Support vulnerable infants and families through skilled, child-centred and relationship-based practice.
Employment type: Part-time, 0.8 FTE, 12-month fixed-term
Classification: Social Worker Level 4
Salary: $92,437 to $99,452 (pro rata) + Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Salary packaging options: Up to $15,900 plus meals and entertainment benefits
Location: Ballarat, VIC
Above award entitlements: Including 3 days paid Christmas Leave annually
Infant/Early Childhood Practitioner
Our Values
At Cafs, our work is guided by the values of:
Respect | Integrity | Collaboration | Kindness | Innovation
About the Program
The Infant and Early Childhood service supports vulnerable infants and toddlers aged 0 to 3 years and their families through flexible, wraparound interventions. Service delivery includes Parenting Assessment and Skill Development Service (PASDS), Family Services Infant Support (FSIS) and Infant Early Childhood Consults (IECC).
About the Role
As the Infant/Early Childhood Practitioner, you will work across PASDS, FSIS and IECC to enhance the safety, stability, development and cultural safety of vulnerable infants and toddlers.
You will deliver flexible in-home and community-based interventions, including parenting assessments, skill development, short-term case management and secondary consultation. Guided by the Best Interests Case Practice Model, you will work collaboratively with families, Child Protection and community services to strengthen parenting capacity and promote safe, responsive infant-parent relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide flexible, responsive in-home interventions using therapeutic, educative and outcome-focused approaches with families of infants and toddlers.
- Deliver child-centred and family-focused interventions that enhance parental capacity, strengthen family functioning and promote positive infant-parent relationships.
- Complete parenting capacity assessments and prepare clear written reports for Child Protection and, where required, the Children's Court.
- Develop Family Action Plans with families that establish shared goals, agreed expectations and active participation in planning.
- Provide secondary consultation to the broader Cafs Family Support team, building practitioner capability and confidence in infant-focused practice.
- Collaborate closely with Child Protection, community services and other professionals to strengthen family support networks and referral pathways.
- Manage a diverse caseload, maintain accurate client records and reporting, and contribute to reflective practice, service improvement and culturally safe practice.
Why Join Cafs?
At Cafs, you'll join a supportive and inclusive organisation where your contribution genuinely matters.
- The opportunity to strengthen infant development, parenting capacity and long-term outcomes for vulnerable children and families
- Professional development and career progression opportunities
- Regular supervision, specialist training and leadership support
- A supportive, collaborative and values-based culture
- An organisation committed to child safety, inclusion, diversity and eliminating family violence
Applications close 26 November 2026. Please note that applications may be reviewed as they are received, and applicants may be contacted for interview prior to the closing date. All applicants must be eligible to work in Australia, and employment will be subject to a satisfactory Police Check, an Employee Victorian Working with Children Check, a current Victorian Driver Licence and other mandatory compliance requirements outlined in the position description.
Our Commitment
Inclusion and diversity are at the heart of everything we do at Cafs. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, members of the LGBTIQA+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
To work with people to enable healing, hope and meaningful impact across all generations.
Infant/ Early Childhood Practitioner in Ballarat employer: Cafs
Cafs is an exceptional employer located in Ballarat, VIC, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions truly make a difference. With a strong commitment to professional development, above-award benefits, and a collaborative culture, you'll have the opportunity to grow while positively impacting the lives of vulnerable children and families. Join us in our mission to create safety, stability, and resilience for those we serve, all while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a values-driven organisation.
