About the opportunity

We are seeking a full-time Foster Care Case Manager / Foster Care Coordinator to join our Foster Care Service. This is a combined role that is primarily responsible for the case management of Foster and Kinship Carers, and the children and young people placed in their homes, while also undertaking Foster Care Coordinator responsibilities and providing support as required.

This is an office-based role within a supportive and collaborative Foster Care Team that works closely with Foster Carers, Kinship Carers, internal teams, and external stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

About the role

Foster Care Case Management

As a Foster Care Case Manager, you will be responsible for providing case management support to Foster and Kinship Carers caring for children and young people with high to complex needs, including those who may present with challenging behaviours.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing advice, guidance and support to Foster and Kinship Carers in relation to the day-to-day care of children and young people

• Overall case management including assessment, planning, coordination and implementation of therapeutic strategies

• Coordinating care teams and liaising with key stakeholders including Child Safety, Education, Health, NDIS providers and natural family members

• Safety planning as needed

• Conducting minimum monthly home visits with Foster or Kinship Carers

• Maintaining accurate, timely and compliant case notes, reports and documentation in line with program requirements, licensing and HSQF standards

• Actively working towards best possible outcomes for children and young people, including reunification, reconciliation or transition to independent living

Flexibility in working hours may be required to meet the needs and availability of Foster and Kinship Carers.

Foster Care Coordinator

In addition to case management duties, the successful applicant will learn and support to the Foster Care Coordinator as required. This may include:

• Assisting with recruitment activities for Foster and Kinship Carers

• Supporting intake, placement matching and liaison with the Placement Services Unit

• Assisting with processing approval documentation, renewals and compliance requirements

• Supporting the coordination of training and assessment requirements for Foster and Kinship Carers

• Maintaining accurate records, registers and databases in line with licensing requirements

• Providing backup coverage during leave periods, peak intake times or operational needs

Full training and support will be provided to build capability in the coordinator function over time.

Mandatory requirements:

• Certificate IV or higher in a relevant human services discipline

• Knowledge and/or experience working within the child protection system,

• Strong case management and administrative skills, including report writing and documentation compliance

• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills including an ability to problem solve across a wide variety of stakeholders including but not limited to Department of Child Safety, Education, Health and natural family as well as to attend and be a key representative at care team and stakeholder meetings. 

• Knowledge of the Child Protection Act 1999 in particular an understanding and willingness to support the foster carers to meet expectations as set out in the Statement of Standards Section 122 of the Act. 

• Willingness to comply with Policies and procedures of the organisation and ensure foster carers within the homes you case manage, also comply with the relevant policies and procedures. 

• A sound understanding of Trauma and Attachment theories as well as the resilience to support children and young people who have been exposed to trauma, violence, or neglect.

• Ability to effectively negotiate challenging or confronting situations.

• Demonstrated history of providing a high quality of care to clients.

• Ability to work as a  valuable member of the Foster Care  team to achieve program goals and objectives. 

Compliance requirements

• Current Blue Card

• Positive Suitability Notice (Child Safety Personal History Check – LCS2)

• Completion of Hope and Healing Framework training (or willingness to complete)

• Current valid driver’s licence

• Ability to provide two recent professional referees

Why join us?

• Opportunity to work in a meaningful, child-focused service

• Exposure to both case management and service coordination, supporting professional growth

• Supportive team environment with training and development opportunities

• Stable, full-time permanent role based in Cairns