The Role

The Foster and Kinship Care team currently have a vacancy for a permanent full time Intensive Foster and Kinship Care Practitioner to join the Mercy Community team supporting the Greater Ipswich region. You will be responsible for leading and supporting the intervention planning to ensure high quality out-of-home care and support for children, young people with their carers / families and where possible, to bring about therapeutic change as informed by the MC Model of Practice which is needs-based, trauma sensitive and relationship/attachment focused in order to assist them to reach their full potential.

To be eligible for this position you will require (Key Selection Criteria):

Level 3

• 3- or 4-year tertiary qualification in Social Work, Behavioural Sciences, Psychology or related discipline

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.

Both Levels

• Demonstrated experience in positive behaviour management strategies and support.
• Demonstrated experience in providing case assessment/work services to children and families within a child protection framework.
• Experience in child and carers’ intervention plans based on assessments within a structured assessment framework.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to analyse, evaluate and make objective judgements and articulate such in care plans and reports
• Demonstrated intermediate ability to use computer IT systems including MS Word and Excel.
• Queensland Provisional Green or above Driver Licence.
• Ability to obtain positive notice in the Working with Children Check (Blue Card) and 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 MC procedure.

Desirable

• Skills and knowledge around the issues and practice directions in the area of out-of-home care working with children and families.
• An 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.

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.
• A growing organisation with a strong reputation in the industry.
• A supportive team with many career pathways for your long-term career development with us.

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) and other benefits in line with our Agreement. You can also increase your take-home pay by salary sacrificing and other benefits available within our Enterprise Agreement.

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 contribute 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.

Please Note: Applications must be completed online and include an updated resume and a response to the Key Selection Criteria in your cover letter (maximum 2 pages). For a confidential discussion please phone Tiffany our Recruitment Advisor on 0498 091 074.

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 organisation that promotes a diverse and safe workplace environment.