The Role of the Placement and Support Worker
About the Job Description
The Placement and Support Worker is a key role in providing cultural connectedness for Aboriginal young people in Out of Home Care, with a focus on residential care. This position will provide culturally responsive services to agencies and carers to support them in caring appropriately for Aboriginal children and young people, helping maintain their cultural identity and safety while in out-of-home care.
Job Responsibilities
1. Work with referred Aboriginal young people in Out of Home Care, focusing on residential care.
2. Attend care team meetings for referred Aboriginal young people.
3. Support planning for referred Aboriginal young people.
4. In conjunction with existing placement services, ensure that Aboriginal children/young people have access to cultural connectedness within local communities and receive appropriate cultural information to maintain cultural safety and identity while in out-of-home care placement.
5. Support the practical implementation of cultural plans for referred Aboriginal young people in care.
6. Liaise with the Aboriginal Cultural Planner to ensure timely completion of a Child and Family Plan (CSP).
7. Develop a list of cultural resources accessible by agencies and carers to purchase cultural materials beneficial to Aboriginal children and young people they are caring for.
Desired Skills and Qualifications
* A sound knowledge of local issues and needs within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
* Knowledge of family connections and how they link within the local community.
* Demonstrated negotiation and advocacy skills.
* Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, including engaging Aboriginal children & Young people, elders of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Local community in collaborative planning processes.
* The ability to develop, plan, implement, manage, and evaluate programs.
* Understanding of relevant legislation, policies, and practices.
* Knowledge of child and adolescent development strategies for working with vulnerable children, young people, and their families.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Knowledge of the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle.
* A demonstrated ability to work sensitively with the birth family, extended family, and foster carers during the placement process and the development of cultural support plans.
* An ability to manage stressful situations.
* Data collection and record-keeping skills.
* A current driver's license.
Benefits
This part-time role offers:
* 22.8 hours per week.
* A fixed term of 12 months.
* $37.35 per hour.
* Access to salary packaging.
* 11.5% superannuation.
* A supportive work environment.
* Ongoing training and development opportunities.