Carer Support Worker

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.

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.

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 Carer 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.

If you have the capability to achieve success in this role and are interested in creating an impact for communities who need your support, we would love to hear from you

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 suppor