Foster Care Support Worker

MacKillop Family Services; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community service organization in Victoria is seeking a compassionate Support Worker to assist children in Out of Home Care (OOHC). The role involves providing daily support, managing a household, and fostering connections during family visits. Successful candidates should possess a Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention and have a valid driver's license. This position offers opportunities for career development and values diversity.

Benefits

Generous Salary Packaging

Ongoing Career Development

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Must have a valid Victorian driver's licence.
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture.
• Ability to handle household management.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily support and structure for children.
• Supervise and support children during family visits.
• Manage household tasks independently.
• Encourage life skills and emotional growth.
• Collaborate with caseworkers and leaders.

Skills

Compassion

Independence

Knowledge of Aboriginal culture

Education

Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention

Job description

Make a Real Impact – Be a Key Part of a Young Person’s Journey

Are you ready to make a real difference in a young person’s life? Join our passionate, dedicated team in our Out of Home Care (OOHC) programs, supporting children and young people with high and complex needs in a safe, therapeutic and home-like environment.

We're looking for a confident, compassionate and capable Support Worker to join our Home-Based Care (HBC) Houses team – someone who can confidently and independently take the lead in running a household, support kids during family time visits, and be a reliable presence during both the everyday and the emotional moments.

Your role will involve:

• Providing daily support and structure for children and young people in protective placements – creating a safe, nurturing, and stable home.
• Being a trusted carer while foster parents take respite – you'll handle morning and afternoon transports, supervise and support the children, and help maintain daily routines.
• Managing the household independently – from cooking and cleaning to making sure everything runs smoothly and feels like home.
• Supporting family time visits – helping children stay connected with their families in a respectful, caring way.
• Building life skills – encouraging independence and emotional growth in young people through everyday activities and therapeutic guidance.
• Collaborating with a passionate team – while you're often working independently, you’ll stay connected with our experienced caseworkers and leaders who can provide guidance and assistance when needed.

We have several casual opportunities based in Preston within our Home Based Care North program. The position reports to the Home Based Care Team Leader.

Key Selection Criteria:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention (Residential and out of home care), and or other similar or relevant tertiary qualifications.
• A current valid Victorian driver’s licence and be able to drive MacKillop vehicles in the conduct of the position requirements, including transportation of clients.
• A knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and values and an awareness of the current issues faced by Aboriginal children, young people and their families.

What We Offer:

• Generous Salary Packaging - helps increase your take home pay
• SCHADS Award Level 2 and 3 dependents on qualification and experience.
• Ongoing Career Development, Education and Training
• Employee Assistance Program – free and confidential counselling, coaching and emotional support for work and personal challenges

Requirements:

• Valid and current Driver’s Licence;
• Satisfactory Criminal History Check (paid for by MacKillop);
• Valid Employee Working with Children Check;
• Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check (for risk assessed / client facing roles).

MacKillop celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. Every person at MacKillop has the right to be safe and to be treated justly. We value every person’s ability, cultural or linguistic backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex status, relationship status, religious or spiritual beliefs, socio-economic status, and age.

It is our goal that MacKillop Family Services continues to evolve as a culturally safe, culturally competent, and welcoming organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.