The Restoration / Guardianship Caseworker is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people, and birth families supported by Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services. This role emphasises culturally safe and effective case management practices to ensure the Restoration or Guardianship of children to their families aligns with their best interests.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work intensively with vulnerable birth families to achieve case plan goals that support the successful restoration of their children.
• Conduct robust family finding efforts to strengthen connections and explore placement options.
• Make service referrals, complete court reports, and conduct home visits to monitor and support progress.
• Collaborate closely with DCJ, Permanency Coordinators, and the courts to develop and implement plans in the best interest of the child.
• Maintain regular, meaningful contact with children, young people, families, carers, and other stakeholders.
• Attend case reviews, meetings, and stakeholder consultations to ensure the effective management of cases. 
• Review and update case plan goals regularly, facilitating the active participation of key stakeholders.
• Conduct culturally appropriate kinship and relative carer assessments.
• Prepare comprehensive reports for court proceedings.
• Develop Cultural Care Plans for court, in consultation with families, ensuring cultural connections are prioritized.

Eligibility Requirements:

Selection Criteria:

• Relevant qualifications, such as a University or TAFE certification, or extensive life skills applicable to the role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998.
• Understanding of the issues impacting Aboriginal communities, families, and children.
• Experience working with or within Aboriginal communities, families, and children, including case management or Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) models.
• Proven ability to use a strengths-based framework to support families and achieve outcomes.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution.
• High-level report writing skills, with the ability to provide clear and accurate documentation, including experience in writing court documents.
• Competence in using Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, and the ability to navigate internet resources for work purposes.