Better Futures Practitioner

Cafs; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 106,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging benefits

Professional development

Supervision and reflective practice

Collaborative culture

Commitment to child safety and inclusi

Job summary

Cafs in Ballarat, VIC is seeking a Better Futures Practitioner to support young people transitioning from care. You will provide case management, advocacy and practical help across housing, education, employment, health and wellbeing, helping clients build independence and secure positive futures.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will engage with carers and local services, maintain accurate records and participate in care planning, with a strong emphasis on autonomy and culturally

Responsibilities

• Deliver case management and support in line with the Better Futures Framework.
• Build therapeutic relationships that empower young people to achieve their goals.
• Support young people to access housing, education, employment, health and wellbeing services.
• Coordinate referrals, advocacy and community connections.
• Manage Better Futures brokerage processes and flexible funding.
• Attend care team meetings and provide secondary consultations.
• Maintain accurate client records and reporting requirements.
• Develop strong partnerships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Lead joint visits and participate in professional meetings.
• Support less experienced practitioners and program support workers.
• Manage complex cases and work with a high level of autonomy.

Job description

Join our Youth Case Management & Better Futures team and help young people build successful futures beyond care

Employment type: Full Time Permanent
Classification: Social Worker Level 5 (SW5)
Salary: $105,736 to $110,518 + superannuation
Salary packaging options: Up to $15,900 plus meals and entertainment benefits
Location: Ballarat, VIC
Above award entitlements: Including 3 days paid Christmas Leave annually

Our Values

At Cafs, our work is guided by the values of:

Respect | Integrity | Collaboration | Kindness | Innovation

About the Program

The Better Futures program supports young people with a care experience to transition successfully into adulthood.Through therapeutic engagement, advocacy and practical support, the program assists young people to build independence,strengthen community connections, access education and employment opportunities, secure housing, and improve overall wellbeing.

Better Futures supports eligible young people from age 15 years and 9 months through to their 21st birthday and includescase management, Home Stretch support, accommodation brokerage and community connection opportunities.

About the Role

As a Better Futures Practitioner, you will engage with young people transitioning from out-of-home care,supporting them to have an active voice in their future planning while achieving their goals and aspirations.

Guided by the Better Futures Practice Framework and Advantage Thinking approach, you will provide individualised,strengths-based support across housing, education, employment, health, wellbeing, community participation and cultural connection.Working collaboratively with young people, carers, Child Protection, care teams and community organisations,you will help create positive pathways to independence and long-term stability.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver case management and support in line with the Better Futures Framework.
• Build therapeutic relationships that empower young people to achieve their goals.
• Support young people to access housing, education, employment, health and wellbeing services.
• Coordinate referrals, advocacy and community connections.
• Manage Better Futures brokerage processes and flexible funding.
• Attend care team meetings and provide secondary consultations.
• Maintain accurate client records and reporting requirements.
• Develop strong partnerships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Lead joint visits and participate in professional meetings.
• Support less experienced practitioners and program support workers.
• Manage complex cases and work with a high level of autonomy.

Why Join Cafs?

At Cafs, you'll join a supportive and inclusive organisation where your contribution genuinely matters.

• Salary packaging benefits
• Professional development and career progression opportunities
• Regular supervision and reflective practice support
• A supportive, collaborative and values-based culture
• An organisation committed to child safety, inclusion, diversity and eliminating family violence
• Opportunities to positively influence the lives of young people transitioning from care
• Above-award benefits including 3 days paid Christmas Leave annually

Our Commitment

Inclusion and diversity are at the heart of everything we do at Cafs. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,people with disability, members of the LGBTIQA+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

"To work with people to enable healing, hope and meaningful impact across all generations."

Applications close 27 August 2026. Please note that applications may be reviewed as they are received,and applicants may be contacted for interview prior to the closing date. All applicants must be eligible to work in Australia,and employment will be subject to satisfactory Police and Victorian Working with Children Checks.