Child Protection Specialist
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced professional to join our team as a Child Protection Specialist. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and families.
Job Description:
In this role, you will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to assess and address safety and risk concerns for children and young people. You will engage in child-focused practice that acknowledges and respects the culture and context of each child, young person, and their carers/family. Your expertise will be utilized to source timely, accurate, and comprehensive information, and make evidence-based decisions in line with the child/young person's safety, welfare, and wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities:
* Undertake assessments to identify and address safety and risk concerns for children and young people within a multi-disciplinary program
* Engage in collaborative, child-focused practice that acknowledges and respects the culture and context of each child, young person, and their carers/family
* Source timely, accurate, and comprehensive information, and make evidence-based decisions in line with the child/young person's safety, welfare, and wellbeing
* Model ethical and curious casework that is responsive to the changing needs of children, young people, and families
* Build relationships within the Program, practice, and legislative frameworks to promote meaningful change in families for better outcomes for children/young people and their families
* Develop and maintain networks and relationships with partner agencies and other stakeholders to deliver holistic and coordinated services for children, young people, and families
* Participate and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and professional development to ensure practice knowledge and skills are contemporary
* Maintain accurate and objective client records for reporting and information sharing
* Have difficult conversations about and with children, young people, family, and key stakeholders to mitigate risks and enhance safety and wellbeing
* Initiate action in the Children's Court to ensure safety and wellbeing where required
Required Skills and Qualifications:
To be successful in this role, you must possess:
* A minimum of 2 years' frontline experience in statutory child protection services or within statutory investigation services
* Preferred: Completed or in your final semester of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work, Social Science, and Welfare along with practical experience. If you are in your final semester of university, you will not be able to commence on duty if successful until you have completed your degree
* Other related degrees are considered, if you can demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and experience working with vulnerable children, young people, and families
* A strong connection to community, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to build positive working relationships
* A valid driver's licence (P1 or above)
* A paid working with children clearance number
Benefits:
This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic and supportive team, with a range of benefits including:
* A competitive base salary range $87,315 – $113,562 pa plus superannuation and annual leave loading
* Flexible working conditions, including a 140 hour month
* Industry leading training and ongoing development opportunities
* The opportunity to work within a unique and highly visible multi-disciplinary program with a collective goal of improving safety and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people
* Unequalled insight into the operations and culture of partner agencies
* A positive culture for wellness, including Fitness Passport, tailored health app, and mental health support
Join Our Team:
If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, including a cover letter and up-to-date resume, by the specified deadline.
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