Job Description

Out of Home Care Practitioner

Casual or Permanent Part-Time (Minimum 16 hours per week) SCHCDS Level 2–3 | Shift-based, 24/7 roster Sunshine Coast | Moreton Bay | Gympie | North Lakes & surrounds

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

REFOCUS is seeking compassionate, skilled Out of Home Care Practitioners to support children, young people, and families across our Out of Home Care, Family Services, Jarjums Homes, Babies Gunyah, and Choice & Connect programs.

This is an opportunity to be part of a values-led organisation delivering trauma-informed, child rights–based and culturally responsive care—with a strong commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities.

About the Role

As an Out of Home Care Practitioner, you will work directly with children and young people (0–17 years), parents, carers, and families to promote safety, wellbeing, stability, and connection.

You will:

• Deliver therapeutic, trauma-informed support in residential and family-based settings
• Implement care plans, behaviour support plans, and safety frameworks
• Support children’s emotional regulation, education, health, and daily living needs
• Engage families, kin, carers, Elders, and partner agencies in meaningful collaboration
• Undertake assessment, case planning, documentation, and reporting
• Participate in case conferences, reviews, and multidisciplinary planning
• Respond calmly and professionally to high‑needs and high‑risk behaviours
• Uphold all statutory, safeguarding, and Child Safe Standards requirements

This role reports to a Team Leader and carries no direct line management responsibility.

Our Programs

You may work across diverse and impactful programs, including:

• Complex Response & High Needs OOHC – supporting children and young people with high behavioural and therapeutic needs
• Jarjums Homes – culturally governed homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, supporting reunification and healing
• Babies Gunyah – supporting mothers and babies to stay together, safely, through intensive, culturally informed support
• Choice & Connect – empowering young people in care to build independence through choice, accountability, and connection

What We’re Looking For

Essential requirements:

• Certificate, Diploma or Degree in Social Work, Community Services, Human Services, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience in Out of Home Care, child protection, family support and/or maternal & infant wellbeing
• Demonstrated trauma-informed, attachment-aware, strengths-based and culturally safe practice
• Strong case management skills, including assessment, planning, coordination and documentation
• Ability to work collaboratively with families, carers, cultural authorities and professionals
• Commitment to the 10 Child Safe Standards and the Universal Principle of Cultural Safety
• Ability to work a rotating 24/7 roster, including weekends and public holidays
• Current Driver’s Licence and willingness to travel across service regions

Checks (current or ability to obtain):

• Blue Card / Working With Children Check
• Yellow Card
• Child Safety & Personal History Screening
• First Aid & CPR

What We Offer

• Meaningful, purpose-driven work with real community impact
• Level 2–3 remuneration with applicable penalties, allowances, and superannuation
• 25% loading for approved High Needs & High Risk placements
• Paid travel time (where applicable)
• Fortnightly internal and external supervision
• Strong cultural governance, reflective practice, and professional support
• Opportunities to work in innovative, community-led programs

Our Commitment

REFOCUS is a Child Safe Organisation and is deeply committed to cultural safety, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.