speak to your most recent employer and therefore request that you provide 2 recent professional referees. For more information click the links below:

  • NSW Police Check
  • Working with Children Check

Applicants will be selected for interview based on the quality of the

answers to the selection criteria, qualifications and previous experience.

If selected for interview, you will be advised by phone and email with an allocated interview time.

If you are unsuccessful in progressing to interview stage, you will be notified by email. If you would like feedback on your application, please reply by email and the Manager will contact you following the position being appointed.

Reference checks will occur following the interviews.

If you are successful in gaining the position, you will be advised by phone, followed by a letter offering employment.

If you are unsuccessful in gaining the position, you will be advised by phone, followed by an email. If you would like feedback on your application, this will be available to you at the time of the phone call, or a later date should you request it by email.

Applications close 9 am Monday 29th May 201

If you would like further information about the role, please call Robbie King 49140 444 or email

Position Description

Reports to: Manager

The Family Worker is responsible for providing support to families with children aged 0 – 12 years under stress in the Maitland Local Government Area through case management casework, generalistcounselling, group-work, provision of information and referral, and advocacy. The role may include the development, implementation and evaluation of group plans, overseeing volunteers as well as sourcing, storage, maintenance and organisation of group materials.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

  1. Support to families

Outcomes required:

  • A safe, supportive, professional and confidential environment is provided for children and adults
  • All work with parents and carers encourages, challenges and empowers them, enabling exploration of alternatives and increased capacity to deal with a range of problems.
  • Commitment to ongoing learning and ethical practice.
  1. Team Work & Leadership

Outcomes required:

  • Commitment to relevant Industrial and Work Health & Safety legislation.
  • Development and maintenance of positive working relationships with other staff and volunteers in the centre.
  • Active and respectful sharing of knowledge and resources with other staff and volunteers to support their work.
  • Behaviour consistent with the MFSS mission, vision and values.
  1. Administration & Records

Outcomes required:

  • Client Files are kept up to date and in correct format.
  • All group activities are effectively measured and reported.
  • Monthly Reports are submitted on time with accurate information.

LIST OF DUTIES:

The tasks required to achieve these outcomes include (but are not limited to):

  • Provide practical and emotional support to families by appropriate means including home visits, centre based casework and group work.
  • Advocate on behalf of clients who have difficulty in dealing with Organisations or Government Departments.
  • Work with clients in a way that encourages, challenges and empowers them, enabling them to explore alternatives and giving them increased capacity to deal with a range of problems.
  • Develop and facilitate groups that provide social contact, support networks, information and education as indicated by community needs.
  • Develop and facilitate groups that provide a safe place to explore challenges, issues and options for families under stress.
  • Publicise and promote all aspects of the Service in a way that encourages families and individuals to utilise any aspect of the service they require.
  • Encourage and facilitate access to services for all members of the community (who are part of a family under stress or in crisis) including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal peoples and members of disadvantaged and minority groups.
  • Participate in team meetings, case meetings, supervision, planning days, team building days and other meetings deemed necessary for staff development, community liaison and smooth running of the Service.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records that reflect ethical, legal and organisational requirements.
  • Record details of services provided and as required for the compilation reports to Management Committee and funding bodies.
  • Deal with initial referral or crisis in the absence of the Manager.
  • Maintain resource materials in an accessible manner.
  • Work in a way that is consistent with the Service vision, mission, policies and procedures.

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Maitland Family Support is currently looking for a suitably qualified and experienced Family Worker to provide case management support for families and children.

MFSS offers staff a well-established service that is a dynamic, positive and supportive workplace with a team of dedicated professionals working together towards strengthening the service vision for a strong community where children and families are supported and encouraged to thrive.

This part time relief position offers 24 hours fortnight with minimum SCHADS Level 3 (depending on qualification and experience).

Essential Criteria:

  • Tertiary qualifications in Welfare or related fields
  • Demonstrated experience providing support (via counselling, case management, group work and advocacy) to families who have experienced complex issues; such as family violence, child protection, mental health, substance use, and parenting issues
  • Demonstrated experience working with children and young people
  • Demonstrated experience working as part of a team developing positive working relationships within a professional work environment
  • Demonstrated high level skill in a range of verbal and written communication with a wide range of stakeholders
  • Current Driver's Licence and own comprehensively insured vehicle
  • Current Working with Children's Check
  • Current NSW Police Check

Desirable Criteria:

  • Knowledge of the Maitland LGA and services available.
  • Experience in facilitating groups eg. Parenting, children’s groups and playgroups etc.
  • Experience working in a community based setting.

MFSS is committed to providing a culturally competent service and encourages applications from CALD and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

To apply for the position, please send a cover letter, your current resume, and a separate document answering each of the selection criteria to or PO Box 254 Beresfield NSW 2322

Applications close Monday 29th May 2017.

Applications that do not answer the selection criteria will not proceed to interview stage.

If you would like further information see the Recruitment Package on or phone Robbie King 49140444.

Woodberry Family Centre

11-13 Lawson Avenue, Woodberry (Opp Francis Greenway High School)

Post:PO Box 254, Beresfield, 2322 T: 4914 0444 E: W:

Funded by Family & Community Services ABN 69 355 650 377