CQID is experiencing organisational growth across all services and seeking suitable candidates for a range of positions.
CQID is one of the largest employers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Central Queensland region. Offering a broad range of service areas, with roles that serve our community across Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Longreach, Maryborough and Woorabinda.
A new organisational structure, designated HR team and the implementation of a new Workforce Strategy. Striving to support employees on their career journey is a priority and contributes us to being an Employer of Choice.
Purpose of the Position
The Team Leader’s primary role is to support the Manager in the delivery of foster care services through recruitment, assessment, training, and ongoing support of carers, as well as the monitoring and oversight of placements to ensure the safety, stability, and wellbeing needs of children and young people in care are met. The role also plays a key part in strengthening community connections and engagement to support carer recruitment, service visibility, and collaborative partnerships that enhance outcomes for children and young people.
Responsibilities and Duties
Lead the Foster Care team to:
- Build and sustain strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Elders, and community-controlled organisations to support culturally appropriate service delivery
- Coordinate the intake and assessment of potential carers
- Lead community engagement activities to promote foster and kinship care, with a focus on increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers
- Support culturally informed carer recruitment strategies, including community events, yarning circles, and targeted outreach
- Act as a cultural liaison between the service, community, and partner agencies, ensuring respectful engagement in line with cultural protocols
- Promote awareness of foster and kinship care within the community and reduce barriers to participation
- Work collaboratively with internal teams to ensure community insights inform assessment, placement, and support decisions
- Support carers and families to access culturally appropriate services, networks, and supports within their communities
- Strengthen partnerships with government, community, and private sector stakeholders to improve outcomes for children and carers
- Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying community needs, service gaps, and opportunities for innovation
- Ensure all engagement activities align with organisational values, legislative requirements, and culturally safe practice frameworks
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to reporting on engagement activities and outcomes
- Support the Manager will reporting requirements under the Foster Care Program
- Comply with organisational policies, including Workplace Health and Safety and quality standards (ISO 9001:2015 and HSQS)
- Undertake other duties as required
Key Performance Indicators
- Deliver community engagement activities in line with the recruitment plan and/or reporting requirements
- Demonstrate increased community awareness and understanding of foster and kinship care within target communities
- Evidence meaningful and ongoing engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in line with the recruitment plan and/or reporting requirements
- Contribute to growth in carer enquiries and referrals through community engagement activities
- Support progression of identified carers from community connection through to initial engagement and assessment stages in line with reporting requirements
- Maintain strong, trusted relationships with key community stakeholders, Elders, and organisations
- Demonstrate sustained and culturally respectful partnerships that support recruitment and community connection outcomes
- Ensure community voice and cultural knowledge are reflected in recruitment approaches and service delivery
- Demonstrate culturally safe practice aligned with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle (ATSICPP)
- Contribute to strengthened collaboration between community, service providers, and government stakeholders
- Support improved coordination and culturally appropriate referral pathways for carers and families
- Demonstrate accurate tracking and reporting of engagement activities and outcomes in line with reporting requirements
- Identify trends, community needs, and opportunities to improve engagement and recruitment strategies work in partnership with the Senior Practitioner – Assessment & Approval
- Maintain practice aligned with organisational values, cultural frameworks, and legislative requirements
- Participate in supervision and reflective practice to support continuous improvement
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Holds a current C Class QLD Drivers Licence
- Current Working with Children Check, ‘Blue Card’
- Holds or is willing to obtain a First Aid and CPR Certificate
Desirable
- Qualifications or knowledge related to Child Protection
- Relevant experience in foster and kinship care, including carer assessment, approval processes, and recruitment pathways
- Diploma in Community Services, Child, Youth and Family Intervention, Social Work, or a related field
- Experience at successfully leading and developing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members
- Experience at successful service delivery to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Experienced in client engagement and case collaboration
- Well-developed written communication skills, including report writing and assessment documentation
Skills and Attributes
Essential
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage – [Note: Non-Indigenous applicants will only be considered if no suitable Indigenous candidates are attracted in the first round of applicants]
- Competent in use of Microsoft Office software
- Physical ability to undertake job responsibilities
- Ability to communicate effectively; spoken and written
- Self-starter, motivated and able to self-manage work tasks
- Strong connection to and knowledge of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community
Desirable
- Ability to provide practice guidance, mentoring, or informal leadership to support staff practice
- Experience contributing to reflective practice, case consultations or processes
- Demonstrated passion for recruitment and engagement, with a commitment to driving positive change and impact by empowering families to understand and embrace opportunities within foster and kinship care, and a strong appreciation for the importance of Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations leading this work within the communities this position supports and outcomes
- Commitment to continuous learning and ongoing professional development
- Adaptability and ability to respond to changing priorities within a dynamic service environment
