Windermere improves lives by working closely with individuals and families to find solutions for complex situations.
Since 1992 we have operated across Victoria and each year we assist over 20,000 people to live the lives they dream of. We provide support and guidance in the areas of family and parenting, homelessness, disability services, early childhood intervention and education, community strengthening and victims of crime, assault and trauma. Read more about our services here - https://www.windermere.org.au/services/
Job Description
What are the specifics of the role?
A Family Services Practitioner - Father Focused will be responsible of holding a case load of between 10-12 families living within the Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong areas who have been referred via The Orange Door, Child Protection, schools and many other local community services including families who self-refer, while also providing consultation to other Family Services Practitioners relating to father engagement. We work alongside families to achieve their identified projects whilst supporting and building their parenting capacity and capabilities always keeping the child and/or young persons voice and Best Interests at the core of everything we do.
The team will work as a cohesive whole and report directly to a Team Leader within the Integrated Family Services team at Windermere.
We currently have a fixed term contract position available until 30 June 2027. This position is a hybrid model of working remotely (providing daily outreach) and within one of our offices based in the South East of Victoria (Narre Warren or Pakenham).
If this sounds like the role for you, refer to Key Selection Criteria below.
Why work for Windermere? We are an organisation with a big heart; we care about our people and strive for continuous improvement; we are committed to a culture of individualised flexibility and support.
In our November 2025 employee survey - 85.4% of our employees would recommend Windermere as a place to work and 85.1% felt we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, view the results here - https://link.windermere.org.au/Pulse-Survey-November-20-2025
Staff Benefits and Entitlements
This is where we stand out from the crowd and Windermere offers a wide range of unique benefits such as:
• Flexible Ways of Working – a combination of office, home and outreach
• Above Award Personal Leave and 17.5% annual leave loading
• Gifted days off (between Christmas and New Year)
• Annual Wellbeing Leave Day - no reason needed, it's just for you!
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural and Ceremonial Leave
• Cultural and Ceremonial Leave (for non-Indigenous employees)
• Public Holiday Substitution - e.g. work Australia Day or Good Friday and take leave on another day.
• Employee Referral Program - $500 per referral
• Flexible Leave Scheme (50/52, 51/52) -Purchase 1-2 weeks additional leave
• Structured performance and 1-on-1 development check-ins
• Secondment and career growth opportunities
• Staff discount program for everyday items e.g. groceries, movie tickets, health insurance and more
• Reward & Recognition Program - become a Windermere All Star!
• End of Year Awards Celebration - different theme each year
• Opportunities for professional development
• Study Leave provisions
• Rostered Days Off (or)
• 9 Day Fortnight
• High quality IT and access to fleet cars
Desired Skills and Experience
Key Selection Criteria
Bachelors in social work, Social Welfare, Psychology or similar disciplines
Minimum 2 years’ experience working as a practitioner within the community sector with a strong focus on father inclusive practice
Demonstrated understandings of Child, Youth and Family service acts and relevant legislation/s
Trained in Safe and Together Model (Core Training)
Experience facilitating coaching practices and strengths-based work to vulnerable families
Experience is using evidence-based practice/models is desirable
Flexibility for service provision outside standard business hours on a regular basis as needed.
Sound problem solving skills and time management abilities
Strong communication skills and professionalism
Willingness to promote and support practices that are inclusive, culturally responsive, safe and accessible.
Current Victorian Drivers’ Licence.
Willingness to undertake relevant pre-employment screening and checks - including NDIS worker screening check , Police Check, Pre-Employment Medical and Working with Children's check
Right to Work in Australia e.g. Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Visa holder with full working rights.
How to Apply If this job excites you, then click the “Apply” button to view the detailedPosition Description and submit your application. Please also ensure you address the Key Selection Criteria in your application letter.
If you require any specific access adjustments or support within the Windermere recruitment, interview or onboarding process please contact our Recruitment Team via phone +613 8794 1349 or email opportunities@windermere.org.au
Windermere is committed to creating equitable environments for consumers and employees. We do this by building diverse and inclusive services and workspaces, where all peoples from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, CALD, LGBTIQ+ Communities and those living with disability will know and feel accepted, affirmed, safe and celebrated. Windermere is delivering this through the continued development and implementation of our Welcoming and Inclusion Strategy as we seek to provide a diverse workforce at all levels. We are proud of our Rainbow Tick accreditation and our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan which has been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
Don't meet the key selection criteria but interested in future roles? Visit our website to sign up to our mailing list and stay up to date with our current vacancies.
