Team Leader – Intensive Family Preservation (IFP) Full-Time Family Spirit is a values-driven Catholic agency committed to supporting vulnerable families and protecting children through early, intensive, and relational intervention. Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, we walk alongside families experiencing adversity, believing in the dignity of each person and the importance of keeping children safely at home wherever possible. We are seeking a compassionate and capable leader to guide our Intensive Family Preservation (IFP) team, a small group of practitioners working with families where children are at risk of entering care. This role is suited to a reflective, relational leader who brings strong clinical oversight and a deep belief in healing through connection. About the Role As the IFP Team Leader, you will oversee program delivery, provide reflective supervision, and ensure high-quality, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practice. You will support your team to work with complexity and hold hope, while ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, risk management protocols, and child protection standards. This role works closely with both the Executive Manager and Programs and Executive Manager Safeguarding, and is supported by internal Clinical, Aboriginal Practice, and Compliance leaders. Essential Criteria Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Social Science, or a related field, with eligibility for professional registration Demonstrated leadership experience in family preservation, child protection, early intervention, or a related program Strong understanding of evidence-informed practice models (e.g. trauma, parenting, attachment, family systems) Proven ability to provide reflective supervision and guide ethical, relational practice Experience in risk assessment, safety planning, and DCJ or statutory liaison Ability to work collaboratively with external partners, including schools, health, and community services Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including professional reporting and advocacy Commitment to Catholic Social Teaching and the capacity to lead with mission, integrity, and purpose Current Working with Children Check, National Police Check, and full working rights in Australia Desirable Criteria Qualifications in Education, Nursing, Counselling, or Theology considered where paired with relevant experience in child and family services Knowledge of the NSW Permanency Support Program (PSP), IFP program requirements, and Child Safe Standards Cultural humility and experience working with Aboriginal families and communities Experience in program development, evaluation, or continuous improvement Experience working in a faith-based, mission-led organisation, or a strong personal sense of vocation Why Join Family Spirit? Contribute to a program that keeps families together and prevents child removal Join a values-led organisation where faith, compassion, and dignity guide practice Access a supportive culture with clinical, cultural, and safeguarding expertise Enjoy generous salary packaging, formation opportunities, and flexible work Work in a team that believes in courage, accompaniment, and hope in action How to Apply Submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and alignment with this role and Family Spirit’s mission. For a confidential conversation, please contact: Leah Da Silva or Lisa Wicks T 02 8709 9
