Support Children and Kinship Carers Across the Region

Meli is seeking a compassionate and skilled Caseworker to join our Care Services team, supporting children and young people placed in kinship care arrangements across Geelong, the Surf Coast, Colac, Otway and Corangamite Shires. This role is central to ensuring the safety, stability and wellbeing of children in out-of-home care, while providing guidance and support to kinship carers. You’ll work collaboratively with families, professionals and community partners to maintain placements, conduct assessments, and deliver tailored support that reflects each child’s best interests.

About the Role

As a Caseworker – Care Services, you will:

• Provide case management and support to children and carers in kinship care arrangements
• Conduct carer assessments, reviews and permanency planning in line with legislative requirements
• Collaborate with families, professionals and community services to achieve positive outcomes for children
• Participate in carer support groups, team meetings and the after-hours on-call roster

Position Details

• Full time, Fixed term position until 30 June 2026
• 1 FTE working 38 hours per week
• $101,032 p/a + Super + Salary Packaging
• To view the Position Description, please visit www.meli.org.au/careers

Why Work with Us?

At Meli, we offer more than just a job—we provide a platform to thrive, grow, and make an impact. Our Employee Value Proposition (EVP) includes:

• Supportive Culture: Join a values-driven organization that fosters collaboration and innovation.
• Career Growth: Access ongoing Learning & Development opportunities and clear pathways for progression.
• Financial Benefits: Enjoy salary packaging up to $15,900 per year, enhancing your financial well-being.
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from flexible ways of working
• Employee Wellbeing: Participate in employee-led Inclusion Working Groups, access confidential counselling via our Employee Assistance Program, and enjoy paid parental leave above the government scheme.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Be part of a team that celebrates diversity and actively supports individuals from all walks of life.

What We're Looking For

We value individuals who bring dedication, empathy, and expertise to their roles. To succeed in this position, you will have:

• A tertiary qualification in social work, psychology, or a related discipline, together with experience in a similar role.
• Demonstrated experience in working with and understanding the developmental and therapeutic needs of vulnerable children who have lived with abuse and neglect.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills in preparing detailed, logical and concise reports, case notes and court documentation.
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining client records and agency databases.
• An understanding of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, including the information sharing provisions, child protection frameworks and practices underpinned by legislation

Join Our Commitment

Meli is committed to providing a child-safe environment. We have zero tolerance of any abuse or maltreatment of children. Our recruitment practices reflect our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of young people in our care.

Meli is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ community members, people living with disabilities, and those looking to return to the workforce.

Our usual process includes a written application, a phone call and a panel interview, if you require adjustments to the recruitment process, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how we can best support you.

How to Apply

We’re excited to hear from you! Please submit your application, including a résumé and addressing the key selection criteria in the application form. Applications close 11:59pm Friday 22 August 2025

For more information about the position please contact Natalie Lock, Team Leader Kinship Care on 0447 527 369

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to inspire change and make a lasting impact, click Apply Now and start your journey with Meli.

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