Children's Contact Worker - Central Coast

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 team.

We are currently looking for Children's Contact Workers (Supervisors) to work in the CENTRAL COAST and surrounding areas, which may include: Gosford, Tuggerah, Kincumber, Erina Fair, Woy Woy etc. (with KMs reimbursement depending on distance from Gosford). 

To apply for the position, please email 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 weekends is ESSENTIAL - higher pay rates apply.

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.

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 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.

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 interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication skills
6. Strong observational skills and ability to closely monitor interactions between parents and children, without being too intrusive.
7. Ability to work flexible hours, which may include weekday afternoons, regular weekends (essential) and public holidays (on occasion).
8. Access to own computer/laptop and competence in Microsoft Word.
9. Current Working With Children Check and National Criminal History Record (or ability to obtain)
10. Current First Aid Certificate (or ability to obtain)
11. Willingness to travel to surrounding Sydney Metro suburbs (no transport of clients is required for this role)
12. A current ABN.
13. Complete COVID-19 vaccination certificate

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.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact the Service Manager Jakki, on (02) 9031 9***, or *****@holding-hands.com.au