The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a safe, respected and valued life.

Our areas of focus are child protection, housing, disability, the prevention of family violence, multicultural affairs, LGBTIQA+ equality, veterans, women and youth. The work we do benefits thousands of Victorians, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable.

We work in a variety of community-based settings, including people's homes, residential facilities and secure settings across metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated. All jobs can be worked flexibly, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse backgrounds and abilities. .

If you’re having any trouble viewing this ad and would like it or any attachments in an accessible format (such as large print), please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on the ad.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

THE ROLE

Permanent CareSpecialist Services provides a permanent care program that place infants, older age children, sibling groups, and children with a disability into permanent family arrangements. The Senior Permanent Care Officer will undertake information sessions, co-facilitate training, complete community applicant assessments, child profile assessments, linking children to families, and conversion to permanent care assessments of kinship and foster carers. The role also involves post legal work to maintain and sustain placements through facilitating Family Led Decision Making Meetings, applications for higher level care allowance, providing information and referrals to support services, education regarding therapeutic parenting strategies and implementation, and recommencing contact with members of the birth family. The role requires collaborative work with child protection, foster care agencies, and other stake holders.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

1. Assist in running information and training and in the development and presentation of educational publicity and recruitment strategies.
2. Provide authoritative advice to clients and their families, other agencies and solicitors on the legislation, policies and processes and specialised advice and information to other professionals.
3. Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communication networks and attend relevant meetings and court proceedings as well as undertake relevant negotiations to ensure the provision of coordinated client services by a range of service providers.

Please open the position description to read more.

COVID-19 VACCINATION
The department strongly recommends (but does not mandate) that employees maintain their COVID-19 vaccination status in accordance with current ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) advice, given their individual circumstances. As of June 2023, DFFH does not require evidence of COVID-19 vaccination status.

HOW TO APPLY

All VPS employees (and ex-VPS employees with extended access to the Jobs and Skills Exchange website) MUST apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) <https://jse.vic.gov.au/user/login?destination=/new-home-page> portal.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria. 
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process. 
Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

Please apply to submit your interest in this position.