Community and Family Connector - Karitane

RESPONSIBLE TO:     Village Connect Program Lead Systems Navigator

About Village Connect

Village Connect is a pilot project funded by DCJ, under the Investment Approach for Social Impact Strategy.  Karitane, and partners, Uniting and Sonder, have been providing holistic, wrap around supports to people pregnant or parenting, living in Southwest Sydney since commencement in 2023.  Our priority is to meet parents where they are on their parenting journey in a judgement free and flexible manner. Trust building for sustained engagement is a priority for our team.

The model is delivered through a multidisciplinary, cross-agency partnership and aims to enhance collaboration across the entire service system.  The Community and Family Connector will be responsible for mapping the current SWS service sector to identify and create opportunities to embed Village Connect Supports and partners for greater outcomes for families. This will include outreach work, running meetings, consultations, workshops and training with internal and external stakeholders including parents and children.

In addition, this position will work with the multidisciplinary Village Connect team and families directly to support internal (broader Karitane) and external referral pathways, involved from intake through to exit in some cases.

About You

You are a confident and articulate communicator who is passionate about working in innovative ways to ensure all parents can access services.  You have experience in the child and family sector, working with families and as a professional have worked collaboratively and in partnership with external agencies. 

Essential Criteria

1. Qualifications in health, education, social work, or related fields
2. Demonstrated experience working within the child and family sector, understanding the diverse needs of families across Southwest Sydney.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of child and family services, health, early education, education, and social services sector supporting families in SWS in the service delivery context.  
4. Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
5. Demonstrated high level verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills with exceptional stakeholder engagement skills.  
6. Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, organisations and families including First Nation’s Families.
7. Proven ability to work both in partnership within a multidisciplinary team and autonomously to achieve outcomes.  
8. Demonstrated ability to use a variety of IT platforms including Microsoft Office suite, client management systems and a willingness to learn new and different systems

 
Desirable criteria:

9. Knowledge of or experience working within the First 2000 days framework
10. Previous operational experience in child and family support including case management, therapeutic supports, experience in school or community hubs, and delivery of evidence-based programs

RESPONSIBILITIES

Karitane programs provide safe, effective, evidence-based quality care consistent with the Karitane vision and values and adhere to the Professional and NSW Health code of conduct. Responsibilities include:

• Work with Program Lead Systems Navigator to conduct service mapping of SWS to identify opportunities to work in partnership within existing integrated school, health and community hubs, and in collaboration with agencies providing complimentary supports to families.
• Partner with the local service sector to identify opportunities to address local area service gaps and resolve issues relating to service delivery.  
• Work with Program Lead Systems Navigator to establish and maintain service interface agreements, local arrangements and operating protocols with key service providers across the local area and broader service network.  
• Work with the Village Connect multidisciplinary team and directly with parents to assist with navigation of internal Karitane supports and external referrals as required. 
• Partner with local service providers to run information sessions, consultations, workshops and training for families.
• Promote and engage in consumer consultation with parents and community ensuring service system challenges are understood.  
• Promote Village Connect and its services broadly across the universal service system to build confidence and capacity to support young parents and their families.  Including driving, planning and attending community engagement activities.
• Working effectively with diverse communities and services and networks to support service connections and coordination.  
• Keep accurate and complete records, information secure and privacy policies and requirements.  

• Take reasonable care work health and safety in accordance with legislative requirements and policies and procedures.  

   

Village Connect is growing — and so is our impact,

because every parent deserves a Village

 

We’re expanding our supports for parents of all ages across South Western Sydney, and we’re looking for passionate people to join us in shaping stronger, more connected communities.

As part of our growth, we’re excited to be advertising 3 new roles, including:

• Health Education Officers (2 days each) – including a dedicated Father Engagement position
• A Community and Family Connector (3 days) to strengthen partnerships and support seamless, wraparound care in the community
• A Part-Time Team Leader to guide and support this growing team

This team will work seamlessly with the existing Village Connect Team, so that parents accessing our service feel they are all a part of the Village we have created.

Applications must be received by COB 15^th April 2026.

These contracts are until June 30, 2026 with potential for extension.  Want to apply, but worried about the short contract – give us a call so we can have a chat!

Flexible options available:
Applicants can express interest in combination roles to increase hours across the week but each role will be recruited separately. So your cover letter must reflect criteria from both roles descriptions

If you’re passionate about community connection, early intervention, culturally responsive care, and making a real difference for families—we’d love to hear from you.

Call Jo Ubilla for more information 0448 145 187

Email Applications to jo.ubilla@health.nsw.gov.au

Applications must be received by COB 15^th April 2026.