About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated and trauma-informed Children’s Case Worker to support children accompanying their parent/s who are experiencing homelessness, family violence or other crises.

This is a permanent part-time role, working 25 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 5 hours per day), based at our Oakleigh crisis accommodation service. The role focuses on promoting child safety, wellbeing and development, while supporting parents to rebuild stability and navigate services for their children. The Children’s Case Worker plays a key role in delivering child-centred case management and advocating for children’s needs within both the family and broader service system.

How you will make an impact

• Provide trauma-informed emotional and practical support to children and families residing in the shelter
• Undertake child-focused assessments to identify needs, risks and strengths, and develop appropriate responses
• Develop and implement case plans in collaboration with children and their parent/s, as required
• Monitor child wellbeing and development and refer to specialist services when needed
• Advocate for children’s safety, wellbeing and developmental needs within the family and service system
• Plan and facilitate age-appropriate activities and therapeutic play sessions
• Provide childcare support when required to support parent participation in casework and other activities
• Support parents to strengthen parenting capacity, relationships and understanding of child development and trauma
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external services to coordinate supports and link families to health, education, early childhood and parenting services
• Maintain accurate, timely and compliant client records in line with TSA standards using organisational systems and SHIP
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, reflective practice and professional development
• Apply safe work practices in refuge and community settings, identify and escalate safety risks, and report incidents and hazards in line with organisational procedures
• Identify service gaps and contribute to service improvement through feedback to the Team Leader or Program Manager

What you will bring

• Diploma in Community Services, Early Childhood Education or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in a children’s or family case work role, preferably within homelessness, family violence or crisis accommodation services
• Sound knowledge of trauma-informed practice, child development and family dynamics
• Advanced computer skills, including experience with SHIP or similar client management systems
• Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check
• Working With Children Check
• Current Driver’s Licence

What we offer 

As a registered NFP we offer our eligible employees real and meaningful benefits such as; 

• NFP salary packaging ($15,900 tax free) plus meals and entertainment benefit ($2,650) 
• Flexible working conditions 
• Health, fitness and financial discounts / benefits 
• Paid parental leave - 12 weeks 
• Up to 8 weeks leave per year through our purchase leave scheme  
• Up to 5 days paid leave per year to ‘volunteer’ in a TSA program or activity 
• Purpose driven career which has positive social and sustainable outcomes 
• Employee Assistance Program - Independent confidential counselling service
• Opportunity for career development
• An inclusive culture of dedicated, passionate and professional team members 
• Positively supporting and impacting the lives of others through your career contribution 

How to apply

Apply now if you are passionate about supporting people during times of crisis and want to contribute to a safe and empowering service. Applications close as soon as a successful candidate is secured.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration