Family Support Practitioner

Number of Positions Available:

ABOUT US

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities.  We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better.  It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.  

Family Support Practitioner – Pathway of Hope

Why this role matters

The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope is a free, strengths‑based program that supports families facing challenges, with a strong focus on children’s wellbeing and long‑term stability. We believe early support makes the biggest difference, and we invest in families during the most crucial years of a child’s life.

Pathway of Hope works alongside parents and carers, helping them build on their strengths, develop confidence, strengthen parenting skills and create warm, connected relationships with their children. With support from a dedicated caseworker and their local Salvos community, families are linked to services and opportunities that help them feel included, supported and hopeful.

At its core, Pathway of Hope is grounded in a simple belief: every child deserves to grow up in a strong, supported family with a future full of possibility.

About the role

In this rewarding role, you will provide strengths-based, evidence-informed support to families experiencing disadvantage, helping parents and carers build resilience, access services and achieve positive outcomes for children aged 0–12 years. You will provide family support, casework, parenting education, community activities and connections to specialist services, working collaboratively with local teams to strengthen family wellbeing and social connectedness.

This role is line managed by the Pathway of Hope Regional Manager. With day-to-day oversight delivered by the Pathway of Hope Lead Support Practitioner (where applicable).

This is a fixed term part time (4 days a week) role until September 2027, based in Devonport. Salary is in accordance with SCHADS Level 4.

How you will make an impact

• Provide flexible family support, including brief advice, intensive one-on-one casework and parenting education.
• Facilitate parenting and family strengthening programs and community-based activities.
• Support parents to develop effective parenting strategies, confidence and resilience.
• Connect families with appropriate community and specialist services.
• Work collaboratively with caseworkers, Corps Officers and local TSA teams to tailor support to each family's goals and priorities.
• Apply a strengths-based and evidence-informed approach to family support.
• Maintain accurate case notes, data and reporting in line with program and organisational requirements.
• Contribute to program evaluation, research, development and continuous improvement.
• Share Pathway of Hope information, resources and program updates with relevant community services and leadership teams.

What you will bring

• Relevant qualifications and/or demonstrated experience in family support or a similar role.
• A tertiary qualification in Social Work or a related field.
• An understanding of the complex and interconnected factors contributing to family poverty and disadvantage in Australia.
• The ability to build respectful, trusting relationships with children, parents, carers and community services.
• A strengths-based approach and commitment to evidence-informed practice.
• An awareness of and respect for diverse spiritual beliefs and practices.
• A qualification or demonstrated capability to deliver at least one evidence-based parenting program (desirable).

• Current and valid Working with Vulnerable People Check.
• Current Driver Licence.
• Satisfactory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
• Completion and maintenance of all compulsory training modules.

What we offer

The Salvos offer eligible employee's a well-balanced package of meaningful benefits including: 

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit.
• Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities.
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport
• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency.
• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to join a values-driven organisation and make a genuine difference in the lives of children and families in the local community. Through Pathway of Hope, you will help families identify their strengths, navigate challenges and build a stronger future.

If you are passionate about family wellbeing and want to use your skills to create meaningful, lasting change, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now with your resume and a cover letter.

For further information, please contact marni.mcculloch@salvationarmy.org.au

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