Crisis Caseworker (MST-CAN). Permanent Full Time - Tamworth

About the?Organisation 

Every day, Life Without Barriers provides support and care to children and young people, as we work collaboratively with families, carers, and communities, to ensure they have the environment they deserve to grow. With a focus on ensuring safety and respect, this is an opportunity to make a positive and meaningful difference in these young lives and help pave a brighter future.

Life Without Barriers is a leading social purpose organisation of 8,000 employees working in more than 500 communities across Australia. We support children, young people and families, people with disability, older people, and people with mental illness. We work with people who are homeless and refugees and asylum seekers. Join a community of people dedicated to breaking down barriers.

We want to employ people who reflect the diversity of our clients to ensure we can support each client's individual needs and wants. We encourage people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background and people with disability to apply.

About the Program

Multisystemic Therapy for Child Abuse and Neglect (MST-CAN) is an internationally recognized, intensive, family-centred treatment program designed to address the needs of families where children aged between 6 -17 are at risk of abuse or neglect.

The program integrates principles from cognitive-behavioural therapy, family systems therapy, and social-ecological models to provide comprehensive support. MST-CAN aims to enhance parenting skills, improve family functioning, and ensure the safety and well-being of children by involving all family members in the therapeutic process and addressing various factors contributing to abuse and neglect.

About the role

As the Crisis Caseworker for our MST-CAN program, you will support therapists in helping families achieve positive clinical outcomes by maintaining safety, teaching parenting and other valuable skills, collecting drug screens, and responding to emergencies.

In this role, you will work closely with an interdisciplinary team to provide compassionate clinical and case management interventions, assisting clients with practical needs such as securing safe housing, budgeting, and job attainment. You will also foster strong relationships with community stakeholders, including schools, NGOs, and other community networks, ensuring a supportive environment for the families you serve.

With a manageable caseload, you will have the dedicated time to offer intensive, personalised services, making a meaningful difference in the lives of families and their support networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor client progress and provide updates to partner organisations and the MST-CAN team.
• Maintain accurate client records, including case notes, care plans, and reports.
• Build relationships with community stakeholders to ensure service provider cooperation.
• Assist therapists with resource gathering and treatment planning using the MST Analytic process.
• Engage caregivers in treatment, address barriers, and support crisis management.
• Perform safety checks and substance abuse screenings.
• Assist clients with housing, budgeting, employment, and recreational activities.
• Support children's school adjustment and collaborate with the clinical team.
• Develop a resource book detailing community services and clinical interventions.

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Childhood Education or a related subject area
• Demonstrated case work experience with high risk families, including those within the child protection system. 
• Experience working with families in home-based and community-based settings
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of Behavioural Therapies theory, child development and parenting skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to engage positively with people of varied backgrounds and experience. 
• Current NSW Drivers Licence

Knowledge of the Tamworth area education, social services and community resources is highly regarded. 

Successful candidates will be required to clear probity checks including National Criminal History Record Check and  NSW Working with Children Check. 

To be considered for and appointed to a position at Life Without Barriers, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a minimum of two (2) doses or hold a valid medical exemption certificate, in accordance with Life Without Barriers Employee COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. You will be required to provide evidence of your vaccination status during the recruitment process.

Benefits

• Generous Salary Packaging Benefits – claim up to $15,900 per year, tax free!
• Tool of Trade Vehicle + Monthly RDO
• Flexible Hybrid Working arrangements 

How to Apply
Include your resume and covering letter in one document, click ‘Apply’ and follow the prompts. For any enquiries including persons with disability that require adjustments, contact Kristy Crowe at recruitment@lwb.org.au.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 4th August 2024

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as applications are continuously reviewed prior to the closing date; and as such the closing date is subject to change without notice.

We are dedicated to playing our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and bring continuity of care and support to our clients. With this in mind, if you are successful, we will discuss with you an alternative to a face to face interview.