Kin Services Practitioner

Please note that it is a genuine occupational requirement that this position be filled by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person in accordance with s25 of the Anti-discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

Do you want to make a difference?

The vision of Kurbingui Youth and Family Development is to be a deadly organisation that supports our mob on their journey. Our mission is to build a flexible, sustainable organisation based on cultural values that can empower community to reach their potential. The values that we bring to our work are personal growth, harmony, accountability, communication, and teamwork.

About our Organisation

Kurbingui is an Aboriginal community based and driven not-for-profit organisation that offers service to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, families, children and young people living within the Greater Brisbane, Moreton Bay and South East regions.

Kurbingui currently delivers various community services covering areas such as employment and training, family support, domestic and family violence, alcohol and substance abuse, cultural education and engagement programs, education support for families and children from preschool to tertiary, recreation and sports, early years, youth, women’s and men’s programs and cultural group activities, disability support, and health and nutrition.

Kin Services and Role

Kurbingui’s Kin Services specialises in assisting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young people, aged 0-18, who are under the care of the Department of Child Safety. Their primary focus lies in identifying appropriate family or kin members and subsequently providing support to ensure their willingness and ability to offer care.

The practitioners work within a small motivated team to undertake family mapping networks focused on increasing a child or young person’s sense of belonging and connection to culture. The practitioner then assists with conducting family interviews, networking and consulting with Elders including locating and supporting families.

The Kin Service Practitioners identifies suitable placements through PAC assessments then facilitates the transition of children and young people to new kinship arrangements, arranging for furniture, addressing therapeutic and medical needs identified during assessments. Practitioners deliver short-term assistance to carers for placement stability and meeting the specific needs of children and young people, and coordinating activities to fulfil the support requirements of carers.

Selection Criteria:

1. Experience in the same or similar role.
2. Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and their cultures, and a general understanding of the issues that are affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in contemporary Australian society.
3. Demonstrated administration skills; data entry, case notes, report-writing.
4. Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, organise and coordinate own workload; time management skills.
5. Highly developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication, consultation and liaison skills including the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.
7. Understanding of or exposure to child protection in Queensland including the significance of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principles, relevant legislation, policies and practices in relation to family and kinship care and support.
8. Willing and able to work within a culturally competent context and Kurbingui’s mission, vision and values.

Qualifications / Certifications

• Qualifications and/or equal professional experience in psychology, social work, community services, youth work, early childhood with a focus on child protection and/or family and kinship care.
• COVID vaccination or contraindication
• Blue Card / or ability to obtain prior to commencement
• Current Drivers Licence (QLD)
• First Aid and CPR (desirable)
• Criminal History check or willingness to undergo

Based in Zillmere, we offer a competitive remuneration package in line with the ‘Fisher’ & ‘316 Regulation’ pay scale and other conditions in line with the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award.

Employment is conditional upon producing a current Blue Card as well as maintaining clear personal history screening checks prior to and throughout employment. You will be required to undergo a Criminal History check.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Interviews will be held as soon as possible.

How to Apply

Address your application to Tina Ridley, Kurbingui Youth & Family Development. Your application must include a resume and a 1-2 page cover letter that includes a response to the Key Selection Criteria as listed above.

Applications that do not address the Key Selection Criteria will not be considered.

Please note: We review applications on a rolling basis, so we recommend getting your application in as soon as possible. 

To request a copy of the position description please email [email protected] using the subject line: PD request – Kinship Services Practitioner.