Are you looking for a career with meaning; one that connects your personal values with an organisation that supports vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community? Do you want to be rewarded with a competitive salary and benefits package; and receive training and ongoing development?

The Families and Young People Services team have an exciting opportunity for a Youth and Family Support Worker to join Mercy Community’s Foster and Kinship Care Team. This casual position is based at our Nudgee office.

The role

As part of a close team, you will be responsible for providing support and activities to a dedicated young person as part of a support package to enhance the young person’s sense of wellbeing, self- esteem and to model behaviour consistent with goals which have been developed as a result of individual child intervention plans.

About you

To succeed in this role, you will require:

• Relevant qualifications (certificate and higher) and/or experience in working with children and/or families in relation to complex issues.
• Demonstrated intermediate ability to use computer IT systems including MS Word and Excel
• A Queensland Drivers Licence
• 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.

Key Selection Criteria:

1. Demonstrated ability to work unsupervised with vulnerable children/young people, providing guidance, supervision and support within the MC framework.
2. Demonstrated ability to be a positive role model with children/young people, including engaging with children and young people and building appropriate relationships.
3. Demonstrated interpersonal skills and the ability to produce clear, accurate and concise written case notes and reports, meeting pre-set timeframes.
4. Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a multi-disciplinary team to achieve maximum positive outcomes for clients.
5. Willing and able to work within a Christian context and Mercy Community's mission, purpose and values.

It is beneficial for candidates to have:

• Previous experience in strengths-based practice.
• Broad knowledge of safe parenting practices and child health/development.
• A sound understanding and knowledge of the Queensland child protection system.
• 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:

• A competitive remuneration package depending on skills and experience.
• The chance to make a genuine difference in people’s lives
• The opportunity to increase your take-home pay by salary sacrificing
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (confidential counselling service)
• Career pathways for those wishing to grow within the company
• A friendly and supportive workplace

Currently the position offers a competitive casual rate of $38.11 - $40.04 gross per hour in line with level 3 of our Enterprise 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.

A full position description is available below.