Better Futures Support Worker

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative – Geelong VIC Make a real difference to the local community Full-Time, Fixed Term - 14 Months Access to Salary Packaging The Role Better Futures is a post care service that is a support model targeting young people aged 15 years and 9 months who are transitioning from Out of Home Care. The model promotes early Leaving Care planning and preparation and provides service response to young people who need support to ensure their transition from care to independent living. There is the opportunity for young people to receive support until 21 years of age to strengthen their independent living skills and empower them to achieve their full potential. Better Futures will provide outcomes focused, flexible and tailored support to young people as they transition from out-of-home care. Underpinning the service delivery model is the adoption of the Advantaged Thinking Practice Approach, which focuses on working with young people to bring out, and invest in their talents and aspirations. During the initial leaving care planning and preparation stage, Better Futures will involve the provision of limited supports, including supporting the young persons’ Care Team in the development and refinement of transition planning. Better Futures supports will intensify prior to the young person transitioning from care and upon expiration of their Child Protection order. Better Futures will assume full case coordination responsibility. About You A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Early Childhood Specialist and/or related behavioural sciences at degree level with substantial experience; or associate diploma level with substantial experience in the relevant service stream, or less formal qualifications with specialised skills sufficient to perform at this level. Knowledge of and experience in understanding of the key issues facing young people. Demonstrated knowledge of Victoria’s Out of Home Care and Leaving Care systems. Demonstrated awareness and commitment to working within the ‘Best Interest Principles’ outlined within the Child, Youth and Families Act 2005. An ability to provide a case management service in complex family circumstances where multiple service providers may be involved and/or there are complex family issues. Ability to work both individually and as a member of a team, and to contribute to program development, implementation and evaluation. Well organised but able to flex and manage competing priorities and deadlines. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as highly developed interpersonal, coaching, and consultative skills. Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills and ability to deliver innovative solutions. Good judgment, able to influence senior managers and seen as a credible source of advice. Knowledge of safe and appropriate culturally centred practices for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander focused services, including employment of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. Demonstrated understanding of social, physical, economical, and cultural strengths and challenges affecting Aboriginal communities and their ability to access adequate and quality services. Understanding of the purpose and expectations of the Victorian Child Safe Standards and demonstrated commitment to contributing to a child safe organisation in both practice and culture. Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. How to Apply Applications must be submitted via SEEK by clicking the ‘Quick apply’ button. A copy of the Position Description is available at #J-18808-Ljbffr