Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative – Family, Care and Early Years now has the following vacancies:

Foster Care Recruitment, Assessment & Training Worker

Full-time, 38 hours a week, hours are negotiable

This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

About the Role

The Foster Care Recruitment, Assessment & Training Worker reports directly to the Team Leader Foster Care and is responsible for supporting the Team Leader to fulfil the requirements and responsibilities relevant to the role including Aboriginal ways of working, quality and compliance, and the strategic direction of Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative.

The Worker is responsible for recruiting, assessing, training and reviewing foster carers to ensure safe, nurturing and culturally sensitive care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people inclusive of completing Step by Step 2020 assessments. Responsible for delivering pre-service and ongoing training and conducting annual carer reviews to maintain approval and compliance with legislative and program requirements.

This position supports carers to build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to meet the complex needs of Aboriginal children and young people who have experienced trauma, while promoting their safety, stability, identity and connection to family, community and culture. A core focus is to strengthen and maintain a pool of foster carers who can provide stable, healing and culturally responsive placements that support children’s wellbeing and development.

About You

To excel in this position, you should possess the following qualifications and qualities:

You are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Community Services or a related field.

Step by Step Victoria & Our Carers for Our Kids registration (desirable).

Knowledge of the local Aboriginal community and culture and the role Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative provides.

Demonstrated understanding of the importance of cultural safety for Aboriginal children and young people in Out of Home Care, as well as intergenerational trauma, and its impacts on children, young people, families and community.

Understanding of the out-of-home care system, including relevant legislation and compliance requirements.

Sound knowledge of child development, attachment and trauma.

Well-developed assessment skills with the ability to gather and analyse relevant information to form comprehensive assessments.

Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional reports and documentation.

Ability to deliver group training, education and community engagement sessions.

Ability to build effective working relationships with carers, colleagues and external stakeholders.

Strong organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines.

Ability to maintain a high standard of confidentiality and compliance.

Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends when required.

What We Offer:

Salary packaging of $15,900 available for Part- or Full-time employees.

Competitive pay and conditions based on the SCHADS Award, Level 5 – pay point 1.

Opportunities for additional incentives, which may include Christmas bonus days, recognition of NAIDOC day, periodic adjustments aligned with CPI increases, and the possibility of a relocation allowance when applicable.

Professional development opportunities and support to help you grow in your career.

Access to a free and confidential Employment Assistance Program and more.

Provision of a laptop and mobile phone to support your work where applicable.

Fleet cars to carry out daily tasks where applicable.

You will be required to undertake a pre-employment screening check, including providing a copy of your Confirmation of Aboriginality.

Please apply though this link - https://rum.chris21.com/RUM_MER21p/Home/Index#!/

If you experience any technical difficulties using our online portal, please contact our Human Resources Staff on (03) 5820 0000.

To apply, please submit:

1. A cover letter that includes:

Stating who your mob/clan is.

Your previous experience and/or qualifications.

2. A current resume.

Applications close: Thursday 13th of November 2025

This is an “Indigenous Only” role under Special Measures of the EEO Act 2010, Section 12.