Make a meaningful difference for children and families across the Greater Barwon region. As a Family Group Conferencing Convenor at Meli, you will play a vital role in supporting families experiencing complex challenges by facilitating family‑led decision‑making that prioritises child safety, wellbeing and connection. Working within the Restoring Families program, this role offers the opportunity to empower families, strengthen support networks and contribute to an integrated, evidence‑informed approach that values culture, lived experience and collaboration. As a Family Group Conferencing Convenor , you will: Facilitate family‑led, strengths‑based Family Group Conferencing processes, including preparation, conference facilitation and follow‑up, ensuring family authority is respected while maintaining a strong focus on child safety, wellbeing and healthy development. Engage and support children, parents, extended family and kinship networks to come together, understand concerns and develop practical, culturally responsive and sustainable plans grounded in families’ own relationships and strengths. Work collaboratively with Restoring Families Coordinators, practitioners, Child Protection (where relevant) and other key stakeholders, while maintaining independence in facilitation to uphold the integrity of the conferencing process. Actively support culturally safe, trauma‑informed practice and Aboriginal self‑determination by aligning with the principles of Wungurilwil Gapgapduir – Aboriginal Children and Families Agreement and working in partnership with Aboriginal families and community‑controlled organisations. Position Details Part time, Fixed term Position until 30 June 2027 0.6 FTE working 22.8 hours per week Flexibility required to work outside standard business hours, including evenings, to meet the needs of families $101,032 p/a (pro-rata) 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: A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Community Services, Behavioural Sciences or related field Demonstrated experience in child and family services, child protection, family group conferencing or related fields. Demonstrated strong skills in engagement, facilitation, mediation and negotiation Demonstrated understanding of risk and needs assessments Experience delivering culturally safe and trauma-informed practice, including with Aboriginal children and families 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, Thursday 14th May 2026 For more information about the position please contact Cara Hemphill, Practice Leader Barwon on 0493 683 . 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 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.
