Assessment Officer (Foster Care)

Be part of a highly skilled team working in Centacare’s Foster Care program, which provides both specialist and general Foster Care for children aged 0-17 years in immediate, short term, long term and respite placements. 

The Role

The Assessment Officer is responsible for working in partnership with members of the community, families, Department for Child Protection and other professionals, providing assessment recommendations with solid rationales in a comprehensive assessment report.

The Assessment Officer showcases the program within community and provides information about Centacare’s Foster Care program, during information sessions and during in-home information exchange sessions.

The Assessment Officer has an understanding of recruitment, experience in assessment, knowledge of key carer competencies, as well as an understanding of the program’s support provided to Foster Carers and their ongoing training and development requirements. They will work to the program’s KPIs, set program benchmarks and will unpack and navigate complex assessment issues with the Assessment Senior and Assessment Manager.

See attached position description for full details. 

What you need to bring

     Essential

• Social Work degree or equivalent
• Valid Department of Human Services (DHS) Working with Children Check
• Valid Driver’s Licence
• Experience in using Step by Step Assessment Tool (registration number)
• Safe Environments for Children and Young People
• Ability to work outside of standard hours when required

     Desirable

• Experience in working in the In Care Sector
• Knowledge of therapeutic care and trauma-informed practice
• Experience using Penelope electronic client management system

What's in it for you

• SCHCADS Award 2010 Level 5, $47.50 per hour + 25% casual loading + super 
• Generous salary packaging to help increase your take home pay
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 6 weeks parental leave for primary carer and 2 weeks for secondary carer
• Health insurance discounts with Bupa

Who we are

Each year, we support more than 30,000 people through community services in metropolitan and regional South Australia, operating within a strong ethical framework. We are client focused and provide support regardless of race, economic circumstance, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious belief or ethnic background. Centacare is a Child Safe, Quality Accredited Organisation and is a registered NDIS provider. We value the uniqueness of individuals, we consult, collaborate and operate with integrity and professionalism. Centacare is committed to cultivating a harmonious workplace free from harassment and discrimination. Equal opportunity principles align with our mission, vision and values. We believe that treating our workers fairly has a positive impact on our clients and maintains our reputation as a great place to work.

To learn more about us, click on the links below.

Centacare Catholic Family Services - Our Story

Children's Services - Centacare

Centacare Foster Care Program - Centacare

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter (as one document) outlining how you meet the requirements of this role as outlined in the position description. To access the position description or submit your application click on the Apply button.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity please contact Alicia Remedios, Assessment Manager, on 08 8159 1***.

Applications close 5:00pm on Monday, 19 February 2024.

Applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply

With respect, no agencies please.