The Role

The Foster and Kinship Care Team currently have a vacancy for a Foster & Kinship Care Practitioner – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to join the Mercy Community. This permanent full-time position will be based in our Ipswich office, supporting the Greater Ipswich region.

The Foster & Kinship Care Practitioner role is responsible for the provision of high-quality support to foster and kinship carers to assist carers to meet the identified needs of the children and young people placed in care. This position will provide planned support, particularly to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander foster and kinship carers and/or children and young people in care, whilst ensuring their cultural needs are met.

Please note, that to perform this role, it is essential that the person who holds the position be an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander person and is therefore a genuine occupational requirement under section 25, 104 and 105 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

Key Selection Criteria

To be eligible for this position you will require:

Level 3: 3 or 4 year tertiary qualification in Social Work, Human Services or related discipline; or relevant Diploma with relevant experience; or substantial experience in similar role.

Level 4: Relevant 3-year degree with at least 2 years’ previous relevant experience, or 4-year degree with at least 1 year’s previous relevant experience including demonstrated experience in the support and mentoring of children and young people in out of home care.

Both Levels:

• Demonstrated experience in the support and mentoring of children and young people in out of home care.
• A highly developed understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and societies and the issues which impact upon them in contemporary society together with a commitment to culturally appropriate engagement and practice.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the developmental needs of children and young people, the impacts of trauma, and the resulting emotional and behavioural issues and the ability to build positive relationships with children and young people in care.
• Proven time management skills, with ability to balance and prioritise various client engagement, staff and administrative requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse, evaluate and make objective judgements, and the ability to articulate recommendations for carer assessments within a structured assessment framework.
• A valid Queensland Provisional Green or above Drivers’ Licence.
• A current positive notice Working with Children Check (Blue Card) and the ability to obtain any other legislatively required personal history screening as required.
• Evidence of current vaccination against whooping cough or willingness to obtain prior to commencement, unless applicable exemption provided as per the relevant Mercy Community procedure.

It is beneficial for candidates to have:

• Sound understanding and knowledge of the Queensland child protection system.

What we offer

We understand that finding the right organisation and the right team is just as important as finding the right role. As a valued employee of the Mercy family, you will enjoy:

• Increased take home pay with our salary sacrificing benefits – up to $15,900 per annum and
• Up to $2,650 of your pre-tax income to pay for entertainment (meals, holiday accommodation etc).
• Access to novated leases for a motor-vehicle to reduce your taxable income.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Additional training and education into our industry.
• A growing organisation with a strong reputation in the industry.

This position offers a competitive salary of $64,299 - $79,811 gross per annum in line with level 3 to 4 of our Enterprise Agreement (dependent on qualifications and experience). You will also have the opportunity to increase your take-home pay by salary sacrificing and other benefits.

About Us

Mercy Community is a Catholic faith based not-for-profit organisation, focused on the provision of innovative and responsive services in the areas of child protection, multicultural community support, family mental health, community and residential based aged care and disability support services. We are a strongly committed team that works hard and truly lives our values – Mercy, Acceptance, Excellence, Dignity, Empowerment and Integrity.

We are committed to actively and positively contributing to the quality of life and wellbeing of the people we support and to embrace our community diversity in all its forms. We encourage you to visit our website to find out more about Mercy Community.

How to Apply

Hit apply now! Applications must be completed online and include an updated resume and a response to the Key Selection Criteria above in your cover letter (maximum 2 pages).

Please Note: Mercy Community has implemented a new COVID-19 Vaccination Policy in Australia that requires all new Mercy Community hires to show proof of being fully vaccinated from COVID-19, or have an approved medical exemption by 23 January 2022. Mercy Community’s culture and community encourages all applicants to be part of an organization that promotes a diverse and safe workplace environment.