Youth Support Worker

The Salvation Army; Sydney; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Meals & entertainment card

Training and development

Job summary

Creating Links is seeking a Carer Support Worker to join our Permanency Support Program in Sydney. You will recruit, assess, train and support foster carers to provide safe, nurturing care for children and young people, working closely with case managers to navigate authorisation and changes in placements.

As a confident practitioner with trauma-informed, culturally safe practice, you will conduct assessments, deliver training, and respond to safeguarding concerns while maintaining accurate

Qualifications

• Degree in Social Work, Social Science, Psychology or a related field, or a Diploma with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in child protection, foster care or a related field.
• Experience conducting carer assessments, home visits and compliance checks.
• Ability to deliver training and support groups, including for carers who speak English as a second language.
• Sound knowledge of the Permanency Support Program (PSP), child protection legislation and OCG accreditation standards.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care, child development and attachment theory.
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and CALD communities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to participate in rostered after-hours on-call service and occasional evenings/weekends.
• Current NSW Working with Children Check, National Police History Check, NSW driver’s licence and access to a comprehensively insured vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Support carer recruitment through information sessions, community outreach and engagement with prospective carers.
• Conduct carer assessments and authorisation reviews, including home visits, and prepare clear, evidence-based reports.
• Deliver pre-authorisation and ongoing training, coaching and support groups for carers.
• Provide regular supervision and practical support to carers, including help with placement challenges and carer wellbeing.
• Contribute to placement matching and support children, young people and carers through transitions.
• Respond to urgent concerns and participate in the rostered after-hours service.
• Promote culturally safe, trauma-informed practice and respond to child safety, safeguarding and carer conduct concerns.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Education

Degree in Social Work, Social Science, Psychology or related field; Diploma with 3+ years experience

Job description

Carer Support Worker – Permanency Support Program

Introduction

Our StoryCreating Links is a leading not-for-profit multicultural community service provider, that is dedicated to delivering the highest quality of standards and service across South-West Sydney and the Greater Sydney region. Garnering a deep and rich history of more than 50 years, we understand the importance of culture and community. Today, we have grown to provide Disability services, Foster Care, Child & Family services, and Financial Wellbeing. We are committed to delivering a holistic person-centred approach combined with a strong passion and focus on providing quality support and service excellence.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Inclusive Culture – Work in a team that values diversity 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 that listens, innovates, and strives for better outcomes every day.
• Rewards Shopping Discount – perks on over 500 retailers, thousands saved every year.
• Novated Lease – Novated Lease Tax Benefits

About the Role

Creating Links is seeking a Carer Support Worker to join our Permanency Support Program (PSP). You will help recruit, assess, train and support foster carers so they can provide safe, nurturing care for children and young people. Working closely with case managers, you will support carers throughout their authorisation and care journey, including when placements change or challenges arise.

You will:

• Support carer recruitment through information sessions, community outreach and engagement with prospective carers.
• Conduct carer assessments and authorisation reviews, including home visits, and prepare clear, evidence-based reports.
• Deliver pre-authorisation and ongoing training, coaching and support groups for carers.
• Provide regular supervision and practical support to carers, including help with placement challenges and carer wellbeing.
• Contribute to placement matching and support children, young people and carers through transitions.
• Respond to urgent concerns and participate in the rostered after-hours service.
• Promote culturally safe, trauma-informed practice and respond to child safety, safeguarding and carer conduct concerns.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to quality assurance and continuous improvement.

About You

You will be a confident practitioner with strong communication skills and a commitment to trauma-informed, culturally safe practice.

Essential Criteria

• Degree in Social Work, Social Science, Psychology or a related field, or a Diploma with at least 3 years of relevant experience
• Experience in child protection, foster care or a related field
• Experience conducting carer assessments, home visits and compliance checks
• Ability to deliver training and support groups, including for carers who speak English as a second language
• Sound knowledge of the Permanency Support Program (PSP), child protection legislation and OCG accreditation standards
• Understanding of trauma-informed care, child development and attachment theory
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to have difficult conversations, manage conflict and resolve issues
• Ability to maintain accurate case records and prepare clear, high-quality reports
• Ability to participate in a rostered after-hours on-call service and work occasional evenings or weekends
• Current NSW Working with Children Check, National Police History Check, NSW driver’s licence and access to a comprehensively insured vehicle

Desirable

• Fluency in a relevant community language
• Postgraduate qualifications or additional training in child protection, trauma-informed care or family support services