Mercy Community are seeking a Permanent Full-time First Nations Case Worker/Practitioner to join our Foster and Kinship Care Team. This position will be based in our Ipswich office, supporting foster and kinship carers in the Greater Ipswich region.

The role will work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander foster and kinship carers to assist them in meeting the identified needs of the children and young people placed in their care. This position will provide planned support, whilst ensuring the carers and children and young people cultural needs are met.

Please note, that to perform this role, it is essential that the person be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and is therefore a genuine occupational requirement under section 25, 104 and 105 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

This position offers a competitive annual salary between $77,578 to $83,486 (dependent on qualifications and experience) plus 11% superannuation. Mercy also offers the opportunity to increase your take-home pay by salary sacrificing and other benefits (more information below).

To be considered for the role we would like to know more about your experience and qualifications. If you are unsure if your experience meets the requirements of the role, please call our Talent Team to discuss:

• 3rd or 4th year tertiary qualification in Social Work, Human Services or related discipline; or relevant demonstrated experience in the support and mentoring of children and young people in out of home care or a related sector.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the developmental needs of children and young people, the impacts of trauma, and the resulting emotional and behavioural issues and the ability to build positive relationships with children and young people in care.
• Hold a valid Provisional Green (P2) or above Drivers’ Licence.
• Able to apply for a current positive notice Working with Children Check (Blue Card) and the ability to obtain 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 Mercy Community procedure

Why choose to work at Mercy?

Mercy Community appreciates the important work that each person contributes to the success of our programs and services. Being part of the Mercy team, means you have access to some fantastic benefits, such as we:

• Pay for your Queensland Blue Card and NDIS Worker Screening Card when you need – saving you up to $144 if you need both cards!
• Provide you and your immediate family free, professional and confidential counselling services. This includes specialised First Nations counsellors.
• Provide the opportunity to increase your take home pay through the use of salary sacrificing and other packaging benefits -up to $18,550 per annum is available to take advantage of!
• Provide access to novated leases for a vehicle to help reduce your taxable income.
• Access to the Mercy First Nations “Cultural Connections” staff network

Depending on your role, you may also be eligible:

• For annual influenza and/or other vaccination reimbursements
• To receive pay bonus’ of $500 for successful employee referrals
• To cash out or purchase annual leave and to
• Take advantage of extra leave entitlements

We also ensure all our employees have access to a wide variety of excellent learning and development tools to continue your professional and personal development. This includes making sure you have access to plenty of other career pathways and opportunities in the broader Families and Young People programs, or in other programs and services across Mercy.

As a First Nations employee we highly value the experience you bring and through our “Cultural Connections” staff network you have the opportunity to support and shape the cultural consciousness and capability of the organisation.

About Us

Mercy Community is a Catholic not-for-profit, compassionately inspiring and supporting people to live hopeful, connected lives within inclusive communities. We support families and young people, people living with a disability, and older people, and live by our values of Compassion, Integrity, Dignity and Empowerment. We have been providing services and support for over 150 years and our team operates across a network that encompasses urban, rural and remote communities. Please visit our website to find out more about our dedicated team and the work we do.

Mercy Community is committed to First Nations people, families and communities and facilitates this through our staff network and Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.

We are actively committed to contribute positively to the quality of life and wellbeing of the people we support and embrace our community and cultural diversity in all its forms. We encourage you to visit our website to find out more about Mercy Community.

Next Steps

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Mercy is committed to Safeguarding – taking actions to promote and ensure the welfare of children and adults at risk, protect them from abuse or neglect and supporting an awareness of whole community responsibility to help and protect all in need.