Research Project Officer – Early Parenting And Family Services

This exciting newly created role of Research Project Officer reports directly to the CEO and will primarily be responsible for undertaking the design, implementation and evaluation of projects including developing resource guides and conducting research and evaluation.
  
Research shows that parenting is one of the strongest predictors of child development. It has a profound impact on the health and wellbeing of children from the early years right through to adolescence.
  
The use of evidence informed programs and drawing on evidence informed practices and emerging innovations are important in the development of the Society’s as a lead agency in the First 1000 Days, the early years and the importance of building adult capabilities to improve outcomes for young children.
  
About us
For the team at the Caroline Chisholm Society (the Society) our mission is simple – delivering a range of pregnancy and family support services that respond to the needs of families. For over 50 years we have supported vulnerable children, women, and their families to achieve and maintain a safe and nurturing environment. We’re proud of our work and equally proud that it is inspired by the many achievements of Caroline Chisholm, a woman who supported and empowered many throughout her lifetime.
In providing support and assistance to pregnant women and parents with young children aged up to 5 years, we work with whole families to support secure attachments, optimise child outcomes through parenting interventions, and prevent and alleviate the impacts of poverty, homelessness, family violence and issues mental health have on parent and child wellbeing.
We’d love you to join our dedicated and diverse team of like-minded professionals and help us to continue this important work, and to honour Caroline by providing support to today’s mothers, babies, toddlers, and the family that surrounds them.
  
About the role
You will be working closely with the CEO to implement the Society’s strategic and operational plans including reporting to key deliverables including those aligned to project outcomes.
  
This role’s key responsibilities include:

• Scoping, designing and undertaking evaluation activities and projects.
• Development and implementation of project plans, including the identification of potential risks.
• Monitor and evaluate project outcomes including client experience, relevant data and performance measures against agreed evaluation strategies.
• Project reporting to a range of stakeholders on progress and KPIs aligned to the strategic and operational plans.
• Working closely with the CEO, develop a knowledge mobilisation approach to promote the Society’s projects and research outcomes.
• Support practitioners in undertaking practitioner-research projects and enhancing their capacity to participate in projects including evaluation.
• Support the uptake of research into practice, including through the development of practice models and approaches.
• Identify grant opportunities and develop grant proposals in consultation with the CEO.

About you
We are passionate about the values and objectives of the Society and are looking for someone who shares them.
  
We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• A relevant qualification or experience in social work, psychology, or community service.
• At least 2 years experience demonstrating ability to undertake research and project work.
• Proficiency in quantitative skills including statistical analysis is desirable.
• Strong time management skills and able to work flexibly across two sites (Essendon and Caroline Springs).
• Skills, knowledge and interests in risk and accountability policy and procedures.
• Ability to forge strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, to positively influence outcomes and results for our clients.

What we offer
At the Society, we look after our people. In addition to a collaborative and supportive workplace, we offer:

• A 2-year full time contract, salary and benefits as well as salary packaging up to the maximum amount (for further info go to Advantage Salary Packaging)
• Up to an additional four days of paid leave per year
• A focus on well-being and individual flexibility
• Learning and professional development opportunities

Child safe organisation
The Caroline Chisholm Society is a child-safe organisation and is committed to always ensuring the safety and well-being of all children and young people. An appointment is subject to holding a current driver’s licence, a successful police check, and an employment Victorian working with children check.

How to apply
To apply for this position, please submit a CV via the link provided on this site. Please include a cover letter that details your suitability for this position and relevant experience.
  
For any questions, email hr@caroline.org.au (please do not apply via email). Please note, only applicants with Australian work rights