• Work in a program that keeps sibling groups together
• Targeted outcomes - therapeutic care - family focussed
• Working with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children and families

Why this program exists.

Due to the shortage of foster carers available to care for sibling groups, sadly sometimes separating siblings is unavoidable. The importance of keeping siblings together cannot be overstated.

That is why the Sibling Placement and Support program is vital, so families can remain together. 

How you can make a difference

Anglicare Victoria operates three Foster Care households dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal sibling groups entering the Out of Home Care system for the first time. This intensive 6-week program is delivered by a skilled team that includes:

• 2 Therapeutic Specialists
• Senior Placement Practitioner
• Senior Family Services Practitioner

Your mission will be to support reunification with family when possible, refer to Kinship care placements, or secure long-term foster care, all while keeping siblings together. The program includes 6 weeks of support post-placement.

Your job.

The Sibling Placement and Support Service provides short term therapeutic foster care placements for sibling groups in Bayside Peninsula and Southern Melbourne areas, entering out of home care for the first time where they are unable to be placed in the existing home-based care system.

The program places great emphasis on the sibling relationship and bond to provide a stable environment for continued wellbeing, links to community and culture, and places a priority of children and young people’s health and therapeutic support needs.

Early assessment and planning of children and young people’s individual and sibling support needs occurs, and outreach supports implemented during and post placement to support successful transition of sibling groups to longer-term placements whether that be reunified with parents, a kinship arrangement, or another foster care placement.

The Team Leader Responsibilities include:

• Providing support to staff members, carers and sibling groups consistent with the case plan, cultural support plan and care plans
• Working within a care team to ensure coordination of therapeutic assessments, planning and service delivery to the sibling group
• Ensures referrals to services for each child and young person within the sibling group as part of the case plan, and endorsed by the case planner, this can includes making or preparing referral documents
• Overseeing and providing supervision to the Family Practitioner and Placement Practitioner.
• Proactively engaging in transition and exit planning for the sibling group inclusive of outreach to next placement.
• Reports to the SPSS Program Manager 

Travel requirements.

Your home office will be Dandenong. You might only spend a couple of days there though, travel to Pakenham where both a carer household and an office are located will be required as well as travel to local carer households. 

Cultural Safety.

This program will be delivered in partnership with VACCA who will provide cultural support alongside you when you work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

We will also be assessing in your application and through interview:

• Demonstrated knowledge and awareness of Aboriginal culture and key issues which impact Aboriginal communities.
• Demonstrated experience in working and engaging with Aboriginal families and children. 

What you will gain.

• Salary starts around $117,000 plus super @ 11.5%.
• Part time hours, 0.8, 4 days, please pro rata the above salary.
• Position will be for a 6-month period with the hope of the program receiving ongoing funding.
• The opportunity to work in a program with tangible, meaningful impact.
• Short, intensive interventions with strong support from a senior, experienced team.
• 3 dedicated pool cars for travel.
• Part time, SCHCADS level 7.2.
• Salary packaging is available up to $15,900 plus an entertainment card.
• We take the Health and Wellbeing of our people seriously offering a Well Worth It! Program, Fitness Passport, EIP and EAP.
• Access to discounted health insurance as well!
• A diverse and inclusive workplace for you to feel safe, acknowledged and included.
• Our people are our biggest asset, we will support you to progress your career with a dedicated L&D team.
• A workplace with Rainbow Tick Accreditation and DCA Inclusive Employer recognition.

What our people say - “I feel really supported - probably the most supported I’ve ever felt in a workplace. This job can be really difficult, so if you’re supported, that’s half the battle for me. Knowing it's there means I can go out and do the work.”

Ready to take the next step

Applications close on the advertised closing date with interview prior to Christmas.

Click click "Apply Now" and submit your resume with a cover letter that describes your passion for working within out of home care and details any relevant skills that would allow you to deliver great outcomes for sibling groups in this role.

To learn more about the role a Position Description is available to download, please note we use PD’s that support your growth and ability move between roles therefore they are generic in nature: Team Leader - Out of Home Care PD OOHC TL AW7 102023 V1.3 (6)

The advert is only meant to be an overview. To learn more about this incredibly impactful and rewarding role please reach out to Bec Jansen, Program Manager Sibling Placement and Support via email first to arrange a time for a call or ask questions [email protected] using the subject line: Team Leader - Sibling Placement Program enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Please Note: It is mandatory for the successful applicant to hold a current Working with Children Check and be prepared to undergo a National Criminal History Check prior to commencement.

Anglicare Victoria acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate. We commit to working respectfully to honour their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to this country.

Diversity and inclusivity are important to Anglicare Victoria and we are committed to ensuring our workplace and services reflect this.  Everyone is welcome at Anglicare Victoria, regardless of age, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation and physical ability.