Child and Family Practitioner - The Orange Door

When families are facing complex challenges, the right support can help create a safer way forward. As a Child and Family Practitioner with Meli, you’ll help children, young people and families navigate risk, strengthen wellbeing and connect with the support they need.

Based within The Orange Door Barwon, you’ll work alongside practitioners from different specialisations to provide coordinated, compassionate support to people experiencing family violence and families needing support with their children’s care, development and wellbeing. With a strong focus on the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, you’ll help identify risk and need, strengthen pathways to support and contribute to responses that consider the whole family. Your work will support Meli’s purpose of supporting people and strengthening communities, while contributing to a more connected and responsive service system.

As a Child and Family Practitioner, you will:

• Assess risk and needs to help children, young people and families access safe, timely and appropriate support.
• Deliver targeted interventions that strengthen safety, stability, wellbeing and positive outcomes for vulnerable children and families.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary practitioners and community services to create coordinated responses and clear pathways to support.
• Apply contemporary, evidence-based frameworks including MARAM and the Best Interests Case Practice Model to support informed assessment and planning

Position Details

• Full time, Fixed term position until 04 February 2028
• 1 FTE working 76 hours per fortnight
• $105,834 p/a + Super + Salary Packaging

What We’re Looking For

We value individuals who bring dedication, empathy, and expertise to their roles. To succeed in this position, you will have:

• Holds a degree in Social Work (or equivalent); or be working towards in line with recommendation 209 of the Royal Commission into Family Violence. Click here for more information: https://www.vic.gov.au/mandatory-minimum-qualifications-specialist-family-violence-practitioners
• Experience working with men, children and families with complex needs in any of the following service areas: Family Services, Child Protection, Family Violence, Disability, Housing, Mental Health and/or Alcohol and Other Drugs.
• A sound knowledge of sector reforms, theoretical frameworks and relevant legislation.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with a high level of organisational and time management skills with a demonstrated ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.

Why Work with Us?

At Meli, we offer more than just a job—we provide a platform to thrive, grow, and make an impact. Our Employee Value Proposition (EVP) includes:

• Supportive Culture: Join a values-driven organization that fosters collaboration and innovation.
• Career Growth: Access ongoing Learning & Development opportunities and clear pathways for progression.
• Financial Benefits: Enjoy salary packaging up to $15,900 per year, enhancing your financial well-being.
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from flexible ways of working.
• Employee Wellbeing: Participate in employee-led Inclusion Working Groups, access confidential counselling via our Employee Assistance Program, and enjoy paid parental leave above the government scheme.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Be part of a team that celebrates diversity and actively supports individuals from all walks of life.

How to Apply

We’re excited to hear from you! Please submit your application, including a résumé and addressing the key selection criteria in the application form. Applications close 11:59pm, Sunday 15^th November 2026

For more information about the position please contact Jayne Paulka, Manager Access and Family Safety on 0438 466 087.

Join Our Commitment

Meli is committed to providing a child-safe environment. We have zero tolerance of any abuse or harm of children. Our recruitment practices reflect our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. All employment with Meli is subject to reference checks, a satisfactory national (and international where relevant) police check, VIT Check (where applicable) and a current Working with Children Check prior to commencement of any paid or unpaid work and/or participation in any service or undertaking.

Meli is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ community members, people living with disabilities, and those looking to return to the workforce.

Our usual process includes a written application, a phone call and a panel interview. If you require adjustments to the recruitment process, please email us at recruitment@meli.org.au to discuss how we can best support you.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to inspire change and make a lasting impact, click Apply Now and start your journey with Meli.

Position description Apply now

Share