Practitioner (National After Hours Service). Permanent & Maximum Term, Part Time
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for skilled childcare practitioners has seen a significant rise, with a growing focus on trauma-informed practices. As the job market shifts towards more flexible, remote work arrangements, roles like this are becoming increasingly attractive. With the childcare sector experiencing a 25% increase in job vacancies over the past year, candidates with experience in child protection and out-of-home care are in high demand. Life Without Barriers stands out for its commitment to creating safe, supportive environments for children and young people. Before applying, candidates should be aware of the importance of flexibility, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations.
Job Description
About the Role
The Practitioner role at Life Without Barriers is a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people. As a key member of the after-hours team, you will provide critical support and guidance to carers, staff, and stakeholders in response to urgent issues. Your role will be centered around ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those involved, working within legislative and care standards to manage incidents that arise outside business hours.Your day-to-day responsibilities will be varied, from handling enquiries with professionalism and efficiency to applying state-specific policies and legal requirements to guide urgent or complex decisions. You will work closely with staff and carers, engaging in a CARE-informed, trauma-aware manner to address concerns and support high-quality care for children and young people.
The team at Life Without Barriers is dedicated to breaking down barriers and building better lives for those they support. As a Practitioner, you will be an integral part of this mission, working collaboratively to meet evolving operational needs while offering guidance and support to stakeholders.
What You Will Do
- Handle all after-hours enquiries with professionalism and efficiency, using CARE and TCI models.
- Apply state-specific policies and legal requirements to guide urgent or complex after-hours decisions.
- Use individual plans and risk assessments to support young people’s needs and ensure their safety and wellbeing.
- Engage with staff and carers in a CARE-informed, trauma-aware manner to address concerns and support high-quality care for children and young people.
- Coordinate after-hours transitions, including visits and clear communication with staff and carers.
- Provide guidance to staff, escalate incidents appropriately, and ensure all actions are clearly documented within LWB systems.
- Work collaboratively with the team to ensure seamless after-hours support.
- Participate in training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
What We Are Looking For
- Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention (Residential Care) or similar.
- Experience in child protection and out-of-home care, including trauma-informed practice.
- Skilled in providing clear, policy-based advice with demonstrated conflict resolution, mediation, and influencing abilities.
- Proven ability to remain calm and responsive in high-volume, dynamic settings requiring flexibility and teamwork.
- Experienced in working collaboratively to meet evolving operational needs while offering guidance and support to stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Nice to Have
- Experience working with children, families, and communities using strength-based and culturally appropriate approaches.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies related to child protection and out-of-home care.
- Familiarity with CARE and TCI models.
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive hourly rate from $44.58 per hour + penalties (SCHADS level 4).
- Opportunity to work with a reputable organization dedicated to creating safe and supportive environments.
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment.
- Flexible, remote work arrangement.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Access to a supportive team and management structure.
How to Stand Out
- Ensure you have a strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and its application in childcare settings.
- Highlight your experience in child protection and out-of-home care, and be prepared to provide specific examples of your work.
- Familiarize yourself with the CARE and TCI models, and be ready to discuss how you would apply these in a real-world scenario.
- Emphasize your ability to work collaboratively and remain calm in high-pressure situations.
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to conflict resolution and mediation, and provide examples of successful outcomes.
- Research Life Without Barriers and be prepared to discuss how your values and mission align with those of the organization.
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