Intake officer

Intake Officer (Parental leave position) Since 1974, Althea Projects Inc. has been supporting and strengthening the capacity of vulnerable people within Townsville and the surrounding regions. Our main programs are Foster & Kinship, Wee Care Residential and Althea’s Community Hub, from which we deliver a range of services. Althea Projects Foster and Kinship Program is a foster and kinship care support service for children who are subject to departmental intervention. We are looking to appoint an Intake officer for an 8-month parental leave position. Our intake officer works in our Foster and Kinship Program and matches carers, children and young people to ensure appropriate and stable placements. As an intake officer you will be responsible for: Actively placement match foster carers with referrals and make recommendations to Placement Services Unit (PSU – Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety). Maintain an up to date understanding of foster carer capacity gained through the usage of the database and team discussions. Establish and maintain effective professional relationships with Foster & Kinship Carers. Ensure referral systems are maintained and up to date at all times. Access other reports as requested. Review carer capacity through regular auditing processes as needed. Participate in Intake & Assessment team handover meetings regarding newly assessed and approved foster carers. Obtain and record accurate information for client case files and organisational records within child-centred active support framework. Provide a range of supports to foster and kinship carers as requested. Ensure compliance with organisational licence and auditing processes and complete legislative documentation with required timeframes. Action critical incidents that are relevant to role, in accordance with Althea Projects policies and procedures and legislative requirements. Provide friendly, timely administrative support to clients and the foster care network and participate in multi‑agency events. E.g. Child Protection Week, carer recruitment activities etc. Archive client files in line with established archiving procedures and retention schedules and facilitate the secure and timely transfer of child records, ensuring compliance with records transfer protocols. Actively participate in team activities including staff meetings, planning days, supervision, training, and supporting team members as needed. Complete AFKP administration tasks and support overall office administration when required. Actively contribute to maintaining a culture which values health, safety and wellbeing. In return we offer you the following: An opportunity to help change lives Supportive management and team SCHADS Award Level 3 wages; and 5 weeks’ annual leave Attractive salary packaging up to $15,900 p.a. Employee Assistance Program Monday to Friday working pattern, with occasional out of work hours How to Apply Please submit your resume together with a succinct response to the selection criteria (2 pages maximum), providing examples of relevant knowledge, skills and experience. Applications will close at 5.00pm on 12 December 2025 , however we retain the right to start screening and interviewing any suitable candidates prior to this date. Selection Criteria 3-Year Degree with relevant experience; or lesser formal qualifications with substantial years of relevant experience or Minimum 2 years’ experience frontline child protection, family support or community support services. Demonstrated understanding of the Child Safe Standards, Out-of-Home Care system and trauma-informed care. Demonstrated knowledge of placement matching principles, including the child placement principle, and ability to assess the needs of children and match them with appropriate carers and coordinate emergency, short-term, and long-term placements. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, regarding the ability to engage with children, carers, families, and professionals with a proven ability to build and maintain respectful relationships with foster carers and service providers. Proven ability to apply effective problem-solving skills and foster constructive, collaborative relationships within the workplace. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities including responding to urgent placement needs while maintaining accurate records, completing reports, and effectively using case management systems. #J-18808-Ljbffr