Support Coordinator - Foster Care

About IFYS Foster and Kinship Care Cairns

IFYS Foster and Kinship Care provide therapeutic support for children, young people and their Foster Carers in Cairns and surrounding areas. We also deliver recruitment, training, and on-going support services for Approved Foster and Kinship Carers. Operating since 1992, we recognise that all children and young people are different and therefore we provide uniquely tailored support services to meet their individual needs.

We are an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and difference in our communities. We encourage applications from individuals who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

The opportunity

IFYS Foster and Kinship Care Cairns has an exciting opportunity for a Full-Time Support Coordinator to join the team. 

The Support Coordinator helps Foster Carers meet the Child Safety Standards of Care, and advocates on a Foster Carers behalf so that they can provide ongoing care that is considerate of a child or young person’s evolving strengths and needs. 

What’s on offer?

• Permanent full-time employment
• Salary base of $93,800 per annum + super (or $82,045 without a relevant tertiary qualification)
• Excellent not-for-profit salary packaging options ($15,900 per FBT year towards accepted expenses)
• Career & professional development opportunities
• Highly skilled leadership and supportive team environment
• Unique in-house training opportunities including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Foundation training, Preventing Child Sexual Exploitation and Sanctuary training
• Access to the Calm app for yourself and family members

Key responsibilities: 

• Support carers to create a home that meets the needs of individual children and young people and the Statement of Standards
• Work alongside multidisciplinary stakeholders including Child Safety to provide coordinated support
• Conduct carer assessments, and assist with placement matching
• Conduct home visits for all carers
• Develop and deliver training packages to carers 
• Complete required administrative and recording keeping tasks in-line with licencing requirements
• Take part in on-call services on a shared rotating roster

Key requirements:

• Experience in the Child Protection field
• Willingness to work flexible hours as required and occasional weekends
• Knowledge of Strengths Based and Client Centred Practice
• Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology or a related field (consideration will be given to significant experience within the child protection sector without a qualification)
• Well-developed communication skills, including report writing

Must hold or be willing to obtain if successful:

• Valid QLD driver's license with no restrictions, and fully insured vehicle
• QLD Working with Children Check (Paid Blue Card)
• Licensed Care Suitability Check (LCS2)
• National Crime Check (A new check will be completed through IFYS systems)

Other requirements:

• If progressed after interview stage, you will be requested to provide the details of two-line managers to provide reference checks (this must include your current employer)

If you would like further information on this role or would like to talk to a Recruitment Officer, please call (07) 5438 3*** and ask to speak to Rachel in the Recruitment team.

Applications Close: 08 Jan 2024