Join Our Team Supporting Our Kids and Families MARABISDA is seeking two passionate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Kinship Care Support Workers who want to make a real difference in the lives of our children, families and carers in the Mackay region. If you have strong community connections, life experience and genuine heart for supporting our mob – we want to hear from you! Eligibility Please note that it is a genuine requirement that this position is filled by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person in accordance with s25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld). Organisational Context MARABISDA Inc. is a community-based organization focused on increasing the cultural, economic and social status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Mackay and the surrounding areas. MARABISDA currently delivers Piccaninny Foster and Kinship Care Service, Indigenous Family Wellbeing Service, Family Participation Program, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family and Domestic Violence Support Service, Connected Beginnings, Delegated Authority and Trading Tracks. Position purpose and goals · You will support kinship carer to provide safe culturally strong and nurturing homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are unable to live with their parents · You will walk alongside carers, guide them through challenges, and help ensure our children remain connected to culture, community and identity · Monitoring the care, progress and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in placement to ensure the provision of quality, culturally appropriate placements and positive care experiences for children and young people requiring kinship care placement Key responsibilities · To assist with recruitment and associated processes for kinship carers to meet identified placement needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children requiring out-of-home care · To assist with the provision of initial and ongoing training in compliance with legislative or carer approval status requirements · To undertake interviews which facilitate the comprehensive assessment of prospective kinship carers – this may require planned after-hours and weekend home visits to complete such interview with carers · Ensure carers are provided with regular information regarding legislation and policy changes from Government agencies where it relates directly to their care role · Provide high quality support for kinship carers through monthly home visitation and ensure kinship carers are assisted to develop positive solutions to child management challenges and crisis situations in compliance with the requirement in the Statement of Standards · Are aware of, have read and ensure compliance with MARABISDA’s Policies and Procedures · Conduct regular home visits and complete case notes and reports as required by MARABISDA · Establish and maintain a professional and effective working relationship with Government agencies · Participate in local area support groups with kinship carers, attend local Foster Care meetings, forums and interagency meetings as required · Keep appropriate records in accordance with MARABISDA’s Policies and Procedures and all associated legislation · Undertake the process to meet review requirements of kinship carers in accordance with the Child Protection Act 1999 with regard to placement agreements, approval review processes and renewal of Certificates of Approval for kinship carers Who we are looking for · Calm and steady in a crisis · Strong connections in the community · Understands the families face · Can balance compassion with professional boundaries · Wants to grow in the community services sector long-term · Believes in the strength and resilience of our people To be successful in this role · Current valid driver’s license · Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families · Knowledge of kinship care or child protection systems (desirable) · Strong written skills for case notes and reports · Confidence conducting home visits and assessments · The ability to make sound, balanced decisions · A deep understanding of cultural obligations and strengths Why work with MARABISDA? · Work in a culturally grounded community organization · Being part of a supportive, close-knit team · Regular development opportunities · Make meaningful impact in your own community · Access to wellbeing support To apply · Please attach your resume, and a cover letter introducing yourself and why you want to work as part of the MARABISDA team. More info · For more information please call MARABISDA and speak to Megan Durante for a yarn about the role.
