Your Opportunity
Support Stronger Futures for Children – Join Our Dedicated Team
Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Services (TAIHS) is committed to strengthening the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities. We are currently seeking compassionate and detail-oriented Placement Support Officers (PSO) to support our Foster and Kinship Care Program.
In this vital role, you will be responsible for the ongoing monitoring and management of quality foster and kinship care placements. You will work closely with carers to ensure placements are safe, supportive, and meet the Standards of Care as outlined in the Child Protection Act 1999, while aligning with TAIHS’s service model and agreement obligations. Your work will help provide stability and culturally appropriate care for children and young people in our community. The positions are full time fixed term up to 30 June 2027.
Your Contribution
This position of Placement Support Officer (PSO) is responsible for the monitoring and management of quality foster care and kinship care placements and the provision of services that support foster and kinship carers in line with the service model, service agreement, Child Protection Act, in particular the Standards of Care (CP Act 1999).
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Carer Recruitment and Management
The Placement Support Officer is responsible for the management and monitoring of quality foster care and kinship care placements through:
- Assessment and reassessments of carers prior to Child Safety Services approval/re-approval
- Conducting monthly home visits
- Participate in recruitment of carers activities
- Advocating for carers
- Attending stakeholders’ meetings
- Supporting carers to understand their roles and responsibilities
- Liaise with the Program Manager / Practice Lead
- Organise and self-manage carer catch ups
- Review and complete carer renewals
- Attend Interagency meetings and other meetings as directed by Program Manager / Practice Lead
Administration
- Maintain accurate and current documents on carer records in accordance with the practice manual
- Provide Program Manager and Practice Lead with all relevant data and information regarding service delivery as required and/or directed
- Provide monthly team meeting report
- Secure management of all program files and compliance with the Child Protection Act 1999 and Child Protection Regulation
- Complete all internal LogiQC Database tasks
Foster Linkages
- Ensure effective case liaison with Department and designated staff of Child Safety Service Centres
- Work to foster productive working relationships with relevant state government and non-government departments
- Develop links with relevant organisations to promote effective working relationship and assist with a coordinated response to client issues in the community
- Foster effective relationships between all TAIHS Managers, work teams and staff
- Complete all assessments/renewals, organise and self-manage carer catch ups within timeframes
- Attend Interagency meetings and other meetings as directed by Program Manager / Practice Lead
- Maintain carers records with all current documents uploaded and accessible in accordance with the Foster and Kinship Practice Manual, HSQF and Licensing
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Relevant level qualifications (in child and/or youth, community services, human services or behavioural science e.g. Certificate III level and ability and willingness to undertake a relevant Certificate IV)
- Demonstrated experience in working in foster care, childcare services, human services, or social care environments
- Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
- Hope and Healing Certification or willingness to obtain
- Current First Aid and CPR
- Certificate IV Assessment and Training (Desirable)
- Proven strong communication, consultation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with Child Safety Services, Foster Carers and other key stakeholders
- Demonstrated abilities in problem solving, and conflict resolution with reference to management of emotional responses for all parties involved in the process
- Ability to work autonomously and contribute to effective outcomes within a team
- Competent in the use of IT platforms
- Knowledge and understanding of the Child Protection Act particularly in relation to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the child protection system
Benefits of working with TAIHS
TAIHS provides access to an employee assistance program and access to learning and development opportunities. Your employment experience with TAIHS will include work-life balance with competitive salary and benefits, generous leave entitlements with up to 6 weeks leave per year, career progression opportunities and the chance to make a difference to the people and communities.
TAIHS is committed to building an inclusive culture that respects and promotes human rights and diversity. The position involves working with a multicultural organisation where the majority of employees, clients and stakeholders identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Employees demonstrate an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people communicate effectively and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
TAIHS acknowledges that we respectfully journey together to aspire to be a culturally capable organisation. We are an inclusive, equal employment opportunity employer and place value on our diverse workforce. We encourage applicants representing all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, people with a disability, and those with family responsibilities to apply.
How to Apply:
Please visit the TAIHS Careers Page for more information and to view the full Position Description at: https://www.taihs.net.au/working-with-taihs/
You must submit the below documentation;
- CV/Resume
- One page cover letter detailing how you will achieve success in the position
Applications Close: Monday 28th July 2025
Email: hr@taihs.net.au Website: https://www.taihs.net.au/
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
