Foster Care Practitioner

Full Time - Permanent
Sunshine, VIC
About Us
At Baptcare, we care. Our Mission and Vision are lived through our WE CARE Values: for our residents, customers, clients, partners, and supporters; with the very young through to the very old, the vulnerable, with families through all of life’s stages and challenges.
Baptcare is a purpose driven organisation working across Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia, providing residential and community care for older people and support to children, families, and people with disability, financially disadvantaged people and people seeking asylum.
Our Values are Wellbeing, Ethics, Co-creating, Accountability, Respect and Effectiveness.
About the Role
The Foster Care Practitioner works in partnership with Child Protection and other support services to deliver holistic case management to children and young people in foster care. The program aims to support placement stability, with supports tailored to the needs of the placement, including the foster carer and family.
A key focus of the role is to undertake risk assessment and effective, trauma-informed practice, response and support planning for a range of complex issues related to drug and alcohol, family violence, mental health, disadvantage and poverty, resulting in chronic neglect and/or cumulative harm, in line with best practice approaches and the Looking After Children (LAC) framework. Delivery of the service occurs primarily through outreach to children, young people, and carers in their homes.
The Foster Care program operates predominately across Brimbank Melton LGAs of Victoria and is funded by Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH). The role reports directly to the Care Services Team Leader and indirectly to the Care and Support Services Manager.
Key Selection Criteria
Knowledge and understanding of trauma, child development and family dynamics
Comprehensive knowledge of the Child Protection system, legislation, and frameworks, in addition to practice considerations for Out of Home Care Services
Knowledge of the legislative and political context, with ability to research and seek information from stakeholders to support and inform assessment of risk and service efficacy
Demonstrated ability to identify, assess and prioritise risks and needs of clients in a holistic approach to practice
Demonstrated ability to adapt to meet a changing environment and needs of carer and/or client group while maintaining focus on service delivery
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including negotiation and problem-solving
Alignment and commitment to Baptcare’s Mission, Vision, and Values
**About You**:
Can work autonomously as part of a statewide team, with oversight from the Team Leader and Carer Support Manager
Uses guidelines, procedure manuals, practice frameworks and policies to exercise professional judgement when working under limited direction
Undertakes work with integrity and honesty, adhering to confidentiality requirements and demonstrating a commitment to working effectively with clients and professional stakeholders
Is committed to work health and safety and achieving a zero harm workplace
Has a demonstrated understanding of the complexity of the child protection, flexible funding interventions, out of home care and the family support systems and the issues involved in providing services to statutory clients
**Essential**:
Tertiary Qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, or other relevant Human Services qualification and/or experience
Previous case management experience
Post Graduate qualification or working towards a qualification in leadership, trauma, or counselling desireable
Current motor vehicle license
**For You**:
Baptcare is focused on living our values, not just talking about them. You’ll find the culture at Baptcare is one of genuine respect, support, and positive intention. We work hard to achieve results through change, continuous improvement, and ongoing focus on providing the best service delivery to our stakeholders.
A competitive salary, plus access to the tax benefits of salary packaging
Opportunity to work in your local community within a friendly and supportive team
Be part of an organisation and a team that is driven to make a difference to the lives of our vulnerable community members
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.
Must have a Driver’s license and own reliable vehicle.
The successful applicant will be required to undergo a National Criminal History check.
Baptcare is committed to building a respectful and inclusive workplace, appointing the best person for the role, and supporting diversity. We welcome applicants who may require adjustments.
Baptcare is dedicated to the safety, empowerment and participation of all children. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to a thoughtful, protective environment that supports infants, children and young people to feel safe and respected.