This is a full time 7 month maternity leave contract where you will be based in our North Parramatta office, you will be responsible for contributing to the development of the Permanency Support Program (PSP) Carer Engagement and support, within current and transformational permanency and restoration reforms. 

This role is key in supporting Uniting’s PSP group to change the way we think about engaging and supporting our valued carers. In addition to coordinating external assessment relationships, budget items and reporting of activities within the Carer Support team, the role will plan and coordinate key processes within the Carer support team, work closely with other PSP leaders to lead culture and performance, and prepare regular management reports.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for meeting performance targets for; carer attraction/enquiries, engagement, assessment, (in house and contracted), training, child/young person placement, annual reviews, critical incident management and ongoing development of a high level of carer wellbeing and a local carer community.   
• Oversee the management of carer recruitment activities such as promotion, enquiries, training, assessment and support activities for carers in their region and maintains clear systems to report and document progress within Uniting and externally to Government.
• Lead the regional carer support team in positive and proactive approaches providing ongoing and support to carers assisting children and young people in connecting and maintaining relationships with their birth family.
• Ensure Uniting’s carer support services and carers maintain compliance with all necessary legislation and guidelines, including maintenance of the carer register and ensure the register is up to date and accurate.  
• Manage carer recruitment effectively, oversee the quality of brokered (outsourced) assessments to ensure compliance and manage internal resources to complete assessments and reassessments of carers.

About You

• Bachelor qualification in social work, social sciences or equivalent industry experience.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the issues and key NSW reforms (e.g. permanency and restoration) impacting on children, young people and their families involved in the care system.
• Understanding of the issues impacting the support and recruitment of foster carers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, support and develop staff
• Ability to coordinate and manage the team’s deliverables and individual performance to meet outputs as directed.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in PSP/ Out of Home Care
• Current drivers licence and valid NSW Working with Children’s check

For a confidential chat please don’t hesitate to contact Zoe Banbury on [email protected], using the subject line: Carer Engagement and Support Coordinator enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Employment with Uniting is subject to satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check and Reference Check.