Kinship Practitioner

Job Description

Practitioner Kinship Team VIC Full-time - 4 month contract Sunshine, VIC About Us At Baptcare, we care. Our Mission and Vision are lived through our WE CARE Values: for our residents, customers, clients, partners, and supporters; with the very young through to the very old, the vulnerable, with families through all of life’s stages and challenges. Baptcare is a purpose driven organisation working across Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia, focused on providing residential and community care for older people and support to children, families, and people with disability, financially disadvantaged people and people seeking asylum. Our Values are Wellbeing, Ethics, Co-creating, Accountability, Respect and Effectiveness . About the Role The Kinship Care Practitioner works in partnership with Child Protection and other support services to deliver holistic case management to children and young people in kinship care. The program aims to support placement stability, with supports tailored to the needs of the placement, including the kinship carer and family. Delivery of such case management requires effective trauma-informed support planning. A key focus of the role is to undertake risk assessment and effective, trauma-informed support planning for a range of complex issues related to drug and alcohol, family violence, mental health, disadvantage, and poverty, resulting in chronic neglect and/or cumulative harm, in line with best practice approaches and the Looking After Children (LAC) framework. Delivery of the service occurs primarily through outreach to children, young people, and carers in their homes. The Kinship Care program operates across Brimbank Melton LGAs of Victoria and is funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH). The role reports directly to the Kinship Care Team Leader and/or Senior Kinship Practitioner, and indirectly to the Care and Support Services Manager. Key Responsibilities Provide evidence-based assessment and case management support to children, young people, carers, and families in line with the Best Interests Case Practice Model. Prepare and submit a range of high-quality written reports to internal and/or external stakeholders, such as the Court, as required within specific timeframes. Maintain a case load and service delivery, addressing areas of required service improvement to ensure full compliance with safety, legislative, and regulatory guidelines. Maintain a high standard of record keeping in line with Baptcare’s legislative, regulatory, and contractual requirements. Engage with the day-to-day operations of the team, including caseload management, performance management, professional development, supervision, and reflective practice. Participate in regular professional development, maintaining awareness of sector focus and policies, notably Child Protection policy and practice. Maintain updated knowledge of, and work within, Baptcare and DFFH policies and procedures. Ensure service delivery aligns with Baptcare’s strategic initiatives. Take on additional duties as required to undertake the role. Key Selection Criteria Knowledge and understanding of trauma, child development, and family dynamics. Comprehensive knowledge of the Child Protection system, legislation, and frameworks, in addition to practice considerations for Out of Home Care Services. Knowledge of the legislative and political context, with the ability to research and seek information from stakeholders to support and inform assessment of risk and service efficacy. Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and prioritise risks and needs of clients in a holistic approach to practice. Demonstrated ability to adapt to meet a changing environment and needs of carer and/or client group while maintaining focus on service delivery. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including negotiation and problem-solving. Tertiary Qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, or other relevant Human Services qualification and/or experience. Alignment and commitment to Baptcare’s Mission, Vision, and Values. Current Working with Children Check. Victorian Driver’s License. For You Baptcare is focused on living our values, not just talking about them. You’ll find the culture at Baptcare is one of genuine respect, support, and positive intention. We work hard to achieve results through change, continuous improvement, and ongoing focus on providing the best service delivery to our stakeholders. Further, the successful candidate will receive: Work with a supportive and dynamic team. A competitive salary, plus access to the tax benefits of salary packaging and novated leasing. Career and development opportunities. Access to confidential counselling and support services. Flexible working within a local community. Be part of an organisation and a team that is driven to make a difference to the lives of our vulnerable community members. How to Apply Click 'Apply Now' to submit your application. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. The successful applicant will be required to undergo a National Criminal History check. If you require support with the application process, please contact . At Baptcare, we value diversity in all forms and aim to co-create inclusive experiences and communities with our employees, volunteers, the people we work alongside, and our partners. We are committed to diversity and inclusion across all we do and to building communities and workplaces where everyone belongs. Baptcare is dedicated to the safety, empowerment, and participation of all children. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to a thoughtful, protective environment that supports infants, children, and young people to feel safe and respected. Baptcare (VIC, TAS) is proud to be working towards uniting with BaptistCare (NSW, ACT, WA) and Baptist Care SA, to create a newly merged national care organisation committed to providing exceptional support and services across Australia. Together, we are building on a shared history of care and compassion, expanding our reach, and strengthening our mission to help people live well with dignity and purpose. #J-18808-Ljbffr