Community Support Practitioner

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

MacKillop Family Services is seeking a part-time Community Support Practitioner to cover parental leave until 8 January 2027, based in Pakenham and delivering the Early Help Family Services model at partner sites across Cardinia. The role centers on on-site relationship building, brief interventions, group work, referrals and capacity building for families and children, working closely with schools and local services to ensure a seamless experience. Key requirements include a relevant qualification (Bachelor in Social Work, Child Development or Psychology, or a Diploma with substantial experience), trauma and attachment knowledge, professional case management, and strong cross‑sector collaboration. You must hold a valid driver’s licence, WWCC, Working with Children Check and NDIS Worker Screening. Apply by tailoring your CV to the EHFS model, emphasising frontline practice and stakeholder collaboration; shortlisting may begin immediately. Inquiries to Kerry Ehrnholm at [email protected] or 03 8398 6854.

About the role

This position is situated within partner sites in the Pakenham areas 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.

The Early Help Family Services (EHFS) Program aims to provide early intervention support to students and families accessing universal services such as schools and early learning centres to prevent the need for family services or statutory intervention. The program aims to meet families where they feel comfortable and engaged.

The Community Support Practitioners (CSP) are front-line for the delivery of the EHFS model, working on-site with the local community, partners, and stakeholders. The role is focused on building relationships, facilitating opportunities, and delivering services to support the families and children at each of the partners sites. The CSP work collaboratively as part of the team on site and with local stakeholders, promoting communication between partners, the community, service providers and families. The CSP promotes collaboration and shared practice, to ensure a seamless experience for families and children.

Service delivery includes brief intervention work with families, group work, secondary consultation with stakeholders, and capacity building within the community. This includes psychoeducation, referrals and support to access universal or specialist services, assessment, parenting groups, training, individual support and brokerage expenditure. The CSP is a member of the EHFS Team and reports to the Coordinator Early Help & IFS. 

This is a part-time 0.8EFT fixed term (parental leave cover until 8 January 2027) opportunity based in Pakenham, VIC within our Early Help - Family & Community Services Program. The position reports to the Integrated Family Services & Early Help Coordinator.

Key Selection Criteria

To be successful in this role, you will have:

The role requires the incumbent to hold a relevant tertiary qualification, which may include a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Child Development, Psychology or a related subject area. Candidates who are working towards their Bachelor degree or who hold a relevant Diploma qualification and have substantial experience, are also encouraged to apply. The role requires some flexibility from the incumbent as they may be required to work outside of the standard business hours but within 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, subject to the needs of our clients and the program.

• Significant work experience in a relevant field which supports an understanding of key child development issues relating to parents and their families.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of trauma, attachment and developmental stages.
• Demonstrated professional case management skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to develop collaborative relationships across professional and organizational boundaries, including knowledge of relevant Community Service organisations, local and State Government (DFFH).

For a full position listing, please click APPLY. The Position Description is available for review at the bottom of the page.

For more information, please contact:

Kerry Ehrnholm [email protected] or on 03 8398 6854

Our offer:

• Hourly Rate of $51 to $53.31 as outlined in the SCHADS Award Level 5, dependent on qualification and experience. 
• Salary packaging – we can help you to maximize your salary packaging up to $18,550 per year, which allows you to reduce the amount of tax you pay.
• Paid Training that is industry specific including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Sanctuary and Cultural Awareness training.
• Fitness Passport - which is a discounted workplace health and fitness program available to you and your family. For a fraction of the price of a regular gym membership.
• Employee Assistance Program- Free access to a wide range of options with all aspects of life such as social, financial, physical, mental health by providing counselling and coaching supporting relating both to your circumstance, even including health advice from qualified nutritionists.
• Supportive Environment - Monthly supportive meetings with your direct manager.
• 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.

You must have a:

• Valid and current Driver’s Licence;
• Satisfactory Criminal History Check (paid for by MacKillop);
• Valid Employee Working with Children Check;
• Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check (for risk assessed / client facing roles). MacKillop can assist successful candidates with their application.

Our Commitment:

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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

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