Child and Family Practitioner

Goodstart • San Francisco, CA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Help give every child the best possible start in life. At Goodstart, we're committed to ensuring all children, regardless of their circumstances, have access to high-quality early learning that supports their development, wellbeing and future success. As a Child and Family Practitioner, you'll play a critical role in supporting children, families and educators to achieve positive outcomes during the most important years of a child's development. Working within our Social Inclusion team, you'll partner with Centre Directors and educators to identify and respond to developmental concerns, strengthen family engagement and connect children and families with the supports they need to thrive. This is a unique opportunity to combine your expertise in child development, family support and trauma-informed practice with your passion for creating inclusive learning environments. You'll work directly with children and families while also building the capability of educators through coaching, consultation and professional support. Reporting to the National Manager Child and Family Service, you'll collaborate with educators, centre leadership, community services and allied health professionals to deliver evidence-informed strategies that improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families. Please note: This position supports multiple Goodstart centres across Victoria West and requires regular regional travel. This role is eligible for a vehicle allowance or a fleet vehicle, subject to availability.

Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work or Psychology.
• Strong understanding of child development (birth to 5 years), early childhood frameworks and trauma-informed practice.
• Experience supporting young children and families, including developing individual support or care plans, particularly for vulnerable children and families.
• Ability to build strong relationships and work collaboratively with families, educators and multidisciplinary professionals.
• Excellent communication, consultation, coaching and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and contribute to reporting and continuous improvement activities.
• Commitment to ethical practice, professional integrity and maintaining confidentiality.
• Current Working with Children Check (or ability to obtain).
• Current unrestricted driver's licence and willingness to travel regularly throughout the Victoria West region.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in child protection, mental health, family support or allied health settings.
• Knowledge of local family support and allied health services.
• Experience mentoring or supporting the development of others.
• Training in Circle of Security Parenting, Bringing Up Great Kids, Marte Meo or similar programs.

Responsibilities

• Support children, families and educators through an integrated, evidence-informed approach that promotes inclusion, participation and positive developmental outcomes.
• Work alongside educators to identify developmental, behavioural or wellbeing concerns and contribute to tailored support and care planning.
• Provide coaching, consultation and practical guidance to educators to strengthen their confidence and capability in supporting children with additional needs.
• Observe educator-child interactions and provide constructive feedback that enhances child development, learning and wellbeing outcomes.
• Build trusted relationships with families, providing individualised support and helping them navigate available community and allied health services.
• Facilitate referrals and connect families with appropriate external supports to ensure early intervention needs are identified and addressed.
• Coordinate and participate in multi-agency meetings, contributing to collaborative goal setting, case planning and progress reviews.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with community services, family support agencies and allied health providers to strengthen referral pathways.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements
• Vehicle allowance
• Salary packaging benefits available through AccessPay (eligibility applies)
• Access to discounted childcare (up to 15%)
• Fitness Passport - access to gyms and pools for you and your family at a heavily discounted price.
• Discounted healthcare and access to our employee wellbeing program with BUPA.
• Exclusive discounts on travel, gym memberships, Apple and Dell products, and more.
• Free annual flu shot (optional)
• Option to purchase extra leave for even greater work-life balance.
• First Nations Support and Cultural Leave.
• Ongoing investment in learning, leadership development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level