Foster and Kinship Care Practitioner required

We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to join a progressive and supportive organisation.

Requirements

Industry experience in Child Protection, Human Services or other relevant experience which demonstrates the ability to engage with and support Indigenous and non-Indigenous foster and kinship carers to provide a safe, happy and stable placement for children/young people who may have complex needs and trauma based behavioural issues

An understanding of the Child Protection Act and related policy, legislation and relevant Industry Standards

Relevant qualifications or the desire to gain qualifications in a supportive environment

Experience in or the aptitude to learn assessment tools/techniques to assess the suitability of potential carers

The ability to identify and respond to the individual needs of foster and kinship carers

An understanding of child development milestones and the ability to develop and support the implementation of trauma based behaviour management plans/strategies to assist children/young people who have complex or extreme needs

Time management and IT competency to ensure all responsibilities/deadlines are met and to ensure that files are kept up to date within the required timeframes

Qld Driver Licence, First Aid and CPR Certificates

Communication and Information Sharing

Verbal and non-verbal communication techniques and active listening skills, complemented by highly developed interpersonal skills, to ensure the timely and accurate receival, sharing and dissemination of internal and external information

A professional understanding of privacy and confidentiality in relation to the sharing of information Screening

Working with Children Blue Card

Licencing of Care Services Suitability Check

Availability and commitment to participate on an afterhours on call roster which is shared amongst Foster and Kinship Care Practitioners

The role

Undertake Initial, Renewal and Provisional Carer Assessments for review of the Team Leader before lodgement with the Department

Deliver a range of emotional and practical assistance to a caseload of carers which, at a minimum o supports each carer to provide care that meets the Statement of Standards and the Charter of Rights for a Child in Care

Assist to manage family contact between children and their families

Assist in managing the behaviour of children o supports the education of children and liaison with schools

Prevent placement breakdown

Retain foster carers o respects and maintains personal and professional boundaries

Contribute to the direct support of children/young people in the Intensive Foster Care program

Participate in the matching process for referrals from the Department

Participate on the on call roster and on call handover meetings

Ensure all assessments, case notes, home visits, training, departmental meetings and other responsibilities/ deadlines are met

We look forward to recieving your application