Glastonbury Community Services is a trusted community partner delivering care and support to vulnerable children, young people and families throughout the Barwon and South Western Region.

Intake Worker – Child FIRST

0.8 Maternity Leave 12 Month Contract Position

Purpose

The Intake Worker – Child FIRST will:

Be responsible for assessing and processing referrals for children, youth and families to Family Support Services within the region. The service operates under the legislative framework of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005.

The position of Intake Worker Child FIRST will be an employee of Glastonbury Community Services located within the Child FIRST team at Bethany Community Support. Line management and direct accountability with remain with Barwon Child FIRST.

Reports to:Coordinator Barwon Child FIRST

Relationships:The Intake Worker Child FIRST will work closely with the Coordinator of Child FIRST in delivering this program in the Geelong region. This position will liaise with a range of external key stakeholders, inclusive of but not limited to the following: organisations involved in service delivery and advocacy of children, young people and families.

Objectives:

The position will:

  • Deliver, in consultation with the Coordinator, services within the Child FIRST program in line with the Best Interest Case Practice Principles including intake assessment and referral
  • Ensure compliance with quality assurance measures relevant to the program and actively participate in continuous improvement activities
  • Develop and maintain strategic relationships
  • Actively contribute towards broader Bethany and Glastonbury Community Services initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Intake Assessment, Case Management and Referral

  • To participate in Child FIRST intake assessment.
  • To take a lead role in the ongoing assessment of all families referred to the service in consultation with the Coordinator
  • To keep in regular contact and monitor families involved with Child FIRST.
  • To conduct thorough risk and needs assessments and, in consultation with the Coordinator, consult Child Protection in cases of serious and unacceptable risk.
  • To identify strengths and competencies within families, their extended families, their personal and community networks.
  • To actively engage ‘hard to reach’ families
  • To refer to appropriate services for families and provide/refer families for material aid when necessary.
  • To utilise the Best Interests Framework in assessment.
  • When necessary to provide an in-home support service to families using a variety of practice techniques such as modelling, behaviour modification, education, counselling of individuals/units within the family as necessary and agreed upon by the family.
  • To maintain appropriate workloads in consultation with the Coordinator Child FIRST

Data Management and Quality Assurance

  • Ensure client files and records are maintained in accordance with program requirements
  • Undertake practice research where appropriate
  • Participate in the development of meaningful client and professional feedback
  • Contribute towards Child FIRST program development initiatives including the development and delivery of best practice standards
  • Assist in the collation of relevant data collection and take an active role in the design and implementation of Child FIRST
  • Participate in Occupational Health and Safety initiatives

Strategic Relationships

  • Maintain effective partnerships with relevant services to ensure the delivery of a quality service in line with sector requirements and expectations
  • Develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Represent the team / organisation at forums within the community

Whole of Agency Responsibilities

  • Attend and participate in relevant Child FIRST meetings
  • Participate in relevant external networks / reference groups
  • Participate in Bethany / Glastonbury Community Services staff development programs

Contribute towards his / her own professional development needs and actively participate in regular supervision and performance appraisal

Experience, Skills and Qualifications

The position requires the following:

  • Bachelor of Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Diploma of Welfare Studies, Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs or equivalent qualifications.
  • Demonstrated skills in intake and assessment.

Key Selection Criteria

  1. A Bachelor of Social Work or Psychology, Diploma of Welfare Studies or equivalent qualification.
  1. Demonstrated experience in child and family welfare
  1. An understanding of the DHS reforms and current legislation, including the role of Child FIRST.
  1. An understanding of Family Preservation practice and principles.
  1. Demonstrated skills in assessment, engaging and counselling individuals/families including a demonstrated ability to relate to families with respect and warmth.
  1. Knowledge of the Child Protection system and an understanding of risk assessment.
  1. Good verbal and written communication skills.
  1. Good organisational skills.
  1. A capacity to maintain personal and professional support networks and to cope with stress.
  1. Good understanding of program and policy development and evaluation.
  1. An ability to promote effective working relationships with other agencies within the region.

The following will also be required:

  • Current Drivers Licence;
  • Sound Information Technology skills;
  • Clear Police Check; and
  • Working with Children Check

Personal Attributes of the Successful Candidate:

  • Strong ethical standards of self, others, Bethany Glastonbury Community Services.
  • Ability to take a ‘hands on’ approach
  • High energy, resilience and tenacity
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice principles

Remuneration

Salary and conditions as per GCFS Employee Collective Agreement 2008 – 2011.

Authorised by:Gabrielle Nagle, CEO

Date Authorised:October 2011

Review Date:April 2012