Oohc Carer Assessor

Creating Links; Sydney; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $15,900 pa

Meals & entertainment card

Wellbeing support — EAP for you and/or

Job summary

Creating Links is seeking an OOHC Carer Assessor to join our Permanency Support Program, assessing foster, relative and kinship carers to secure safe, stable homes for children in out-of-home care.

You will conduct comprehensive assessments, support authorisation, and deliver trauma-informed training while collaborating with PSP, casework and support teams to promote positive outcomes for children and families.

Qualifications

• Must have qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Social Sciences or a related field.
• Strong assessment, interviewing and statutory child protection experience.
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills with evidence-based recommendations.
• Understanding of NSW child protection legislation and safeguarding principles.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities while maintaining professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Conduct foster and kinship carer assessments, including interviews, home visits and safety checks.
• Prepare high-quality assessment reports and recommendations for carer suitability and authorisation.
• Undertake annual and interim carer reviews and re-authorisation assessments.
• Deliver and coordinate carer training, including pre-authorisation and trauma-informed care programs.
• Assess carers' capacity to support children with trauma backgrounds, disability, complex behaviours and diverse cultural needs.
• Identify safeguarding risks and ensure compliance with legislation and PSP requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams and stakeholders to support placement matching and informed decision-making.

Skills

Assessment skills

Interviews

Report writing

Trauma-informed practice

Interpersonal communication

Education

Social Work / Psychology / Social Sciences degree

Job description

About the Role

As an OOHC Carer Assessor, you will play a key role in assessing the suitability, capacity and readiness of prospective and existing foster, relative and kinship carers within our Permanency Support Program (PSP).

You will conduct comprehensive carer assessments, reviews and training, providing evidence-based recommendations that support safe placements, carer authorisation and positive outcomes for children and young people.

Working collaboratively with our Carer Recruitment, Casework, Therapeutic and Carer Support teams, you will help build a strong and diverse network of carers equipped to meet the needs of children and young people in out-of-home care.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive foster and kinship carer assessments, including interviews, home visits and household safety checks.
• Prepare high-quality assessment reports and recommendations for carer suitability and authorisation.
• Undertake annual and interim carer reviews and re-authorisation assessments.
• Deliver and coordinate carer training, including pre-authorisation and trauma-informed care programs.
• Assess carers' capacity to support children with trauma backgrounds, disability, complex behaviours and diverse cultural needs.
• Identify and manage safeguarding risks while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, Child Safe Standards and PSP requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to support appropriate placement matching and informed decision-making.

Make a Meaningful Difference in the Lives of Children and Families

Are you a passionate social work or child protection professional with strong assessment skills and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people?

Creating Links is seeking a skilled OOHC Carer Assessor to join our Permanency Support Program (PSP). In this role, you will assess and support foster, relative and kinship carers, helping ensure children and young people in out-of-home care have access to safe, stable and nurturing homes.

This is an opportunity to use your professional expertise, sound judgement and trauma-informed approach to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, carers and families.

About Us

Creating Links is a leading not-for-profit multicultural community service provider with over 50 years of experience supporting individuals and families across South-West Sydney and Greater Sydney.

Our services include Disability, Foster Care, Child & Family Services and Financial Wellbeing. We are committed to delivering inclusive, person-centred services that empower individuals, strengthen families and create positive outcomes for our communities.

Why You'll Love Working With Us

• Inclusive Culture – Work in a team that values diversity, respect and genuine collaboration.
• Salary Packaging – Maximise your take-home pay with generous salary packaging (up to $15,900 pa) and a $2,650 meals & entertainment card.
• Grow Your Skills – Access internal and external training to support your professional development.
• Wellbeing Support – Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.
• Make an Impact – Be part of a trusted community organisation making a meaningful difference.
• Rewards Shopping Discount – Access discounts across 500+ retailers.
• Novated Leasing – Access novated lease tax benefits.

About You We are looking for a compassionate, organised and analytical professional who can build positive relationships while maintaining strong professional judgement and a commitment to child safety. To be successful in this role, you will have: Qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Social Sciences or a related field. Demonstrated experience in assessment, interviewing or statutory child protection. Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, attachment, child development and therapeutic care principles. Excellent analytical and report-writing skills, with the ability to make clear, evidence-based recommendations. Sound knowledge of NSW child protection legislation, out-of-home care requirements and safeguarding principles. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with carers, families and stakeholders. Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and maintain professional boundaries. Desirable Skills and Experience Experience within the NSW Permanency Support Program (PSP), foster care, kinship care or broader out-of-home care sector. Training in Step-by-Step, Shared Lives or other recognised carer assessment frameworks. Experience working with Aboriginal families or knowledge of Aboriginal cultural safety principles. Experience assessing carers supporting children with disability, complex behaviours or additional support needs. Ability to speak a language other than English. Additional Requirements Current NSW Working with Children Check. Current Criminal History Check. Current NSW Driver's Licence and comprehensively insured vehicle. Ability to work flexible hours, including regular evenings and weekends for assessments, training and events. Willingness to travel long distances, including interstate, for home visits and assessments. Ready to Make a Difference? If you are passionate about child safety, supporting carers and helping children and young people thrive, we would love to hear from you.