At Anglicare Victoria our focus is on transforming the futures of children, young people, adults and families. Our work is based on three guiding pillars, Prevent, Protect, Empower.
The Position
Anglicare Victoria are trialling a new form of foster care for young people aged 12-17. The Enhanced Care Opportunities (ECO) program provides a higher level of support, to get young people back on track.
The role of an ECO Carer is to provide a safe and nurturing space for a young person for 9-12 months so that they can transition back home, into longer term foster care or independent living. Supported by a multidisciplinary care team, ECO carers work to build trust and create a safe, structured and positive environment to help young people recover from trauma, make safe connections and develop life skills.
You will work with a highly skilled team of specialists who will help settle the young person in their new home and assist in building a sense of community. And you have access to round-the-clock support if you need it.
ECO Carers receive a range of enhanced supports:
- Generous tax-free reimbursement
- Additional training
- Dedicated daily support (Mon-Fri) from the therapeutic case manager
- After hours on-call service
- Regular 1:1 supervision, peer support and debriefing
- Monthly respite
In ECO, the young person also receives enhanced supports, including:
- Therapy for themselves and family members
- Weekly sessions with a ‘skills coach’ to build their confidence
- Enhanced case management
- Support from a qualified teacher to help them engage with and succeed at school.
About you:
We are looking for carers across the Southern and Eastern regions of Melbourne, in suburbs such as Cranbourne, Dandenong, Rowville, Bayswater, Narre Warren, Frankston and Pakenham.
You will need to:
- Be over 21 years old
- Have a spare bedroom
- Have a current driver’s licence
- Be able to provide safety, boundaries, fun and support
- Be able to and willing to follow ECO guidelines
- Be flexible and available at different times dependant on the needs of the young person
- Be a warm and caring person
- Be able to work as a team
ECO Carers come in all shapes and sizes. There are no barriers with regard to culture, religion, sexuality or family composition to becoming an ECO Carer.