About the Organisation

Life Without Barriers is a leading social purpose, not for profit organisation of 7,000 employees working in more than 440 communities across Australia. We support children, young people and families, people with disability, older people and people with mental illness. We work with people who are homeless and refugees and asylum seekers.   
  
We want to employ people who reflect the diversity of our clients to ensure we can support each client's individual needs and wants. We encourage people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background and people with disability to apply.

About the Role

This role works with other key CARE Team members to lead the implementation of the CARE model and ensure the home provides a therapeutic environment which actively engages children and young people in activities and routines to support them to learn life skills including emotional regulation, problem solving and social competencies. The role is primarily based within the home environment.

You will play a vital role in working with the Department of Child Safety and other stakeholders to coordinate and maintain appropriate and well matched placements for children and young people.

You will have the ability to build relationships, engage with people from diverse backgrounds and work in partnership to undertake rigorous Step by Step Assessments of applicant carers and deliver training packages including Shared Stories, Shared Lives.

This position is being offered on a permanent full time basis and will be situated at our office in Maroochydore.

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist in the development and delivery of Carer recruitment strategies and campaigns appropriate for the local area
• Provide ongoing support and supervision to Foster Carers in relation to their caring for children and young people in their home
• Provide support and supervision to Carers by telephone as well as through home visits as directed
• Participate in the case planning processes by attending the relevant meetings and contributing important information in an open, respectful and constructive manner
• Support and monitor placements and ensure Foster Carers participate in the case planning process and assist them to implement the strategies outlined in the case plan
• Support and supervise Foster Carers in the case planning process and assist them to implement the strategies outlined in the case plan
• Assist in the development and delivery of Carer recruitment strategies and campaigns appropriate for the local area
• Represent Life Without Barriers at relevant forums as required, including, community based functions, conferences and local information sessions

Selection Criteria

• Degree in social work, psychology or equivalent (desirable)
• Certificate IV in Community Services (or higher equivalent) – essential
• Current Drivers Licence
• Comprehensive understanding of the issues facing children and young people in foster care
• Demonstrated relevant experience in foster care
• Sound understanding of contemporary positive approaches to challenging behaviour
• Knowledge of the Human Services sector
• Understanding of the legislative requirements that operate for the care and protection of children (desirable)

Successful candidates will be required to clear probity checks including National Criminal History Record Check and Working with Children Check (where relevant to the role).

Benefits  

• Monthly RDO
• Salary packaging tax benefits, meal Entertainment benefit, novated leasing and more
• Tool of trade vehicle and fuel card (for reasonable private use)
• Growing organisation with great career opportunities
• Ongoing training and mentorship