Foster Care Recruitment and Assessment Officer

• Full Time Permanent Position
• Parkes base with travel across Western & Far West NSW
• Competitive Salary + Salary Packaging Options Available

The role of the Foster Care Recruitment and Assessment Officer is to engage with community stakeholders to coordinate the recruitment, assessment, training and on boarding of foster carers into Lifestyle Solution’s Foster Care Program.

The role

• Be accountable for developing strong community connections with community groups such as schools, day cares, church groups, sport and recreation groups, NSW Police and NSW Health to develop avenues for the recruitment of new foster carers with Lifestyle Solutions
• Develop and lead carer recruitment campaigns both in community and through social media and technology systems
• Complete comprehensive Step-by-Step carer assessments for potential carers and make informed recommendations as to the authorisation of foster carers to provide care to young people in the foster care system in a timely manner
• Complete comprehensive annual carer reviews for Lifestyle Solutions carers
• Engage in the recruitment, information and onboarding of potential foster carers, and lead the information sharing sessions for potential carers
• Facilitate group training and group activities with new foster carers
• Uphold the rights of children, young people and their families and carers at all times
• Focus on ensuring the permanency and consistency of care of children and young people in the foster care system by reviewing material provided by potential foster carers in their application
• Model a culture of social justice and advocacy on behalf of the agency, programs and those we support championing restoration, kinship placement and family lead decision making
• Engage in supervision with the line manager, and through group supervision.
• Take an active role in developing planning and delivering community events in the effort of Carer recruitment and community education around out of home care including ensuring that Lifestyle Solutions are represented at all appropriate community events
• At all times contribute to a positive and constructive workplace culture

About you

• A tertiary qualification in social work, psychology, social sciences, community services, education, health, early childhood, criminology, policing or similar
• Considerable experience in out of home care, child protection, health, NDIS, teaching or similar role
• Experience in the recruitment and assessment of foster carers
• Demonstrated knowledge and implementation of relevant legislation pertaining to children’s services
• Trained and experienced in completing Step-by-Step carer assessment for potential foster carers

We offer

• Salary based on SCHADS Level 5.1
• Paid training and opportunities for career development
• 24/7 crisis and incident response support
• Free confidential counselling support for employees and close family members

About us

We provide services to people with disability, young people and children in out-of-home care, their families and communities. We believe everyone is equal. You can learn more about us here.

How to apply

All applications must be lodged online.

For all enquiries, please contact Rachel Shorrock on 0447 397 665 or rachel.shorrock@lifestylesolutions.org.au.

Our organisation is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior appointment.