Kin Connected Case Worker, Identified (Delegated Authority)
Full-time Permanent
Based in Cairns
Salary: Wuchopperen Health Service Limited Enterprise Agreement (2023)
Social, Community, Homecare and Disability Employees, Grade 4: $87, $93,655.19 per annum
Wuchopperen Health Service
'Keeping Our Generations Growing Strong'
Wuchopperen is a Community Controlled Aboriginal Health Organisation providing holistic health care services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Cairns.
Benefits of working with Wuchopperen:
We provide a positive work culture and a diverse and inclusive environment. Our people matter to us, and we are committed to supporting them:
* Competitive Salary + 12% Super + Salary Sacrifice (up to $15,899 for tax free benefits and $2,650 p/a for entertainment benefits).
* 5 weeks annual leave and 15 days personal leave pro rata.
* Commitment to professional development.
* EAP for employees and family members.
About the role:
The purpose of this role is to participate in the delivery of the Kin Connected (Delegated Authority) Program to preserve the safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child/ren, by empowering the voice of the child/ren and their families and fostering with the aim of reducing the over representation of and secure better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system.
The Kin Connected Case Worker is supervised by the Kin Connector Coordinator and the position has no supervisory responsibilities.
This position works closely with other members of the Kin Connected and Child Wellbeing teams and maintains regular contact with other Wuchopperen program staff, relevant networks, the Cairns Child Safety Service Centre, key stakeholders and other appropriate external services to ensure effective outcomes for clients.
Key responsibilities:
* Participate in the delivery of the Kin Connected (Delegated Authority) Services, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are involved in the Child Protection System, in line with the power and functions of the Child protection Act 1999, specifically regarding Delegated Authority for connection, reunification and case planning.
* Participate in case management for children and families, in partnership with the appropriate local Child Safety Service Centre, aiming for a quality support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people identified for 'Delegated Authority'.
* Support the Kin Connector Coordinator in compiling documentation and evidence for cases where the Manager, Child Wellbeing must provide recommendations to the CEO, to make informed decisions when requesting Delegated Authority regarding family plans and the placements of children
* Work collaboratively with the Family Participation Program team in their efforts to convene Family Led Decision Making (FLDM) meetings for the purpose of developing family plans, safety plans, and/or case plans.
* Assist families with the development of their Genogram and Community Support Mapping to identify key family and stakeholder support to meet their family goals in line with the FLDM principles and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principles.
* Gather and record statistical data relevant to measuring performance against agreed indicators and participate in review and evaluation activities.
* Participate in organisational and community activities to advance the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
* Work within Wuchopperen's Policies and Procedures including the Staff Code of Conduct and the Work Health and Safety requirements and contribute to continuous improvement processes to ensure compliance with relevant standards and safe, effective service delivery.
* Other duties as required, within your skills, experience and capacity
Core Capabilities:
For applicants to be successful in this role, they should demonstrate:
Assessment of merit for this role will be based on the knowledge, skills and experience, potential for development and personal qualities. The competencies listed below are considered to the most critical for success in this role.
For applicants to be successful in this role, they should demonstrate:
1. Knowledge and understanding of the Child Protection legislation, including the five (5) elements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle. The implementation of principle ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's right to self-determination are respected.
2. Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and cultures from an historical and contemporary perspective, including the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
3. Demonstrated ability and experience in case discussions with regards to the development of family plans/case plans in line with Family Led Decision Making principles.
4. Extensively developed interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to liaise with a range of stakeholders as well as effectively advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
5. Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a multi-disciplinary team environment, prioritise and meet deadlines, deal with matters of a sensitive and confidential nature.
6. Demonstrated ability to meet and work within the core values and behaviours of Wuchopperen.
Qualifications and experience:
* Certificate IV in Community Services, Child and Family Intervention, Youth Work and/or at least 4 years minimum experience in the related field including case management.
* It is recommended for the employee to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
* Proof of qualifications and current registration is required to be provided prior to the commencement of duty.
* It is a condition of employment in this role for the employee to be, and remain, vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), pertussis (whooping cough) and hepatitis B
* The Kin Connected Case Worker is an Identified position. It is a genuine occupational requirement that an Identified position be filled by an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander person, as permitted by and arguable under section 25, 104 and 105 of the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act
* Possession of a current CPR certificate or commitment to obtain within the first six weeks of employment is essential.
* Possession of a current Queensland "CA" class driver's licence is essential.
* Commitment to work within the principles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community control including a willingness to develop the leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
* All employees are responsible for the safety of themselves, students, visitors, volunteers and fellow staff members. Employees must report any hazards or incidents, co-operate in emergency drills, undertake Workplace H&S training as required, and lodge risk assessments for all external and internal risk activities.
* Ability to use Microsoft products and the ability to use or willingness to gain proficiency in the client information management systems.
* Consent to a broader criminal history check at Wuchopperen's cost.
Requirements:
* Hold a current Blue Card (for suitability to work with children and young people).
* Proof of qualifications is required to be provided prior to the commencement of duty.
* Possess a current driver's licence.
* A commitment to adhere to Wuchopperen's policies and procedures.
* Successful applicant to consent to a broader criminal history check
Applicants who do not address these requirements, will not be considered for shortlisting.
Note: Revised legislation requires applicants to hold a blue card prior to commencement. Refer to Qld Government's Blue Card Services website for more information.
How to apply:
To be eligible for interview, applicants must submit a cover letter (no more than two pages), addressing the Core Capabilities and an up-to-date Resume including two referees and complete the screening questions provided from Employment Hero.
For more information contact Karen, Manager Child Wellbeing on
The above is an Identified position. It is a genuine occupational requirement that an Identified position be filled by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, as permitted by and arguable under section 25, 104 and 105 of the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act
Wuchopperen is a Child Safe Organisation and the safety and wellbeing of children is of utmost importance.
Closing date for applications: 5pm on Monday 25th August 2025