Who we are

Adopt Change is a not-for-profit organisation with a vision for a world where all children can grow, learn, play and thrive in safe, nurturing, and stable homes, schools and communities. Our mission is to support and educate families and communities in caring for vulnerable and displaced children.

Through our Carers for Kids NSW program (formerly My Forever Family NSW), we provide statewide support for foster carers, kinship and relative carers, guardians and adoptive parents. Carers for Kids NSW is dedicated to ensuring carers feel equipped, valued and connected in their vital role of providing safe and stable homes for children in out-of-home care (OOHC). We do this by:

Training carers with evidence-based education and workshops to build skills and confidence.

Providing resources that are practical, accessible and tailored to carers’ needs.

Advocating on behalf of carers to influence systems and policies that impact children and families.

Offering direct support through advice, peer connections and ongoing assistance to help carers navigate the challenges of caring for children from OOHC.

The Role

The Carers for Kids NSW Carer Support team responds to enquiries across the state from prospective, newly engaged and experienced foster, relative and kinship carers. The team provides practical advice and support, ensuring carers feel empowered as they provide care to children across NSW.

We are looking for a permanent Full-time EXPERIENCED Carer Support Officer to join the team.

While the majority of work can be conducted remotely, attendance at the office will be required at times.

A degree of casework is involved, and you will assist carers with information, support, advocacy and connecting them with training opportunities. You will engage and network with agencies in your area to promote Carers for Kids NSW and its services to their carers. There will also be opportunities to support carer recruitment, and be involved in training, program events, and applications for related grants as required. Skill in carer coaching is also highly desirable.

To be considered for and ultimately be successful in this role, you will need to have:

Experienced background working with children or families in the OOHC system and/or the Permanency Support Program.

Cultural competence and proven track record in working with children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

Competent presentation and training skills.

Ability to work proficiently within a team in a remote setting.

Demonstrated casework management with accurate record keeping.

Strong listening and communication skills and the ability to identify core issues quickly and accurately.

Ability to maintain a calm, empathic and professional disposition during various levels of client calls, including those which are sensitive in nature and/or with heightened emotions of clients.

Problem solving skills with ability to self-manage and prioritise while also working in a team under appropriate direction.

Confidence in digital and online systems, working with data bases including recording case notes, working remotely when required, and adept at navigating online environments including social media for instant messaging.

Demonstrated ability to apply sound judgement and make decisions involving the welfare of others.

Excellent communication skills and a sound understanding of and ability to articulate clearly to a diverse range of audiences.

Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Social Science, Welfare or a related Human Services discipline and experience is required along with data/record management proficiency and contact centre/helpline experience.

In exchange for your commitment and experience, we offer a family friendly and flexible working environment with attractive PBI salary packaging. Adopt Change embraces a hybrid working environment. Our Carer Support roles can operate on a hybrid model working remotely with an element of contact with our head office in Sydney.

To be considered for roles with Adopt Change you will need to have (or be willing to undergo) a National Police Clearance and current Working with Children Check. Please ensure you have work rights in Australia. You must have a current driver's licence with the ability to attend carer related events.

If you want to be part of a committed and innovative team making a real difference to the welfare of children, have empathy, drive, and commitment to help us realise our organisational goals, plus a can-do attitude and innovative ideas, we’d love to hear from you.

We work closely with Aboriginal partnership agencies in the community and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates.

Please attach a current resume and brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role by describing how your background, skills and career goals match the program needs.

To find out more about the Carers for Kids program please visit www.carersforkidsnsw.org.au

Adopt Change values a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all eligible candidates, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural background, religious affiliation, age or disability.

No agencies please - this role is being managed in-house.