RESPONSIBILITIES:

Do you want to work with a leading purpose driven, community-based organisation?

SSI’s vision is to achieve a society that values the diversity of its people and actively provides support to ensure meaningful social and economic participation and to assist individuals and families to reach their potential.

Based in Carlton.

About the Program

SSI delivers a specialist out-of-home care and permanency support services that provides a culturally appropriate model for children and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds aged 0–18 years.

We have a strong commitment to culturally responsive services. Wherever possible, as needed, we support children to be cared for by foster carers who share the same culture as the children or where this is not possible we maximise opportunities for children to be connected with their family’s ethnic backgrounds, religion/s and language/s.

About the Role

The Foster Carer Recruitment and Support Worker role is responsible for training, assessing, supporting, supervising and retaining CALD Foster Carers. The role will assist Foster Carers to build their capacity and confidence to accept placements of children and young people in Out of Home Care.

The role also responds to enquiries and guides prospective Foster Carers through the process of accreditation. The Carer Support Worker supports the intake of new clients whilst matching accordingly to the carer’s capabilities. The role will be working alongside the team and update them regarding carer recruitment, accreditation and ongoing support which will include organising peer support groups.

This position will manage relationships, provide ongoing supervision, training and support. The purpose of the role is to assist prospective carers and Foster carers to ensure they meet their responsibilities whilst receiving support and encouragement.

Selection Criteria

• A relevant qualification and/or degree in Social Work
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of interpersonal and communication skills to stakeholders, community groups and community leaders
• Demonstration of a high level of administration skills and experience in managing data collection and producing comprehensive reports
• Ability to problem solve using judgement, knowledge and organisational skills
• Ability to engage with carer families from different CALD backgrounds
• Comprehensive understanding of Out of Home Care in VIC
• Ability to work with external stakeholders such as Fostering Connections, CFECFW, FCAV and others relevant to Out of home care and represent SSI
• Well-developed computer skills and proficient in using Microsoft office, DFFH’s systems, databases and communication technologies
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise judgement and discretion.
• Ability to advocate and represent Foster Carers whilst working within the legislation and DFFH standards.
• Ability to be flexible in approach; Well-developed organisational skills
• Demonstrate an ability to establish rapport and build connections within prospective carers and Foster Carers
• Valid Driver’s licence

If you have previously worked with culturally and linguistically diverse communities and you have an approachable nature coupled with strong administration and written communication skill you will succeed in this role.

Experience in Foster Carer Assessment and/or demonstrated experience in recruitment/selection and/or marketing will be highly regarded.

About Us

Settlement Services International (SSI Group) is a community-based organisation and social business that supports newcomers and Australians to achieve their full potential. Taking an integrated approach how everyone can thrive within the community in which they live and the wider Australian society, we support children, young people and families; people living with disability; and asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. Our programs include facilitating employment, multicultural foster care, creating community engagement, advocacy, and influencing government and international affairs and provide though leadership within our sector nationally and globally.

About our Benefits

• Salary packaging options to receive up to $15,900 of your salary tax-free meaning more take-home pay!
• Industry leading hybrid and flexible working arrangement supporting work from home and office, including the opportunity of a 9-day fortnight;
• Access to in-house training and learning opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Access to our in-house wellbeing programs
• Working alongside professional and dedicated team members all wanting to make a difference in our communities.

About our Recruitment Process

At SSI we have a zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation where protecting children and preventing and responding to child abuse is embedded in the everyday thinking and practice of all employees, contractors and volunteers. All employees will undergo a National Police Clearance and a Working with Children Check as a condition of employment.

Our commitment to Diversity:

SSI strives to be an inclusive workplace for all people. We recognise that we operate in a diverse community and welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTIQ+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role. SSI expects all applicants who can be safely vaccinated for COVID-19, to be so. This is also a pre-condition to ongoing employment.

Should you require further information about the role please send us an email to: [email protected] or contact Vimla Khooblall at [email protected], using the subject line: Foster Carer Recruitment and Support Worker enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A recruitment pool may be created for permanent and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available in the future.

SSI is a Disability Confident Recruiter, and our Talent Acquisition team can assist in; providing alternative formats to apply, making adjustments to the recruitment process and offering information about workplace adjustments and support networks.

Should you require adjustments please email us at [email protected].