Program Coordinator - Foster & Kinship Care

Job No: 15445

Location: Sunshine Coast, QLD

Closing Date: 15 Mar 2010 AEDT

About the Organisation

The Integrated Family and Youth Service (IFYS) provides a range of specialist support and intervention programs for children, young people and families. Working closely with other non-government and government agencies, the organisation operates from numerous locations throughout Queensland ranging from Brisbane through to the far north of the state.

IFYS Statement of Intent:

The Integrated Family and Youth Service aims to provide opportunities in accepting environments for children, young people and families to take responsibility for their own lives and to assist them to actively participate in the community of their choice.

IFYS believes that:

• When they require assistance, children, young people and families have a right to access services and support that values flexibility, responsiveness and individual uniqueness;
  
• Children, young people and families deserve to be accepted in a caring and non-judgmental manner, and the right to make and learn from their mistakes;
  
• Children, young people and families have a right to reach their full potential and to live independently in their community of choice;
  
• Living independently in a community also includes acceptance of the responsibilities of a resident of that household or community.

About the Opportunity

Integrated Family and Youth Services (IFYS) has an exciting opportunity for a Program Coordinator  to join and lead their D'Jinang-Djaa Indigenous Foster & Kinship Care team on the Sunshine Coast.

Funded by the Department of Communities, Child Safety Services, the program provides 30 Indigenous Foster & Kinship Placements for children and young people (aged 0-18) who have moderate to high support needs.

It is the responsibility of the Program Coordinator to ensure a range of quality child protection services are provided to children, young people and families within the Sunshine Coast Indigenous community. In a hands-on capacity, you will oversee the implementation of foster & kinship care services, including the recruitment, training and assessment of carers, and the appropriate placement of children with approved carers.

Some of your specific responsibilities will include:

• Working with key stakeholders (including Department of Communities (Child Safety); the Recognised Entity, HOPE; community agencies and schools) to provide coordinated child protection responses to the needs of individual children, young people and families;
• Developing culturally appropriate local recruitment strategies to engage and secure potential Indigenous Foster & Kinship Carers;
• Providing a referral and placement service for the Department of Communities (Child Safety Services) of a range of durations, including after hours emergency placements which best meet the needs of children/young people;
• Ensuring the development and delivery of culturally appropriate training, ongoing education and skill needs of carers;
• Providing support and supervision to carers ensuring they understand and comply with the Statement of Standards under the Child Protection Act 1999;
• Supporting the emotional, physical, social and spiritual support needs of children and young people within the care environment by promoting and supporting quality care practices, respite provision and carer well being;
• Advocating on behalf of Indigenous children, young people and foster & kinship care families with the Department of Communities (Child Safety) and other stakeholders; and
• Providing documentation of placement records, case notes, reports for children, young people and carers.

Due to the nature of this role, it has been identified as a position in which the applicant must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. The successful candidate will have an appropriate combination of qualifications and relevant experience (Degree in Social Sciences/Psychology/Welfare/Community or Youth Work, OR Associate Diploma and substantial experience, OR less formal qualifications with specialised skills sufficient to perform at this level, OR previous appointments at this level).

You will need demonstrated understand and knowledge of a child protection framework, and the needs of young people who have been harmed and separated from family. Additionally you will require an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples culture and societies, including contemporary issues which impact on them.

IFYS requires an applicant with well developed interpersonal and communication skills, allowing you to communicate effectively and sensitively with a broad range of people. You will have a background in developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders, as well as high level report writing and case documentation skills.

You will also have outstanding time management, planning and organisational skills, as well as a high level of personal integrity with the ability to maintain professional and personal boundaries. You will require a current driver's licence and a Working with Children Blue Card check.

From time to time you may be required to work outside of normal hours, so your hours will have a degree of flexibility in order to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

This is a pivotal role within a highly valued program. The successful applicant will be rewarded with an attractive remuneration package $51,965 - $54,295 commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition, salary sacrificing of up to 30% is available for permanent positions.

IFYS is committed to staff development and provides up to $1,200 per annum professional development/training grants. In addition, you will enjoy ongoing support / training and the potential to work across a number of services throughout Queensland.

This is a fantastic opportunity to fast track your career with a highly respected, community organisation, committed to caring for and supporting its staff.

Best of all, you will receive the immense job satisfaction of fulfilling a vital community role - Apply Now!