Quality and Referral Officer (Queensland/Victoria)

ABOUT US

Family Day Care Queensland is a values based not for profit organisation and we have an exciting opportunity for a Quality and Referral Officer (for Queensland and Victoria) to join our In-Home Care Support Agency team.

Do you want to work for an organisation that actually makes a difference in our community? If you do this is the position for you, our organisation will make you feel good about the work you do with us.

Research states that the first five years of a child's life are the most important for their ongoing development.  Our organisation has spent almost half a century ensuring families have a flexible, home-based choice of early education and care option for their children. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

The primary role of the Quality Officer is to fulfill two core requirements for the IHC Support Agency:

• Act as a delegate of the Department of Education Secretary, referred to as ‘specified personnel’ in making eligibility decisions for IHC families.
• Reinforce and uphold compliance within the IHC Support Agency according to the IHCSA contract, IHC Program Guidelines and Handbook, and Family Assistance Law

Your role is primarily responsible for the following:

Specified Personnel

• Undertake duties as delegated by the Department of Education Secretary to fulfill the specified personnel responsibilities (as per Ministers Rules) including:
  • Determining families eligibility for IHC by reviewing draft eligibility recommendations and evidence
  • Signing of on final eligibility decisions
• Providing feedback to Family Liaison Officers on reasons for decisions 
• Supporting the team of Family Liaison Officers through regular training sessions covering systems, eligibility criteria and IHCSA processes
• Handling and/or advising Family Liaison Officers regarding stakeholder (including Service Provider and Family) questions, issues or complaints
• Compiling background information for Ministerial and DESE enquiries and/or appeals, as required
• Always uphold the values of FDCQ by displaying a professional image

Referral Officer

• Support Family Liaison Officers to connect families to services that best meet their identified needs
• Advocate for families on their behalf with support services and other providers as required
• Collaborate with services and other agencies to achieve best outcomes for families
• Oversee the maintenance the referral database

Administration & record keeping

• Maintain comprehensive and accurate records on the data management system
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of decisions made
• Ensuring the Quality and integrity of family files
• Uploading family files to the Department Portal on a quarterly basis
• Maintain a comprehensive and accurate record of referral pathways explored
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of referrals made

Relationship building

• Build a genuine rapport and foster a climate of support and trust with families
• Communicate and network with external stakeholders including in-home care support agencies and services and other community services
• Engage in supervision and team-building activities with work colleagues
• Participate in the in-home care service provider meetings when requested
• Work cooperatively as part of a team and provide support to the Manager as required

Compliance & quality

• Maintain compliance per funding requirements, service policies and applicable laws and regulations
• Undertake internal reviews of family management plans and assessment processes and depending on outcomes provide feedback, training and support to FLOs and in a continuous improvement framework
• Keep up-to-date with sector knowledge and relevant legislation
• Contribute to the organisations' role in providing information on best practice child development
• Report to the Manager any issues or incidents of non-compliance

Workplace Health and Safety

• Contribute to a workplace environment and culture that adheres to WHS legislation (including workplace harassment/bullying awareness)
• Undertake business activities in a safe manner so as to avoid or reduce the risk of injury or illness to self and others

ABOUT YOU

You will need the following:

Essential

• Qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care, community services or equivalent qualifications in related field and/or relevant experience
• A strong passion or interest working with families and communities
• Strong communication (written and verbal) skills
• The ability to work autonomously and part of a team
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• Experience in supporting and responding to vulnerable and complex/high needs families
• Emotional maturity, resilience and ability to control emotional situations
• Excellent organisation and time management skills
• Proven skills in data management and the use of Microsoft Office products including Outlook and Word

The applicant must also possess:

• Current Suitability for Child Related Employment card or eligibility to obtain one 
• Ability to travel and stay away from home on infrequent occasions
• Be agreeable to obtaining a criminal history check
• Hold the right the work in Australia

WE OFFER

• Flexible working arrangements including work from home options
• Supportive and caring environment, we don’t just say that, our teams tell us we actually care about our people
• Focus on your overall health and wellbeing
• Gratis leave over the end of year period up to three (3) days extra leave
• The ability to work for an organisation that makes a difference in the lives of children, families and the community.