RECRUITMENT & ASSESSMENT WORKER
Since 1974, Althea Projects Inc. has been supporting and strengthening the capacity of vulnerable people within Townsville and the surrounding regions. Our main programs are Foster & Kinship, Wee Care Residential and Althea's Community Hub, from which we deliver a range of services.
Althea Projects Foster and Kinship Program is a foster and kinship care support service for children who are subject to departmental intervention.
We are looking to appoint a Recruitment & Assessment Worker on a permanent full-time basis. Our Recruitment & Assessment Workers utilise specialist knowledge and experience to recruit, train and assess foster carers per state legislative requirements to ensure safe, stable and successful placement of children in care.
As a Recruitment & Assessment Worker you will be responsible for:
* Actively promoting and upholding child safe practices in line with our Child Safety and Wellbeing policy, Cultural Safety Policy and Child Safe Code of Conduct.
* Valuing and promoting the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
* Actively recruiting new foster carers, organising and preparing for and participating in recruitment events.
* Responding promptly to all expressions of interest including completing initial enquiry processes.
* Leading, coordinating and facilitating foster care training on a rostered basis, working collegially and collaboratively with the foster care providers in the Townsville Region.
* Undertaking and completing provisional, general, and kinship initial assessments of foster carers and/or renewal assessments.
* Completing required document lodgement with the Department of Child Safety, as required.
* Ensuring all assessment related documentation is completed within required timeframes, communicating with all stakeholders throughout the assessment process.
* Participating in compliance auditing processes.
* Responding promptly to critical incidents in accordance with Althea Projects Policies and Procedures and legislative requirements.
* Undertaking record management of client information in line with organisational policies, procedures and program practice manual.
* Preparing monthly (and as required) progress reports of Expressions of Interest (EOI's) and assessments.
* Participating as an active team member in team meetings, planning days and training as well as supporting team members as needed.
* Involvement in agency and industry events, including at times out of hours.
* Ensuring compliance with the Child Protection Act 1999, Child Safe Organisations Act 2024, HSQF standards and licencing requirements.
* Acting in accordance with our mission and values at all times.
* Actively contributing to maintaining a culture which values health, safety and wellbeing.
In return, we offer you the following:
* An opportunity to help change lives
* Supportive management and team
* SCHADS Award Level 5 wages; and 5 weeks' annual leave
* Attractive salary packaging up to $15,900 p.a.
* Employee Assistance Program
* Monday to Friday working pattern, with occasional out of work hours
* Birthday Leave
How to Apply
Please submit your resume together with a succinct response to the selection criteria (2 pages maximum), providing examples of relevant knowledge, skills and experience.
Applications will close at 5.00pm on 9 January 2026, however we retain the right to start screening and interviewing any suitable candidates prior to this date.
Selection Criteria:
1. Demonstrated advanced knowledge of current practices, trends and theories relevant to the provision of out of home care services to children and young people.
2. Demonstrated skills and experience in the provision of training and professional development strategies that meet the diverse needs of foster carers.
3. Demonstrated highly developed practice skills including assessment skills, interpersonal skills and conflict resolution skills.
4. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and network with government departments, other agencies, members of the community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples having productive and professional conversations that meet the needs of clients and organisation.
5. Demonstrated understanding of the Child Safe Standards, Out of Home Care system and trauma-informed care.
6. Ability to mentor and coach, sharing learnings, skills and knowledge with others.
7. Proven aptitude in positively building and maintaining working relationship.