• Permanent Part Time opportunity based in Underwood

• Competitive annual salary of $60,248 - $74,456 plus Super and Salary Sacrifice
• Continued professional development opportunities

The Foster and Kinship Care team currently has a vacancy for a Foster and Kinship Care Practitioner on a permanent part-time basis, working 45.6 hours per fortnight, to join the Mercy Community.

The Role…

You will be responsible for the provision of high-quality support to foster and kinship carers to meet the identified needs of children and young people placed in their care. This role will be based in our Underwood office, supporting the Brisbane South East region.

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

• A 3- or 4-year tertiary qualification in Social Work, Human Services or related discipline.
• Previous experience in a similar role is desirable.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and professional working relationships within the community and with both government and non-government organisations. Demonstrated experience in the support and mentoring of children and young people in out of home care.
• 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.
• Computer literacy, including proficient use of Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to use a client management system.
• Willing and able to work within a Christian context and Mercy Community’s mission, purpose and values.
• A Queensland Provisional Green or above Driver’s Licence
• The ability to obtain positive notice in the Working with Children Check (Blue Card), positive Police Check and any other legislatively required personal history screening as required
• Evidence of current vaccination against whooping cough or willingness to obtain prior to commencement

It is beneficial for candidates to have:

• An understanding of child protection processes including a sound knowledge of, and sensitivity to, the range of issues impacting upon vulnerable families, young people and children, including cross-cultural awareness
• 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.

As a Mercy Community employee, we’ll offer you:

• The chance to make a genuine difference in people’s lives
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (confidential counselling service)
• Friendly and supportive workplace

This position offers a competitive salary of $60,248 - $74,456 gross per annum (pro rata) in line with our Enterprise Agreement (dependent on qualifications and experience) and other benefits in line with our Agreement.

About us…

Mercy Community is a 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 encourage and welcome candidates from all cultural backgrounds and recommend that you view our website and Employee Value Proposition at www.mercycs.org.au to find out more about Mercy Community.

Applications must be completed online and include an updated resume and a response to the Key Selection Criteria (maximum of two pages).

Please apply immediately as we are seeking to fill this position as soon as possible. Mercy Community reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate prior to the closing date of this campaign.

Please note that you must be eligible to work in Australia to be considered for this position. Employment is conditional upon maintaining a clear personal history screening checks throughout employment.