Foster & Kinship Care Practitioner

Summary about this job

Detail information about job Foster & Kinship Care Practitioner. Terms and conditions vacancy

• Supportive Team
• Exciting Environment
• Competitive Remuneration

Mercy Community is a not-for-profit organisation, focussed on the provision of innovative and responsive services in the areas of child protection, multicultural community support, family mental health, community and residential based aged care and disability support services. We are a strongly committed team that works hard and truly lives our values – Mercy, Acceptance, Excellence, Dignity, Empowerment and Integrity.

The Role…

Based in Goodna, you’ll be responsible for the provision of high quality support to foster and kinship carers to assist carers to meet the identified needs of the children and young people placed in care. In a nutshell you'll:

• Deliver initial and ongoing training to prospective carer applicants and approved carers, in compliance with legislative or carer approval status requirements.
• Undertake interviews which facilitate the comprehensive assessment of prospective carers, this may require planned after-hours and weekend home visits to complete such interviews with carers.
• Prepare and complete reports on carers following their successful completion of training and assessment interviews for forwarding to the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services for initial approval.
• Support and provide opportunities for life and personal skill development for clients by role modelling expected behaviours.
• Assist with recruitment, induction and associated processes for foster and kinship carers to meet identified placement needs of children requiring out-of-home care.
• Ensure carers are provided with regular information regarding legislation and policy changes from Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services or Mercy Community, where it relates directly to their care role.
• Provide high quality support for carers and ensure carers are assisted to develop positive solutions to child management problems and crisis situations, in compliance with the Statement of Standards (Child Protection Act 1999).
• Monitor the placement and care of children and young people with foster and kinship carers, conduct regular home visits and observation of children/young people, and complete case notes and reports as required by Mercy Community.
• Encourage and assist the child/young person to be actively involved in activities that enhance their wellbeing, relationships and resilience, including school, recreational, sporting, religious and cultural activities, or any other special activities.
• Identify cultural needs and connect children and young people with culturally appropriate resource options in their local community, in accordance with the intervention plan for the young person and as directed by the Foster Care Caseworker or line manager.
• Provide in-home support to foster and kinship carers within the program during times of stress or crisis.

About You…

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Human Services or related discipline.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in working with children and families, particularly in assisting with the assessment, planning processes and support around the management of children with difficult behaviours.
• Demonstrated experience in the support and mentoring of children and young people in out of home care.
• Demonstrated intermediate ability to use computer IT systems including MS Word and Excel.
• Queensland Provisional Green or above Driver Licence.
• Ability to obtain positive notice in the Working with Children Check (Blue Card) and any other legislatively required personal history screening as required.
• Evidence of current vaccination against whooping cough or willingness to obtain prior to commencement, unless applicable exemption provided as per the relevant MC procedure.
• Sound understanding and knowledge of the Queensland child protection system (Beneficial)
• An understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and societies and the issues which impact upon them in contemporary society together with a commitment to culturally appropriate engagement and practice (Beneficial).

We’ll Offer You….

• Attractive salary package paid in line with the Family Services Enterprise Agreement.
• Generous salary sacrificing benefits.
• Continued professional development opportunities to ensure you grow in your career with Mercy Community.
• Supportive team culture to tackle the big challenges.
• The chance to make a genuine difference in people’s lives.

Please apply by the 23rd July 2018 

We encourage and welcome candidates from all cultural backgrounds and recommend you visit our website at www.mercycs.org.au to find out more about Mercy Community.

If this sounds like the role for you, apply now via http://mercycs.applynow.net.au/jobs/MCS689 Please ensure your application includes a resume and cover letter. 

Please note that you must be eligible to work in Australia to be considered for this position. Employment is conditional upon maintaining a clear personal history screening checks throughout employment.