Community Support Practitioner

Make a meaningful impact where it matters most.

At MacKillop, we're driven by a commitment to social justice and creating opportunities for children, young people and families to thrive. This is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and families across Local Government Area of Cardinia, within South Metro Area.

We are seeking a passionate Community Support Practitioner to join our Early Help Team on a Part Time basis.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

As a Community Support Practitioner, you'll deliver early intervention support to children, young people and families across partner schools and early learning centres in the Pakenham area and community, covering the Local Government Area of Cardinia, within South Metro Area. The role is based at Mackillop Dandenong office with the expectation that Practitioners are based at partner sites across Pakenham on a daily basis.

Working closely with families, educators and community services, you'll build trusted relationships, strengthen community connections, and help families access the support they need. Through a collaborative, community-based approach, you'll play a key role in improving family wellbeing and ensuring children and young people feel safe, connected and supported to thrive.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working collaboratively with families, schools and community partners, you will:

• Build strong, trusted relationships with children, young people and families.
• Deliver assessments, early intervention and strengths-based support.
• Facilitate individual, family and group-based programs.
• Connect families to relevant services and community supports.
• Partner with schools, early learning centres and local stakeholders to improve outcomes.
• Maintain accurate case notes, records and reports.
• Participate in supervision, training and ongoing professional development.
• Apply culturally safe and inclusive practices, including when working with Aboriginal children, young people and families. 

Please refer to the PD for full position description.

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This is a part-time (0.6), fixed-term opportunity (until 30th June 2027), based in the Southern Metro region within our Early Help Connecting Families Team. The positions report to the Family Services Coordinator.

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KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Child Development, Psychology, or a related discipline.
• Applicants working towards a relevant Bachelor's degree, or those holding a Diploma qualification with significant relevant experience, are encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated and extensive experience and skills in assessment and clinical interventions and family-centered practice with vulnerable children, young people and families with complex needs
• Commitment to culturally safe and inclusive practice, particularly when working with Aboriginal and culturally diverse communities.
• Highly developed interpersonal, communication, written, verbal and computer skills.

We value the unique knowledge, perspectives, and cultural contributions of First Nations peoples. Your experience and insights are important to us, and we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply. 

Please review the full Key Selection Criteria outlined in the PD as part of your application.

For more information, please contact:

A/ Manager Family and Community Services, Julia Failla on julia.failla@mackillop.org.au

You must have a:

• Valid and current Driver’s Licence.
• Valid and current Working with Children Card.
• Valid and current NDIS Worker Check (for NDIS risk assessed roles).
• Satisfactory criminal history check conducted by MacKillop Family Services.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• SCHADS Administration (Level 5) $53.43 – $55.85 – Dependent on qualifications & experience
• More money in your pocket – up to $18,550 per year, which allows you to reduce the amount of tax you pay.
• Wellbeing that matters - Free, confidential support for mental, physical, financial and social wellbeing.
• Sanctuary Organisation - MacKillop’s work is underpinned by the Sanctuary Model, an evidence supported, whole of organisation framework that brings our values to life. The model reinforces our ability to create a safe environment that teaches people to cope effectively with stress and trauma, and to heal.
• First Nations career pathways – Warrungarli Strategy supporting recruitment, retention and professional development
• Community & connection – Opportunity to join Ngindaay Guumaldanha, our Aboriginal Staff Network

OUR COMMITTMENT:

MacKillop celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. Every person at MacKillop has the right to be safe and to be treated justly. We value every person’s ability, cultural or linguistic backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex status, relationship status, religious or spiritual beliefs, socio-economic status, and age.

It is our goal that MacKillop Family Services continues to evolve as a culturally safe, culturally competent, and welcoming organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities.

Shortlisting for this position may commence immediately so please submit your application as soon as possible.