Family Connection & Participation Worker

Join Meli in a meaningful role that supports children, young people, and families to build stronger connections within their community.

As a Family Connection & Participation Worker, you will make a real difference by helping families overcome practical and systemic barriers, promoting inclusion, stability, and positive engagement. If you’re passionate about supporting community participation and working alongside practitioners to deliver high‑quality, trauma‑informed services, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to Meli’s vision of a fair, safe, and inclusive community.

About the Role

As a Family Connection & Participation Worker, you will:

• Provide practical, program‑based assistance to support children, young people, and families to access services, activities, and community opportunities.
• Work collaboratively under the guidance of allocated Practitioners/Caseworkers to implement strategies that address participation barriers and promote meaningful community connection.
• Support the delivery of structured group activities, including supervised playgroups, ensuring safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environments.
• Assist with pre‑planned transport and day‑to‑day support tasks that enable families to attend appointments, programs, and social or community activities.

Position Details

• Part time, fixed term position until 30 June 2026
• 0.52 FTE working 20 hours per week
• $76,550 (pro-rata) p/a + Super + Salary Packaging

What We’re Looking For

We value professionals who bring empathy, expertise, and a commitment to social justice. To succeed in this role, you will have:

• Qualification in or working towards a qualification in Social Work, Early Childhood, Psychology, Nursing, Alcohol and Other Drugs or related field.
• Ability to engage with young people, families and children with empathy and warmth.
• Demonstrated skills/understanding of risk and needs assessments.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to crisis situations.
• Understanding of the purpose and expectations of the Victorian Child Safe Standards and demonstrated commitment to contributing to a child safe organisation in both practice and culture

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.

Join Our Commitment

Meli is committed to providing a child-safe environment. We have zero tolerance of any abuse or maltreatment of children. Our recruitment practices reflect our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of young people in our care.

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.

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, Friday 13 March 2026.

For more information about the position please contact Lindsay Shaw, Manager Family Support - Connecting Families on 0492 057 500.

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.