The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory POSITION DESCRIPTION Position Title Melton Foster Care Program Case Worker Employee Name Salvation Army Date Division/ Entity/Location Melbourne Central Division Organisational Unit/ Department Westcare Melton Foster Care Program May 2014 THE SALVATION ARMY INTERNATIONAL MISSION STATEMENT The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human need in His name without discrimination. AUSTRALIA SOUTHERN TERRITORY’S MISSION AND VALUES Mission Values The mission of The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory is: • Transforming lives: working for personal renewal through Jesus Christ, that touches and integrates the whole person • Caring for people: engaging with others in need, without discrimination • Making Disciples: patterning lives on Jesus • Reforming Society: acting on the structures of society to restore justice The values of The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory are: • Human dignity: respecting the sanctity of human life as being made in image of God. We affirm the worth and capacity of all people. • Justice: acting with integrity and fairness, without discrimination, and being an advocate for the disadvantaged; managing all resources responsibly as stewards. We promote healthy and whole relationships, and good society. • Hope: sharing the gospel of Jesus as a gracious invitation to wholeness. We work for reconciliation, healing and transformation for all people and creation. • Compassion: engaging with others in the Spirit of Jesus. We feel compelled to stand with and do something about another’s suffering. • Community: owning our common humanity as we engage with people, working and journeying together, for mutual capacity building. We build community and meet with God in our encounter with others. PD MFC Caseworker 2014.doc Page 1 All employees in non-ministry positions in The Salvation Army are expected to work in accordance with the Australia Southern Territory’s mission and values and comply with Official Minutes, policies and procedures. Position reports to Team Leader Position Purpose As a member of the Melton Foster Care Program this position is responsible to provide a high quality service to infants, children, young people and families in the Shire of Melton and throughout the North West Region of Melbourne. To participate actively in the recruitment, assessment and ongoing training and support of caregivers; this includes the provision of support and guidance in relation to the needs of infants, children and young people in care. It is the role of this position to ensure that all assessments and any assistance provided is done so in accordance with the mission and values of The Salvation Army. Qualifications Tertiary qualifications – preferably in Social Work or Social Sciences/ or relevant experience Award (if applicable) Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Award Resource Management Reportable Positions Classification SAC5 Total staff management (EFT) Personal Competencies Required ♦ Willingness to work in accordance with The Salvation Army’s mission and values, and comply with Official Minutes, policies and procedures. Commitment to working within the Best Interests of children and young people Key Selection Criteria ♦ Demonstrating this willingness by working within the mission values of: Human Dignity, Justice, Hope, Compassion, and Community. ♦ Knowledge of relevant legislation (Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 and the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005) including application of legislation to casework practice. ♦ Commitment to, and experience in ensuring that every infant, child, young person, their family and all workers and carers in the agency will receive the best possible support and service to enable them to work together to ensure a positive and safe culture. ♦ Experience and skill in case work practice with an emphasis on infants, children and family functioning ♦ Knowledge and adherence to the program philosophy and policies Macintosh HD:Users:ethicaljobs:Library:Containers:com.apple.mail:Data:Library:Mail Downloads:PD MFC Caseworker 2014.doc Page 2 ♦ Demonstrated knowledge & experience in understanding & applying relevant legislative, policy & standards frameworks for services for children & young people at risk. This includes knowledge of current risk assessment frameworks & case management standards within a statutory framework ♦ Problem solving skills – identifies & solves problems quickly & creatively; ♦ Knowledge and practice of theoretical frameworks and their application to the development, management & understanding of infants, children & young people at risk. ♦ Commitment to the principles of social justice and to working with the disadvantaged. ♦ Good conflict resolution skills. ♦ Integrity, openness & honesty ♦ Excellent interpersonal communication skills, time management/organisational skills, effective coping skills in demanding situations, calmness & resilience ♦ Demonstrated negotiation & advocacy skills ♦ The ability to form positive relationships with children, young people, parents, care givers, and colleagues. ♦ Sound casework experience; experience in working with complex family systems and situations; conflict resolution skills. ♦ Excellent problem solving skills. ♦ Highly developed written & verbal communication skills. ♦ Demonstrated ability in working collaboratively with volunteers, communities, networks, other agencies & statutory bodies in forming partnerships to work together to get the best possible outcomes for infants, children, young people & their families ♦ Demonstrated skill & capacity to work collaboratively as part of a team ♦ Proficiency in computer skills (Microsoft Computer packages) Macintosh HD:Users:ethicaljobs:Library:Containers:com.apple.mail:Data:Library:Mail Downloads:PD MFC Caseworker 2014.doc Page 3 Key Result Areas Maintain a best practice standard of service delivery to children, young people & their families, consistent with theoretical, legal & contractual requirements specified in the program service plans Key Activities • • • • • • • To ensure all documentation and • Assess referrals to the program in consultation with Team Leader and or Manager Provide a casework service to infants, children and young people placed in Melton Foster Care, which incorporates the provision of support and guidance to carers in relation to these infants, children and young people. Work with families of infants, children and young people in Melton Foster Care offering a support service and assisting the infant, child or young person’s return to the family Work constructively with families to achieve Best Interest plan goals including facilitating and supervising access visits. Participate in LAC meetings and ensure documentation of records are provided to all relevant parties. To provide a case management services as determined by the Manager and or Team Leader. To participate in regular supervision for the purpose of accountability, support and professional development, including group supervision with external consultants when required. Prepare reports and make recommendations to DHS regarding infants, children and young people and their Standard Measures • Ensure all infants, children and young people’s needs are assessed and that all young people are appropriately matched with Melton Foster Care carers. • Ensure all casework services are planned and implemented in a way that is clearly responsive to the individual needs of the infants, children and young people referred to the program. • The family whose child is in care is satisfied with the care provided to the child and the family’s relationship with the child is supported and maintained • Ensure LAC meetings occur according to LAC framework. • Ensure standards and requirements are met according to the agreement with the department of Human Services for contracted case management. • All CRIS & CRISSP records are established and maintained according to DHS guidelines • • Participate in regular supervision with Team Leader Actively participate in relevant training that improves the experience for young people accessing the program. • Ensure all reports are of high quality and provided in a timely manner for approval by Team Leader or Macintosh HD:Users:ethicaljobs:Library:Containers:com.apple.mail:Data:Library:Mail Downloads:PD MFC Caseworker 2014.doc Page 4 Key Result Areas program data is completed and updated regularly Key Activities • • • Recruitment & Assessment of carers • Standard Measures families in a timely manner. Prepare placement reports and identify any placement issues. Prepare annual review reports of Melton Foster Care carers. Participate in assessments reports for prospective Melton Foster Care carers To participate in the recruitment, assessment and ongoing training and support of Melton Foster Care carers • • • Work effectively as part of a team • • • • • • • Develop effective networks • Manager. Meet agency standards in relation to case notes and other administrative tasks. The recruitment and assessment and training of carers result in a stable pool of carers able to meet the needs of infants, children and young people referred to the program The provision of support, guidance and training of carers is such that the carers feel valued and are satisfied with the relationship with the agency Show flexibility & courtesy. Relevant information is disseminated in a timely manner. Problem solving and new information should be shared and discussed at staff meetings and or with individual colleagues when appropriate. Work collaboratively with children and young people, families, carers and staff. Participate in staff meetings and other peer activities. Participate in a duty system Participate in on-call system Demonstrate a professional work ethic such as reliability, punctuality & flexibility Share information with co-workers and management; be proactive in solving work place issues and problems. Seek to work through conflict and reach agreement by demonstrating good, clear communication. • • • Know and understand the grievance procedure. Develop networks with local agencies and communities to further the capacity of the program to • • Actively participate in internal and external networks. Good communication between professionals regarding • Macintosh HD:Users:ethicaljobs:Library:Containers:com.apple.mail:Data:Library:Mail Downloads:PD MFC Caseworker 2014.doc Page 5 Key Result Areas Key Activities Standard Measures meet the needs of service users. Conduct all job role responsibilities in a professional manner • • • • infants, children and young people in care. Adhere to Occupational Health and Safety standards Practice and promote equity principles when liaising with the community Promote a positive image of The Salvation Army and Westcare to members of the community. Performance of other duties as required provided such duties are within the range of the staff member’s skill, competence and training. • • • • Demonstrate understanding of agency OH&S protocols. Demonstrate understanding of equity principles Demonstrate commitment to supporting the mission and objectives of the agency. Demonstrate a commitment to maintaining professional standards of personal presentation and accountability. SPECIAL CONDITIONS: • A current Victorian Drivers Licence • Occasional use of own car with comprehensive insurance • Current Police Check and Working with Children Checks required • The Agency has a policy of a smoke free work place. • Given the nature of the organisation, the appointee must be prepared for his/her role to involve out of hours work and to participate in an after hour duty roster if required. • Undertake a range of other duties that are within the limits of the incumbents skill, competence and training as directed by the Manager • The Salvation Army Westcare is an equal opportunity employer • Any applicant recommended for this appointment will be required to abide by the program and ethical standards set by the Agency Employee’s Signature: Date: Print Name: Manager’s Signature: Date: Print Name: Macintosh HD:Users:ethicaljobs:Library:Containers:com.apple.mail:Data:Library:Mail Downloads:PD MFC Caseworker 2014.doc Page 6