Placement Referral Officer

About the business: 

Since 1991, Yorganop has been Western Australia’s first Aboriginal foster care agency. Yorganop works in partnership with government agencies, Aboriginal families, and our community of carers to provide safe and secure care for Aboriginal children. For 32 years Yorganop has been providing essential services for the increasing high number of vulnerable Aboriginal children in Out-of-Home Care. 

Yorganop’s key driver for over 32 years is to enable children, in particular, Aboriginal children in out-of-home care to fulfil their potential and thrive in life (culturally, socially, and emotionally). We achieve this by providing culturally safe, secure, stable, caring homes with carers who understand Aboriginal ways of being and doing. Yorganop carers are supported in providing culturally safe placements through Yorganop’s ongoing cultural training, and immersion in Yorganop’s carer community. 

In order to achieve these goals Yorganop needs the best team in place, and is currently recruiting for a Placement Referral Officer to join our amazing team.

About the role: 

Yorganop empowers Aboriginal children and families to grow strong in themselves, their culture and their future. As the Placement Referral Officer, you will be dedicated to responding to referrals for the potential placement of children with foster carers and supporting current carers. 

You will work collaboratively with other relevant team members, progressing matching and placement planning with the joint aim of making well-matched placements to meet the placement and care needs of children who are unable to be placed with the Department of Communities foster carers which will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the foster care placement process. 

Your approach will be trauma informed and culturally secure. You will ensure the right to self-determination drives your practice, while promoting the wellbeing of children. 

What you will do

As the Placement Referral Officer, responsibilities include: 

• Undertaking Placement Referrals and ensuring appropriate information is provided to foster carers, OOHC Placement Team and the Dept. 
• Coordinating and providing placement support services including managing Placement Referrals received from The Department’s Child Carer Connection Hub and placement matching.  
• Working collaboratively with team members and conduct placement matching meetings to assess the placement requests.  
• Providing guidance to team members regarding placement options. 
• Ensuring placements are undertaken in line with the organisation’s placement procedures.
• Ensuring information provided to The Department is comprehensive, accurate and reflects the individual needs of the child.
• Establishing and maintaining effective liaison, communication and working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Collaborating with the team to ensure consistency in processes and appropriate placement decisions.
• Maintaining up to date and accurate client information on the electronic database which includes a daily organisation population count of children and young people currently in Yorganop care for reporting requirements and for placement availability. 
• Ensuring all child placement practices comply with the organisation’s policies and procedures. 
• Undertaking other duties as required.

What you will need

ESSENTIAL

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and ability to work with diverse communities, families, children and young people.
• Practical experience in contemporary casework, practice models and methods and their application in working with children, families and communities.
• Sound knowledge of the relevant legislation, policies and practices as it applies to Aboriginal children, young people, families and the community.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication skills that can achieve the best possible outcomes for families, children and young people.
• Strong administrative skills and a high level of computer literacy.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and contribute to its success and cohesion.
• Knowledge of case practice and the impact of trauma on children in out of home care. 
• Well-developed analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• An understanding of out of home care programs, placement principles and policies that meet the needs of vulnerable children. 
• Demonstrated sound interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, with ability to developing and maintaining key stakeholder relationships, and a proven commitment to quality customer service.

DESIRABLE 

• Aboriginality is highly desirable for this position as defined under Section 50 (d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984
• Extensive knowledge of the issues in the protection and care of children and young people.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of Government practices in the out of home care sector

QUALIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

• Tertiary qualification(s) in Social Work, Psychology or relevant Human Services area.
• Satisfactory National Police Clearance 
• Satisfactory Working with Children (WWC) Check 
• Satisfactory Department of Communities (DoC) Departmental Check (Departmental Record Check & Criminal Record Check) 
• Current Drivers Licence and the ability to travel in response to organisational needs. 

Importance notes for applicants: 

Applicants must include a one page covering letter to address the essential criteria plus a concise CV which clearly outlines relevant qualifications and experience.

Applications close Friday 1 March 2024. We reserve the right to close the applications and appoint prior to the advertised closing date. Being suitable for the position does not guarantee an Offer of Employment.

For more information on Yorganop or the position, please visit www.yorganop.org.au or send email enquiries to **************@yorganop.org.au