Family Practitioner

Role Details

The SA Government has committed to reforming the child protection system in South Australia. The Department of Human Services (DHS) has lead responsibility for implementing the Child and Family Support System reform, in which Safer Family Services (SFS) plays a key part. SFS provides help and support to children and their families at risk of harm, neglect and family violence, by deliberately and strongly intervening to disrupt the patterns of intergenerational trauma, and increase the number of children able to be cared for safely in their homes, connected to culture and community. This is particularly relevant for children and families with multiple and complex needs.

The Family Practitioner is a role within Community and Family Services and is accountable to the Supervisor, SFS Program for:
• Identifying and assertively engaging children and families at high risk of entering the child protection system through the provision of assessment, case management and therapeutic intervention.
• Working collaboratively with parents, other SFS programs and key partner agencies such as Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS), Department for Child Protection (DCP) and Children’s Centre staff, to strengthen parents/carers ability to effectively support their children’s safety, healthy development and wellbeing.
• Providing case management and targeted interventions to improve outcomes for families with children up to six years old, experiencing safety concerns related to parenting and child safety.

Special Conditions

Only people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent may apply (pursuant to Section 56(2) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984).
National Police Check required.
Employment-related Screening Check required.
Some out of hours work may be required.
Some interstate and intrastate travel may be required.
Must hold a current Australian issued driver’s licence (equivalent to minimum class C).
Role Status: Term up to 25/10/2024.

Essential Qualifications:
• An appropriate Social Work qualification from a recognised tertiary institution giving eligibility for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Work; or
• Persons of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, who have the appropriate background and skills but do not hold the essential qualification, may apply for and be engaged/assigned to the role of Social Worker and will be entitled to apply for any Allied Health Professional roles requiring a qualification in Social Work within the Department of Human Services.
• An appropriate degree or equivalent qualification which entitles registration with the Psychology Board of Australia: or
• An appropriate degree or equivalent qualification which entitles registration as an Occupational Therapist.

Desirable:
• Certification in Infant and Perinatal Mental Health.
• Circle of Security - suite of trainings.

About the Business

Community and Family Services supports vulnerable people and families to participate in social and economic life and build stronger communities. This division comprises three key areas:

Safer Family Services (SFS) provides a wide range of intensive family support services to children, young people and families experiencing a high risk of statutory intervention from the child protection or youth justice systems. Services also include family support, community development and parenting and youth programs.

The Office for Women works across government and the community towards achieving gender equity and positive change for women in South Australia by developing policy and advising on issues affecting women to improve their safety, wellbeing and economic security. The office also oversees the Women’s Information Service to support women over the phone, online and in person, as well as regional safety hubs across the state.

Communities and Justice works towards building community safety and wellbeing by providing support and services to children, young people and families in the youth justice system, building the capacity of communities through community development projects and working in partnership with the community services sector to respond to people with complex and exceptional needs.

Contact Us

Enquiries to Peter Wood, 0427163*** Email: **********@sa.gov.au