Job description
Agency Department of Children and Families Work unit Regional Services Top End and Arnhem
Job title Carer Services Practitioner Designation Professional 1
Job type Full time Duration Ongoing / Fixed
Salary $76,377 - $87,700 Location Darwin, Nhulunbuy
Position number 13282 RTF Closing 05/01/2026
Contact officer Recruitment Officer on or
About the agency
Apply online
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR
TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates
people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or
job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go
to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go
to the OCPE website..
Primary objective
Assessment of foster and relative carers and other Out of Home Care services to achieve quality placement and service outcomes
for clients in accordance with legislative and policy guidelines.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Responsible for the delivery of quality placements to Out of Home Care clients, including the management of recruitment and
assessment of new carers requiring liaison with other departments and non-government organisations.
1. Maintain a high level of service to foster carers through the provision of professional expertise and demonstrated best practice
in the delivery of statutory welfare services.
3. Undertake statutory responsibilities and exercise delegations under the Care and Protection of Children Act in accordance with
departmental policies and procedures.
4. Ensure the registration of carers adheres to legislative framework and departmental policies
Selection criteria
Essential
1. A degree of an Australian tertiary institution, which gives eligibility for membership of Community Work Australia, the Australian
Association of Social Workers, or the Australian Psychological Society, or equivalent OR Diploma of Child, Youth and Family
Intervention AND Vocational Graduate Certificate in Community Services Practice (Statutory Child Protection) OR Graduate
Certificate in Safe Communities (Child Protection).
1. An ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in an environment of competing priorities
2. An ability to work within a legislative framework and to interpret and apply legislation in relation to child protection and
adoptions assessments.
1. Demonstrated skills in the assessment of family, interpersonal, and community dynamics including the ability to conceptualise
and analyse information in the assessment of potential foster carers.
5. A demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle.
6. Highly developed oral and written communication skills and an ability to interact effectively with people from diverse cultures.
7. Current NT driver's licence.
8. Preparedness to travel in 4WD vehicles and light planes as required and ability to undertake travel including overnight stays as
necessary.
Further information
• The recommended applicant will be required to hold a current Working with Children Clearance notice and undergo a criminal
history check (a criminal history will not exclude an applicant from this position unless it is a relevant criminal history).
Applicants to include a certified copy of their qualifications with their application.
* Position includes travel to other areas of the Northern Territory for multiple nights within the working week
Approved: October 2025 Executive Director, Regional Services Top End and Arnhem
Page 1 of 2
Job description
Agency Department of Children and Families Work unit Regional Services Top End and Arnhem
Job title Senior Carer Services Practitioner Designation Professional 2
Job type Full time Duration Ongoing / Fixed
Salary $90,204 - $107,554 Location Darwin, Nhulunbuy
Position number 13282 RTF Closing 05/01/2026
Contact officer Recruitment Officer on or
About the agency
Apply online
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR
TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates
people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or
job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go
to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go
to the OCPE website..
Primary objective
Assessment of foster and relative carers and other Out of Home Care services to achieve quality placement and service outcomes
for clients in accordance with legislative and policy guidelines.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Responsible for the delivery of quality placements to Out of Home Care clients, including the management of recruitment and
assessment of new carers requiring liaison with other departments and non-government organisations.
1. Maintain a high level of service to foster carers through the provision of professional expertise and demonstrated best practice
in the delivery of statutory welfare services.
3. Undertake statutory responsibilities and exercise delegations under the Care and Protection of Children Act in accordance with
departmental policies and procedures.
4. Provide support, training, education, and supervision to staff on program and practice issues to enhance their skills, knowledge
and understanding of the Out of Home Care program.
5. Ensure the registration of carers adheres to legislative framework and departmental policies.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. A degree of an Australian tertiary institution, which gives eligibility for membership of Community Work Australia, the Australian
Association of Social Workers, or the Australian Psychological Society, or equivalent OR Diploma of Child, Youth and Family
Intervention AND Vocational Graduate Certificate in Community Services Practice (Statutory Child Protection) OR Graduate
Certificate in Safe Communities (Child Protection).
1. Highly developed organisational, negotiation and conflict management skills with demonstrated ability to work under pressure
and meet deadlines in an environment of competing priorities.
1. Demonstrated skills in the assessment of family, interpersonal, and community dynamics including the ability to conceptualise
and analyse information in the assessment of potential foster carers.
1. Highly developed oral and written communication skills and an ability to interact effectively with people from diverse cultures.
2. Demonstrated ability to manage a high work load and to work independently with minimum supervision.
3. Proven experience working in a legislative framework and a demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex legislation in
relation to child protection and adoptions
7. A demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle.
8. Current NT driver's licence.
9. Preparedness to travel in 4WD vehicles and light planes as required and ability to undertake travel including overnight stays as
necessary.
Further information
• The recommended applicant will be required to hold a current Working with Children Clearance notice and undergo a criminal
history check (a criminal history will not exclude an applicant from this position unless it is a relevant criminal history).
Applicants to include a certified copy of their qualifications with their application.
* Position includes travel to other areas of the Northern Territory for multiple nights within the working week