Engagement & Referral Practitioner – Cairns

About us

Act for Kids is a prominent provider of prevention, professional therapy and support services for children who have suffered abuse and support for families at risk. With over 25 centres nationally, we have supported thousands of children and their families for more than 30 years. In 2021 – 2022 we provided services to 39,002 people, including over 23,000 children. Through prevention, treatment, research, education and advocacy, we are committed to helping keep kids safe, heal from trauma and lead happy lives.

About Our Culture

The Act for Kids team is a community of shared values. We are a team that is Professional, Ethical, Caring, Courageous, and Collaborative.

• Inclusive Employer 2023-2024 named by Diversity Council Australia. We are committed to an ongoing culture of respect, safety, and support for our team to be able to bring their true authentic selves to work.
• Our teams are at the heart of everything we do, and we are united by a single purpose.
• We welcome applicants from all walks of life. We honour the strengths and unique experiences of a team as diverse in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, neurodiversity, culture, and belief as our communities and the communities we support.
• Employer of Choice: Awarded in 2019, categories including Health/Wellbeing; Leadership; + Work-Life Balance.

About the Position

We are looking to welcome an Engagement and Referral Practitioner to provide active engagement and referral for support to vulnerable families where there are child protection concerns. Full time or part time opportunity (0.6 – 0.8FTE).

This position is classified Level 4 under the SCHCADS award. Salary range is $82,046 – $88,288 plus super. We offer excellent salary packaging options which can significantly increase your take home pay.

Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Maintain a case load of client families and identify family needs using specified tools.
• Successfully engage families in a timely manner and gain their consent to refer into appropriate services.
• Make effective referrals for client families to meet their identified needs.
• Provide active support including conducting cold calls and appointments with non-consenting clients.

About You

• A tertiary degree in a relevant discipline (Allied Health, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services).
• At least 2 years’ experience working within the child protection framework.
• Ability to identify family and individual client needs using a child-centred approach.
• A high level of engagement skills including experience in engaging with non-consenting clients in a respectful and non-threatening manner.
• The ability to effectively deal with conflict in a calm and non-judgmental manner.
• Highly developed communication, problem solving and people skills.

If you bring a lot of what we are looking for (or not all), we encourage you to submit your application. We consider a person’s suitability in relation to the opportunities they’ve had.

Benefits and Support

• Above-award leave provisions available – including parental, study and exam leave opportunities.
• Our managers are committed to supporting team members in cultivating work/life balance, development, and maintaining a healthy and supportive work environment.
• Professional Development – Our priority is to support your learning journey wherever you are in your career. Annual opportunity to apply for the Professional Development Fund to support you towards your personal and professional goals, as well as structured support.
• Our Employee Assistance Program includes access to curated mental health resources, 24/7 counselling support, and health and wellbeing portals with resources and guided activities for yourself and your family.
• Access to salary packaging, meal, and entertainment benefits – up to $15,900 per year tax free as well as up to $2,650 of your pre-tax income to pay for meal and entertainment benefits.

Other Requirements

• Eligibility for a Working with Children Check or professional exemption.
• Legally able work in Australia (proof of eligibility will be requested).
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved medical exemption.

About Applying

• Job applications will be reviewed as soon as submitted. Please click on ‘Apply Now’ to submit an application.
• We’re committed to enhancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions. We welcome you to share any support or adjustments you need to enable you to participate equitably in our recruitment process. If you have questions or concerns, please speak with the contact person before or during your application. Your information will remain confidential.

For more information or questions about the role, please contact Jen Rapier on 0438 137 695 or [email protected] using the subject line: Engagement & Referral Practitioner – Cairns enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.