Kinship Care Case Contracting Worker (3 Positions Available)

Base/Location:Njernda Aboriginal Corporation Family Services Unit, Echuca, Victoria
Reports To:Team Leader
Hours:Full Time 37.5 Hours per week
Award:SCHADS Level 3
Position Scope:
The Kinship and Case Contracting Worker will work with referred statutory children and their families as well as supporting kinship carers. The focus of the work will be case management of children from Child Protection as well working with family members on either reunification, stability planning and Target Care Packages. Case Contracting Workers are required to complete assessment in the Kinship-First Support program and provide information and advice to carers and family member.

Organisational Values:

Professional Integrity – We treat all our people with dignity and respect.
Quality – We always strive to do our best and improve the way we do things.
Responsibility – We commit to the actions we take to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
Client Focus – We work toward improving the health and wellbeing of our clients and community.

Kinship Care:

The Kinship Care Program works in partnership with DHHS, Anglicare and other key stakeholders to assist in the provision of safe, relevant, culturally sensitive and appropriate care to all Aboriginal children requiring out of home care.

Key Responsibilities:

Primary Responsibilities

Case Management

Participate in comprehensive family support that identifying risk and goals including the health, wellbeing and safety needs of the children involved.
Participate in the development of comprehensive Aboriginal Kinship family plans using a wraparound approach and participation in ongoing review and evaluation of Aboriginal Kinship plans.
Developing appropriate strategies for clients based on an individual’s needs assessment.
Referring families to appropriate services based on client need.
To work in conjunction with existing services to ensure that referrals are responded to in a way that acknowledges the unique needs of each referral.
To actively participate in teamwork in a manner that ensures a co-ordinated approach to services for children, young people and their families.
Actively case manage the care of children that have child protection involvement.
Supporting new kinship placements as referred by DHHS.
Working under the Best Interests Case Practice Model Community Information and Advice.
Development of up to date community resources available to assist kinship carers, extended family members, stakeholders and the community in order to provide the best possible care and support for children growing up in kinship families.
Ensure effective ongoing liaison with partner agencies, key stakeholders, services and personnel (including schools).
Participate on relevant interagency working committees.
Conduct case conferencing when required with other agencies.

Administration and Compliance

Ensure that you are available for scheduled supervision appointments.
Ensure that you participate in team meetings, staff meetings and other community activities as requested.
Ensure that you adhere to legislative requirements.
Ensure that you complete required reporting in a timely manner.
Ensure that you report any risks identified immediately to your Line Manager.
Ensure that your client records are maintained with all relevant up to date information including client case notes and plan reviews.
Participate within the team to ensure performance against expectations including performance management and staff development, in accordance with Njernda Aboriginal Corporations’ policies and procedures.
Ensure that all staff are provided with and operate in a safe environment in accordance with Njernda Aboriginal Corporations’ OH&S policies and procedures.
Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities

Key selection criteria:

Applicants must possess:

Required Education, Experience, and Competencies

Knowledge of child and adolescent development and strategies for working with vulnerable children, young people and their families.
Experience and skill in case management and goal setting.
Experience in assessment and development of measurable family care plans.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Understanding of an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) environment and the local Aboriginal Community.
Demonstrated ability to sensitively work with the birth family, extended family and kinship carers during the placement process.
Ability to effectively and efficiently plan and organise own workload.
An ability to manage stressful situations.
Data collection and record keeping skills.
Demonstrated negotiation and advocacy skills.

Preferred/Desired Education, Training and/or Competencies:

Formal Qualification in Community Services discipline or equivalent.

Other relevant information:

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory Police check and Working With Children Check.
Commitment to equal opportunity and occupational health and safety principles and practices is required.
You will need to disclose any pre-existing illness or injury you know about which could be affected by the described work duties. Under section 82 (7) of the Accident Compensation Act, failure to disclose such a pre-existing illness or injury will mean that, if employed, you will not be paid compensation for that condition.
Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply
Performance KPIS will be set on commencement with a review conducted annually.
Salary packaging benefits are available.
Njernda Aboriginal Corporation enforces a smoke free environment.

All applications close: 6th Sep 2019

To be eligible for an interview applicant MUST address the Key Selection Criteria and include a recent resume.

Written applications should include a covering letter. Please include the names and telephone contacts of at least two referees.

Address your application marked: “Private & Confidential”

To:		HR Manager
		Njernda Aboriginal Corporation
		84 Hare Street,
		(PO Box 201)
		Echuca Vic 3564

Email:		jobs@njernda.com.au

Please check the closing date to ensure your application is received within the specified time. Applications may be posted, emailed, hand delivered or faxed (provided that a hard copy is posted on the same day).

Applications may be posted, emailed, hand delivered or faxed (provided that a hard copy is posted on the same day).