Applicant Information Packagefor the opportunity of

Case WorkerBrighter Futures Program

Part Time28 hrs (4 days) per week

Hawkesbury Community Services

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: COB (5pm) Friday 14th July 2017

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About the employer…

Our client Hawkesbury Community Services (HCS) is a locally based non-government organisation funded by NSW Department of Family and Community Services through Wesley Mission to provide services under the Brighter Futures program in the Hawkesbury LGA. HCS is a Christian organisation auspiced by Hawkesbury Church so it is important all staff have a willingness to work within the Mission, Vision & Values of HCS & Hawkesbury Church.

Please see below the organisation’s Mission Statement and Goals:

Some of the great benefits provided to employees…

Salary Packaging Options Access to pool vehicles for work related travel needs Training, Mentoring, Supervision and access to Resources High level of diversity in role Excellent working environment

About the Program…

Applicants are expected to have experience in the Brighter Futures program or a similar program within the family services sector. The Brighter Futures program is a voluntary and confidential program supporting families to have great relationships, providing children with opportunities for the best start in life.

Predominantly, referrals to the program come from FaCS (around 90%) and the remainder from other community agencies or client themselves. As a Case Worker in this program, usually your initial contact with the client may be via cold calling as families referred from FaCS may not be aware of the referral, but it’s been suggested that the program may be able to assist the family.

More information can be found athttp://www.community.nsw.gov.au/for-agencies-that-work-with-us/our-funding-programs/brighter-futures-program

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About the Position…

This role will provide an integrated casework and case management service to families who are vulnerable and require in-home or centre based assistance, within a strength - based solution - focused framework. This includes the provision of case work services, group work programs and parenting education.

Position Details…

Location: Windsor, NSWHours per week: 28 hours per week in totalDays per week: 4 days per weekDays of work: The successful applicant will be able to negotiate the days of the week they would

prefer to work upon offer of employment. However, it is necessary 1 of the 4 days per week include Tuesday each week.

Term: Permanent Part Time, as funding allowsAward Coverage: Salary and conditions of employment will be as described in the NSW SCHADS

Award.Salary: Salary will be at Level 5, Paypoint to be determined with successful applicant. To

access the current Award pay rates click here.Positions available: There is 1 vacant position being advertised. Travel: Regular travel (daily) is required throughout the Hawkesbury LGA region to attend

home visits, meetings and other requirements. Therefore, a current driver’s license is required. There is access to a pool car, however as this is used by all HCS staff if this is unavailable you would need to have access to your own vehicle. Should your personal vehicle be used for business use, mileage reimbursement according to the SCHADS Award will apply.

Salary Packaging…

HCS has been endorsed as a Public Benevolent Institute (PBI). As such, they can offer our employees access to salary packaging benefits. Salary packaging offers significant tax benefits which present an opportunity for you to increase your take home pay by allowing you to take part of your income as a tax-free benefit. Salary packaging is completely voluntary but if you choose to utilise this, it can decrease your taxable income and therefore tax paid, increasing the amount you take home each pay period.

Probationary Period…

A six-month probationary period applies to all positions at Hawkesbury Community Services from the date of appointment. A probationary review will be conducted prior to conclusion of this period.

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Child Related Employment…

This role is classified as child related employment and as such, the successful applicant will be required to provide a copy of current clearance of a paid employment type NSW Working with Children (WWC) check (under the Commission for Children & Young People Act 1998). A copy of the letter you received from the Commission confirming your identity, your NSW WWC check number and expiry date is suitable.

Please note there are two types of NSW WWC checks and you can identify this by the WWC check number:1. Volunteer/ unpaid employment – the WWC check number ends in “V” and this is free to apply for2. Paid employment – the WWC check number ends in “E” and there is a fee to apply for this type

If you don’t currently hold a NSW WWC check, you do not need to gain this prior to applying for this job. Please accept this as advanced notice that should you progress through the recruitment process as far as to being offered the role, you would need to agree to apply for a check without delay as it can take up to 4 weeks to process. Fees involved are generally tax deductible.

If you do have WWC check clearance, however: This is from a state other than NSW; It is volunteer type; or You applied for the check before 15th June 2013

Should you progress through the recruitment process as far as to being offered the role, you can provide a copy of your current check initially then would need to agree to transfer to a new paid employment check within 3 months.

For more information, please visit the Commission for Children & Young People's website www.kids.nsw.gov.au/Working-with-children/New-Working-with-Children-Check

Recruitment Process…

Short listing of applicants for interview and notification is normally completed within a one to two week period of the closing date for applications. Likewise unsuccessful applications will be notified in this timeframe also

You may be invited to initially participate in a brief telephone interview to discuss your application further and your suitability for the role

It is standard practise to interview with a Selection Panel. This Panel is responsible for assessing applicants for the position based on the Selection Criteria. Selection panels are usually comprised of 2 or more members

It is the organisation’s policy that all employee satisfactorily complete pre-employment checks in addition to NSW WWC clearance as required such as a Criminal History Background Check and Psychometric Questionnaire. These would only be requested of you in the case that you are the successful candidate

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How to Apply…To apply for this role please note the following:

Applications will only be considered where the Applicant has submitted all documents as mentioned in the Application checklist below. To assist you, please utilise Attachment 1 and Attachment 2 following. You can either print and handwrite on these forms or type into them directly from your computer and then attach them to an email.

If providing photocopies make sure they are clear / easy to read

Your resume should outline your previous work history in chronological order starting from your most recent position, together with a brief description of the duties associated. It should also outline your education and training and a good guide is to keep it to 3-4 pages maximum.

Ensure your application is submitted prior to the closing date

The closing date for applications appears on the first page of this information package. Extensions are given in exceptional circumstances. Should you need an extension on your application please contact us immediately on (02) 4555 4634 or jobs@totalworkforceservices.com.au

Application Checklist…

When submitting your application please ensure you have enclosed the following:

Employment Application Form (attachment 1 following)

Response to Selection Criteria Form (attachment 2 following)

Your resume (including details of when and how we can contact you)

And a covering letter if you wish

When you have all these prepared, send it to Total Workforce Services via:

jobs@totalworkforceservices.com.au

Important: Please ensure you submit a full application with all the items as mentioned above. Applications not including all the

items above will be asked to resubmit their details before the closing date to enable the application to be considered by the

Selection Panel.

Receipt of your application will be confirmed by email.

Please note that there is a quick timeframe for recruitment to this role and interviews are planning to be scheduled immediately following the closing date – i.e. in the week beginning 17/4/17.

Still looking for more information?

If you have any questions or would like to talk a bit more about this job before applying, please feel free to call us on (02) 4555 4634 or email jobs@totalworkforceservices.com.au

Thank you for your expression of interest regarding employment with Hawkesbury Community Services.

Good Luck!

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The Position Description…

Hawkesbury Community Services is a locally based organisation funded by NSW Family Community Services through Wesley Mission to provide services under the Brighter Futures Program in the Hawkesbury Local Government Area. Hawkesbury Community Services is a Christian organisation under the auspices of Hawkesbury Church, Windsor.

The Brighter Futures Program is voluntary and works closely with other Hawkesbury Community Services programs, community partners and Family and Community Services NSW. Case workers report directly to the Program Manager.

This position description should be read in conjunction with the Brighter Futures Hawkesbury Case Worker Essential and Desirable Criteria, FaCS Brighter Futures Service Provision Guidelines (www.community.nsw.gov.au click on “for agencies working with us” click on “early intervention services” in drop down menu, click on “Brighter Futures Service Provision Guidelines” under Related Links).

1. Objectives

1.1 To be part of a team providing a professional and comprehensive child centered and family focused early intervention service to children and families to prevent issues escalating further which might put them at risk of entering the child protection system.

1.2 To uphold the practice principles of the Brighter Futures Program that promote, facilitate and support:

a. Healthy development in childrenb. Strong, functional and well-supported familiesc. The reduction and/or prevention of child abuse and neglect in participating familiesd. Enhanced community capacity by strengthening and supporting families

1.3 To be an active, cooperative member of a multidisciplinary team to ensure good practice in targeted service provision, smooth transitions to integrated services, and to contribute to the ongoing development and evaluation of the Brighter Futures Program.

1.4 To ensure effective and efficient processing of intake functions under the direction of the Program Manager.

1.5 To support Hawkesbury Child & Family Services in providing a total service to the community.

2. Basic Job Function

2.1 To provide an integrated casework and case management service to families who are vulnerable and require in-home or centre based assistance, within a strength - based solution - focused framework. This includes the provision of case work services, access to group work programs, brokerage for material assistance and specialist services, parenting education and access to childcare places and brokerage.

2.2 To enhance family functioning and promote positive relationships within the family, and between the family and their wider community.

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Hawkesbury Community Services – Child & Family ServicesCase Worker Position Description – Brighter Futures Program

2.3 To maintain a working knowledge of and adhere to relevant child protection legislation and deliver services in keeping with the Brighter Futures Service Provision Guidelines.

2.4 Provide intake administrative duties/support to the Program Manager.

2.5 To provide consultation, advocacy and promotion regarding early intervention and child protection issues.

2.6 To represent the Brighter Futures program as the frequent ‘first point of contact’ for families, service providers, and the ‘wider’ community ensuring that the Brighter Futures program is presented as a professional and effective service at all times.

2.7 To uphold the Christian philosophy and aims of Hawkesbury Community Services.

3. Relationships of Brighter Futures Intake/Family Worker

3.1 Reports to and is supported by the Brighter Futures Team Leader; supervised by the Program Manager of Brighter Futures Hawkesbury.

3.2 Works with allocated caseload of families providing them with direct service and coordinating/facilitating other support services to meet their identified needs in consultation with Program Manager.

3.3 Works with all team members of Hawkesbury Child & Family Services, including the Early Childhood Specialist, students, volunteers and administrative staff, and with all partner agency staff and Family and Community Services NSW.

3.4 Liaises and works with staff from referring agencies, and with other government and non-government agencies involved in the provision of Brighter Futures services as directed by the Program Manager.

3.5 Liaises with agencies identified as ‘Prescribed bodies’ by the NSW Children and Young Persons Care and Protection Act 1998 for the purpose of information exchange relating to the care and wellbeing of children involved in the Brighter Futures program.

3.6 Participates in local networks and inter agencies relevant to the Brighter Futures service in consultation with Team Leader.

4. Responsibilities of Brighter Futures Intake/Family Worker

4.1 To perform duties according to the Hawkesbury Community Services vision and values statement, and other relevant policy documents;

4.2 To ensure services are delivered in keeping with the Brighter Futures Service Provision Guidelines (June 2014) and the Wesley Mission Brighter Futures Practice Manual;

4.3 To provide and support the Program Manager in ensuring effective and efficient intake/referral processes and service delivery (as per the basic job function);

4.4 To provide an integrated, professional and holistic service within a strength-based framework to expectant parents and parents with children under 9 years in the following areas of vulnerability and objectives of the program by: a) Reducing or preventing family violence by addressing abuse and child protection issues.

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b) Link children and families with other government and non-government agencies and support services, and maintain cooperative partnerships with these agencies, to provide comprehensive initiatives to meet families’ needs.

c) Facilitate access for children and families with specialised and/or complex community support systems, e.g. court, housing, intensive therapy.

d) Address parenting practices, working with parents and families to identify and develop strategies to enhance family functioning.

e) Address issues of vulnerability for families, including domestic violence; drug or alcohol misuse; parental mental health issues; parents with significant learning difficulties or intellectual disability; lack of parenting skills or inadequate supervision.

4.5 To maintain an understanding of a strengths-based, solution focused approach to good practice developments in the provision of effective services to children and families.

4.6 To provide, coordinate and evaluate support services including assessment, referral and information, case planning, case reviews, case work, counselling, information, advocacy, referral, home visiting, group work and practical assistance, as determined by the Family Strengths and Needs Assessment of each child and family.

4.7 Conduct home visiting of families which include the provision of Cold Calling procedures in keeping with home visiting policy and risk management and tracking of movement procedures in consultation with Program Manager.

4.8 To organise and attend planning meetings, case conferences and review meetings to ensure that coordinated, flexible and integrated case management services are provided to families.

4.9 To work collaboratively with other team members to provide, coordinate, facilitate group programs, such as parenting programs and supported playgroups.

4.10 To be aware of the need for confidentiality in all aspects of Hawkesbury Child & Family Services work and ensure that confidentiality is adhered to at all times.

4.11 To maintain a working knowledge of and adhere to the Interagency Guidelines for Child Protection NSW (2006), and to work collaboratively with other government and non-government agencies to ensure a comprehensive and effective service provision for children and families.

4.12 To document all client services maintaining client records and statistical and/or evaluative information for Wesley Mission and Hawkesbury Child & Family Services in a timely manner as required by the Program Manager. Documenting presenting issues and trends, to assist with the development of evidence based good practice so as to provide responsive and effective services to families.

4.13 To manage all aspects of own caseload in consultation with Program Manager.

4.14 To adhere at all times to Hawkesbury Community Services policies and procedures in relation to case work and case management, centre procedures, HCS Policy and Procedures Manual, supervision, time in lieu policies and other relevant legislation and policy documents appropriate to this position.

4.15 To work as a member of a multidisciplinary team by participating in team meetings, team building initiatives, conflict resolution, service review, planning and evaluation.

4.16 To commit to a continuing process of personal/professional development and skills acquisition, including preparing for and attending regular 3 weekly case file reviews with the Program

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Manager; monthly clinical supervision with an external supervisor, and participating in an annual performance appraisal.

4.17 To participate in team meetings, team building initiatives, conflict resolution, service review, planning and evaluation meetings;

4.18 To participate in Hawkesbury Community Services Orientation and Induction process and other mandatory training for this role as appropriate and identified by the Team Leader.

4.19 Adhere to privacy and confidentiality legislation both State and Federal and Hawkesbury Community Services policy in all aspects of work with families and staff.

4.20 As an employee, be responsible under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 for the occupational health and safety of everyone you deal with during employment activities reporting all hazards and injuries to Team Leader following Hawkesbury Community Services Policy and Procedures.

4.21 In relation to other duties, accept such other duties as may from time to time be determined by Program Manager.

4.22 Promote the understanding and applications of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA) practice, and attend such seminars and training in consultation with Program Manager.

5.0 Essential and Desirable Criteria

Essential:

Tertiary qualification(s) in Social Work, Social Science or related fields;

Experience in completing Family Strengths and Needs Assessments that involves the identification

and analysis of safety and wellbeing concerns for children;

Demonstrated ability to engage families at the point of initial service contact, build relationships of

trust and cooperation, problem solve and resolve conflict;

Demonstrated knowledge and experience in working with children and families experiencing

domestic violence, parental drug and alcohol misuse, parental mental health, parents with

significant learning difficulties or intellectual disability, lack of parenting skills/ inadequate

supervision;

High level written and verbal communication skills, with experience developing case summaries

and child protection reports;

High level ability to liaise, develop and maintain relationships with professional groups, including

government and non-government stakeholders;

Working knowledge of and commitment to the 10 Practice Principles of Family Work (FaMS),

evidence based practice, child centred practice and action learning;

Ability to work appropriately and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

and organisations and also Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities and organisations;

Competent computer skills with Word, email, internet and a client management system (preferably

Carelink)

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Commitment to continuous improvement and WHS principles;

Current NSW/National driver’s licence and comprehensively insured vehicle.

Desirable:

Working knowledge of local child and family support sector;

Experience in using Structured Decision Making tools for family assessment;

Experience in managing electronic files and data bases;

Cultural competence and experience working alongside Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander families

and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse families.

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Attachment 1Employment Application Form

Personal Details

First Name:Surname:Preferred Name (if

different):

Postal Address:

PhoneBusiness Hours:

After Hours:

Email address: @

Application Details

Position you are applying for: Case Worker, Brighter Futures (004HCS)

What interested you in applying for this position?

Where did you see this job vacancy advertised?

Choose an item from the list below

Referee Details

(Please provide 2 professional referees who can comment on your work skills. One must be a recent supervisor. Make sure you give us their current contact information and let them know we may be contacting them.)

Name:

Organisation:

Title:

Phone:

Name:

Organisation:

Title:

Phone:

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Additional Details

What is your current work authorisation?

☐ I am an Australian Citizen/ permanent resident

☐ I hold a current working VISA

☐ I require sponsorship to work in Australia

Have you ever worked for HCS before? Choose an item from the list below

Do you hold a current NSW paid employee Working with Children check clearance?

☐ YesClearance number: WWC Click or tap here to enter text. E

Expiry date: Click or tap to enter a date.

☐ No☐ My application is imminent; I will have this soon

☐ I will apply for this now

Note: As of 15th June 2013 the legislation for WWC checks changed, for more information please visit the Commission for Children & Young People's website www.kids.nsw.gov.au/Working-with-children/New-Working-with-

Children-Check

Applicant Declaration:

☒ I declare that the above information provided by me is true and correct.

Signature: ___________________________________

Date: Click or tap to enter a date.

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Attachment 2Response to selection criteria form

To assist you in completing this form… Tell us about any relevant work experience, qualifications, skills and/or knowledge you have that are

relevant to this position The most recent the information, the better. Try to provide detail about duties performed most recently

and avoid including information not relevant to this position you are applying for Remember to tell us about both direct experience / skills (i.e.: from the same types of work) as well as

experience and experience you may have gained from other places It is good to give specific examples of what you know, where you learnt it and to give concrete examples

of how you have applied it in the past (e.g.: where and how you’ve used these skills before) Try to give different examples to each criteria that show how you meet them rather than repeating the

same information/examples

Your Name:

Job Number: 004HCS

Essential:

Click or tap here to enter text.

Click or tap here to enter text.

Click or tap here to enter text.

Click or tap here to enter text.

Click or tap here to enter text.

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Click or tap here to enter text.

Click or tap here to enter text.

Click or tap here to enter text.

Click or tap here to enter text.

Please list the computer programs you feel competent with

☐ Microsoft Word☐ Microsoft Excel☐ Email☐ Internet☐ Carelink☐ Other client management system

Choose an item from the list below

Choose an item from the list below

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Desirable:Please note: The questions below are optional to answer

Click or tap here to enter text.

Click or tap here to enter text.

Click or tap here to enter text.

Click or tap here to enter text.

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