- This role can be based in either Shepparton or Seymour location, in Yorta Yorta or Wurundjeri Country
- Part time hours on offer (0.6 or 0.8 EFT), permanent position
- Salary package full time equivalent to $103k pa(base salary begins at $88k to $92K FTE plus super and tax savings)
For over 140 years, Berry Street has adapted to a changing world, and we will continue to adapt to achieve our purpose. We believe children, young people and families should be safe, thriving and hopeful. Our Vision for 2022: Together we will courageously change lives and reimagine service systems. We look forward to working with children, young people, families, carers, staff and partners to achieve this vision. Together.
The Opportunity
The Hume Home Based Care program provides a foster care service for children and young people who are unable to live with their own families. The assessment practitioner is a specialised role within Berry Street’s foster care program. The positions main functions include: recruitment, assessment and training of Foster carers as well as review of accredited foster carers and facilitation of retention activities. This is an incredibly important role to ensure children and young people are put in placements with Carers and will in particular work with the Carers to train and support them. You will be working with amazing Volunteers with BIG hearts.
Key Responsibilities
The Foster Care Assessment Practitioner will primarily be responsible for:
- Assessment of prospective Foster Carers.
- Joint management of carer inquires and the delivery of information sessions to prospective foster carers.
- Ensure a sufficient pool of trained and accredited carers to meet the needs of children requiring foster care.
About You
To be considered for this role, you must have a tertiary qualification or higher in Psychology, Social Work or a related discipline.
Additionally you will need to have:
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to work comfortably in an unstructured environment whilst maintaining high professional standards.
- Well-developed knowledge of the welfare system; preferably the home-based care area.
- An understanding of assessment skills congruent with the theories of attachment and trauma.
- Proven knowledge of the stages of child development as well as a sophisticated understanding of life stages.
- Demonstrated understanding and respect of the needs of children with a disability and/ or Aboriginal culture.
- Step by Step & Shared Lives accreditation will be mandatory for this role.
The Benefits
- Additional salary packaging available for meals/accommodation in addition to $15,900 tax free
- Berry Street offer generous leave conditions including additional carers leave, parental leave and flexible work.
- We invest in your development, including funding and enrolling the successful appointee into Step by Step & Shared Lives if you do not already hold accreditation. We also provide access to paid study leave.
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including access for staff members’ immediate family.
How to Apply
Applications including resume and cover letter addressing your suitability for the position to be submitted ASAP, applications will be reviewed upon receipt.
Queries to Sharelle Davidson, Senior Manager Child & Family Services on 03 5822 8100.
Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and National Police Check.
Berry Street is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify with a sexual and or gender minority identity. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.
Aboriginal people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.