- Supporting a cluster of schools in the Western Melbourne locations, Wurundjeri Country
- Hybrid working including home based and daily outreach at schools with occasional office attendance.
- Part time 0.8 EFT , fixed term position until the end of 2025
- Base salary $85k pro rata + Super + Salary Packaging
For over 140 years, Berry Street has adapted to a changing world, and we will continue to adapt to achieve our purpose. Berry Street will continue to be a strong and independent voice for the children, young people and families with whom we work. In collaboration with others, we will advocate for investment in early intervention and prevention services that enable families to be safe and stay together. We will use approaches that are culturally safe and informed by the best evidence available. We will measure and learn from the impact of our work, and we will continually contemporise our models of practice.
The Opportunity
Side by Side is a new program run by Berry Street as the lead agency and Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) as subcontractor as part of the Victorian Government’s Partnerships Addressing Disadvantage initiative. Side by Side is an outcomes-based contract and aims to improve engagement, attendance and learning outcomes for some of Victoria’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
The objective of the Side by Side Program is to support students in early primary school (Years 1 to 4) who are low attenders to close the gap on their attendance and learning.
The Family and Education Case Manager will work alongside VACCA’s Family and Education Case Manager and the Side by Side teachers to work with students and families to improve attendance and attainment in three identified primary schools in the Western Melbourne region.
Key Responsibilities
- Hold a caseload and provide education case management and family support to children, young people and their families to increase the student’s connection to school.
- Assist families to strengthen their parenting capacity to foster positive routines and connection with school.
- Advocate and support families to access services and resources.
- Establish clear goals with children and families using a trauma aware, culturally sensitive approach.
About You
- Excellent interpersonal skills and able to collaborate with a team as well as key stakeholders, particularly within school communities.
- Strong understanding of child development, factors that may impact on a child’s development and frameworks to engage children, young people and their families.
- Understanding of schools, and their day to day operations, with a passion for early intervention when addressing disadvantage.
- Ability to maintain records compliant with legislation and standards and data systems for reporting and planning.
- Hold a qualification in Social Work, Welfare or related discipline (Diploma or higher).
The Benefits
- Additional salary packaging available for meals/accommodation.
- Flexible work arrangements and generous leave conditions.
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including access for staff members’ immediate family.
How to Apply
Applications including resume and cover letter addressing your suitability for the position to be submitted as soon as possible. Applications are being assessed as they are being received.
Queries to Mathew Tanner, Side by Side Team Leader on 0472713907
Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and National Police Check.
Berry Street is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify as LGBTIQA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.
Aboriginal people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.