Gladstone Region Aboriginal and Islander Community Controlled Health Service (GRAICCHS), trading as Nhulundu Health Service is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service operating in Gladstone and the greater Central Queensland Region delivering a comprehensive range of primary health care, aged care and community support service functions.  GRAICCHS is a multi-faceted Human and Social Services provider that is responsible for the delivery of integrated comprehensive primary health care, aged care, health education and promotion programs, community support services and formerly child protection system.  In addition to the above mentioned services, GRAICCHS provides programs under the “Close the Gap” initiatives.  

Family Kinship Care Placement Support Officer is responsible for the recruitment and training of foster and kinship carers within the Gladstone Region. The FKC Placement Support Officer completes thorough assessments with potential foster carers to determine capacity to provide the standards of care. The FKC Placement Support Officer works in collaboration with other Foster, Kinship team members to identify and deliver training to ensure supportive and stable placements for children in Foster and Kinship placements.  

Key duties:

• Deliver the Department of Communities – Child Safety Services Quality Care Training package in accordance with Departmental and agency standards  
• Design and coordinate training programs based on needs analysis coordinating the development of individual learning plans (customising learning material where necessary)  
• Review existing training programs and upgrade programs as required
• Develop and enhance recruitment strategies to increase the number of potential and approved Foster, Kinship carers  
• Using analytical and investigative skills, work to assess potential Carer risks and strength in providing quality care for children in the child protection system  
• Ensure high quality participant records are maintained and compliant with statutory obligations and Nhulundu Health service policies
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant legislation and issues and standards.

• Qualifications and/or experience in area of Child Safety/Health/Social Emotional Wellbeing – preferred
• Demonstrated ability to provide support and interventions for carers, to assist them in understanding the impacts of trauma and effects on the development and behaviours of a child within a framework that upholds the best interest of the child.  
• Understanding of strength based and trauma informed practice
• Strong communication, consultation, negotiation and interpersonal skills to work effectively with Child Safety Service, Foster and Kinship Carers and other key stakeholders
• Knowledge and understanding of the “Statement of Standards” and Child Protection Act 1999 particularly in relation to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the child protection system. 

Other information:

• Current Blue Card (working with children and young people) or willingness to apply for a Blue Card, is essential – unless AHPRA registered.
• Current First Aid Certificate 
• Satisfactory Police Check – no Serious/Criminal/Court Record
• Current Class c Drivers Licence (Qld)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.