Growing Connections Support Worker

An exciting opportunity exists to work for one of South West Queensland's most dynamic and community responsive organisations. Lifeline Darling Downs (LDDSWQL) has been serving the community of Toowoomba, and the wider South Western Queensland area for over 40 years.

The core purpose of the Growing Connections program is focusing on the needs of separating or separated families. The program enables children of separated parents to have safe contact with the parent they do not live with, in circumstances where parents are unable to manage their own contact arrangements. In situations where separated parents are not able to meet without conflict, this program provides a safe, neutral venue for the transfer of children between separated parents. Where there is a perceived or actual risk to the child, they provide supervised contact between a child and their parent or other family member. Parents may be ordered to attend this program by the family court to facilitate changeover or have supervised visits with their children.

The Growing Connections Support Worker, is responsible for providing a safe, positive and neutral environment for supervised contact in the Charleville and Cunnamulla region

• Build positive relationships with the children and parents/carers.
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young persons during engagements. 
• Identify any issues with contact participants’ presentation or behaviour that may warrant termination of the contact.
•  Observe and comprehensively record all engagement interactions and conversations between the child/children, parents and significant others

Key Selection Criteria for this role will be:

• Demonstrated commitment to the safety of children and young people and the wellbeing of families.
• Able to work outside of school hours, including weekends and school holidays. Be available to cover sick and personal leave.
• Certificate III or IV in Community Services, Early Childhood Education and Care, or similar.
• Current first aid certificate.
• Experience in person-centred programs working with children and families in challenging environments which require conflict resolution skills, highly developed problem-solving skills, negotiation skills and personal resilience.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Current Queensland “C” class drivers’ licence, comprehensively insured vehicle, mobile phone and access to a computer. 
• Working with Children Blue Card.

We are looking for individuals who are able to work outside of school hours, including weekends and school holidays. This position will often require the Support Worker to be available on relatively short notice to cover sick and personal leave. 

Applications will only be accepted via Apply with SEEK