Foster Carer Recruitment and Program Officer

1 Revised: 16 November 2017 Page 1 of 4 Document ID: 17055-211 POSITION DESCRIPTION Foster Carer Recruitment and Program Officer REPORTS TO: Coordinator, Standards and Compliance GRADE/AWARD/LEVEL: SCHADS Award Level 5 WORK LOCATION: Northern Sydney/Central Coast Program : OOHC - Foster Care WORKING WITH CHILDREN: Clearance required Child related role PURPOSE The position exists to deliver Recruitment , assessment, training and support of Foster carers for children and young people placed in the Permanency Support Program with CatholicCare. The role involves after hours and weekend work as required, and works closely with all members of the CatholicCare Out of Home Care Team. As an integral component of CatholicCare s provision of innovative, effective, flexible and high quality Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) services for vulnerable children and young people the Out of Home Care Program includes the Therapeutic Residential Program to provide a best practice continuum of care.

2 Integrated assessment, family preservation and permanency planning services are provided for children and young people and their families. The Foster Carer Recruitment and Program Officer will contribute to ensuring effective mechanisms are in place to review all aspects of service delivery and advise the Manager, Out of Home Care on strategies to address ongoing enhancements of the Program . RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Carer Recruitment Assist in the development, delivery and evaluation of Carer Recruitment strategies and campaigns appropriate for the local area; Represent CatholicCare at relevant Carer forums and participate on relevant committees to ensure interagency collaboration and co-ordination in the planning and development of Program services; Recruit CatholicCare Foster carers in line with approved Carer Recruitment strategies which may include media advertisements, information sessions and other media outlets; Establish and maintain community supports for the purpose of recruiting Foster carers; Maintain relevant records and statistics in relation to all aspects of Foster Carer Recruitment .

3 Position Title: Foster Carer Recruitment and Program Officer Page 2 of 4 Revised: 16 November 2017 2. Carer Assessment, Review and Service Options Respond promptly to Foster Carer enquiries, arranging and conducting in-home information sessions and assessments of potential Foster carers with the Out of Home Care team members using Step by Step assessment tool or other appropriate assessment tools; Oversee and organise the Foster Carer assessment process; Assist in placement matching, planning and transition meetings and processes with the members of the Foster care team; Delivery of Carer assessment and client matching reports in line with CatholicCare policies and procedures and as directed by manager; Ensure all approvals are obtained and all required paper work in relation to assessment and matching is maintained as per CatholicCare policies and procedures and as directed by manager; Conduct annual Carer reviews and Carer exit interviews as required; Manage vacancy rates within CatholicCare Out of Home Care to ensure capacity and availability of immediate placements Re assessment of authorised Foster carers for guardianship, kinship care or different type of care than already approved.

4 3. Carer Training In association with the Out of Home Care Team members organise and deliver training of Foster carers, including Shared Stories Shared Lives as well as ongoing and mandatory training for Foster carers as determined by CatholicCare; Develop an annual Foster care training schedule; Gather feedback and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and ensure the information gathered informs continuous improvement processes; Support Carer involvement in social activities and support groups as organized and promoted by CatholicCare; Maintain records of completed training and other relevant information on Carer training; 4. Provide leadership by: Attending and actively participating in monthly supervision sessions with the Coordinator Program Support Actively and constructively participating in team meetings, planning and staff development (including broader agency requirements) Actively participating in the annual Performance Appraisal Promoting the application of the CatholicCare policies and procedures Carrying out other duties as may be reasonable.

5 5. Comply with all internal and external (including government) reporting requirements for Program components (including data collection), including; Ensure compliance with responsibilities as an authorised Carer under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1988; The adherence and review of general and also Program specific CatholicCare policies and procedures; Participating in feedback and monitoring processes for the Program ; Position Title: Foster Carer Recruitment and Program Officer Page 3 of 4 Revised: 16 November 2017 Completing of Community Services reporting requirements including Foster Career data and any other mechanisms as may be required; Ensuring safety standards are maintained for self and others and report all hazards and incidents to the Coordinator Program Support within the timeframes as directed.

6 Ensure compliance with the NSW Carers register Ensure ongoing compliance for Foster carers such as home safety checks, WWCC and police checks for family members Respond to requests for Foster care placements via FaCS or other NGO's and advise Coordinator Program Support regarding Carer availability and suitability. 6. Provide general support to the Program as required: Carry out Caseworker responsibilities when additional support is required as determined by the Coordinator Program Support; Participate in projects to support the continuous improvement of practices and processes in the Out of Home Care Team. ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Promote and uphold the Mission, Vision and Values of CatholicCare; Communicate and act in ways that are reflective of CatholicCare's Core values; Respect, Hope, Commitment, Professionalism, Excellence and Social Justice; Understand and positively work within the Values and Mission of CatholicCare; Develop a sound knowledge of Out of Home Care specific and organisational wide policies and procedures; Develop a thorough knowledge of Organisation, the purpose and strategic plan; Read, sign and adhere to organisational Code of Conduct and Ethical Behaviour.

7 REQUIRED COMPETENCIES To perform the job successfully the Foster Carer Recruitment and Program Support Worker should demonstrate the following competencies: Leadership individuals taking responsibility for their performance with integrity and diligence. As a caseworker, this also includes supporting team members in line with organisational mission, to be successful in delivering services to clients. Oral and Communication skills the ability to express yourself clearly and professionally in business writing and in conversations and interactions with others Risk management anticipation, mitigation and resolution of workplace events/issues Information management skills the ability to maintain, provide and distribute information appropriately Professional skills/knowledge the ability to demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and skill in a technical/professional manner Respect accepting of individual differences and treating others with dignity; demonstrated support for the organization and its missions and goals.

8 Position Title: Foster Carer Recruitment and Program Officer Page 4 of 4 Revised: 16 November 2017 Building collaborative relationships the ability to develop, maintain and strengthen partnerships with others inside and/or outside the organization and provide information, assistance and support. As a caseworker, the ability to also demonstrate interest, skill and success in getting groups to learn to work together. Client focus commitment to supporting the excellence in CatholicCare programs and interventions, enabling all CatholicCare clients to achieve their goals and potential. EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE Essential: Relevant qualifications in Human Services and a minimum of two years' experience working with children and families; Knowledge of NSW Permanency Support Program , and the specific needs of children and young people in care.

9 Understanding of issues facing Foster Carers in providing care to children and young people Demonstrated ability to train, coach and provide support to others Computer literacy including Word, Excel, email and internet options Knowledge of current Child Protection and other relevant legislation Excellent verbal and written communication skills including report writing A current, valid, Australian driver's licence and your fully insured vehicle Preferred: Experience in Guardianship and Adoptions assessment Demonstrated skills or experience in Recruitment and/or marketing Certificate IV in training and assessment