Are you looking to make a real change in the lives of families who are experiencing difficulty? A job where your professional skills will be put to the test daily? Do you want to be rewarded with a competitive salary and benefits package and receive training and ongoing development?

Do you want to make a difference?

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.

The Foster and Kinship Care Team currently have a vacancy for a High Plus Foster and Kinship Care Practitioner to join the Mercy Community supporting the community in the Greater Ipswich region.

This full-time position will be based in our Ipswich office and will be 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 to foster and kinship carers and/or children and young people in care, whilst ensuring their cultural needs are met.

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.

• 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.

Both Levels

• 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
• Proven time management skills, with ability to balance and prioritise various client engagement, staff and administrative requirements
• 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
• A demonstrated ability to produce written case notes and reports that are clear and structured, evidenced with sound theoretical understandings within a structured management and accountability framework, with strict confidentiality considerations
• Computer literacy on an intermediate level, with the ability to use multiple computer IT systems including MS Word and Excel
• A Queensland Provisional Green or above Driver’s Licence, with 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, unless applicable exemption provided as per the relevant MC procedure

It is beneficial for candidates to have:

• Skills and knowledge around the issues and practice directions in out-of-home care and working with children and families
• An understanding of and knowledge of the Queensland child protection system and processes
• 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
• The opportunity to increase your take-home pay by salary sacrificing
• Continued professional development opportunities

• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (confidential counselling service)
• Career pathways for those wishing to grow within the company
• Friendly and supportive workplace

This position offers a competitive remuneration package in line with 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.

We encourage and welcome candidates from all cultural backgrounds and recommend that you view our website and Employee Value Proposition.