Insert advertisement at time of recruitment The role involves compulsory shift work across all days and shift cycles and includes shift penalties and additional leave entitlements. Overtime is also a requirement of this position. Position Details Title: Classification: CPP 5.2 Division/Branch: Work Location: Position Number: Employment Type: Salary Range: Further Information: Position reports to: Closing Date: Organisational Environment Department of Human Services Practice Manager (Streetwork Outreach Service/Central After Hours Assessment and Bail Placement Service) Area Manager (Streetwork Outreach Service/Central After Hours Assessment and Bail Placement Service) The Department of Human Services (DHS) plans, funds and provides housing and community services for the State of Victoria. This means that DHS is an incredibly vibrant and diverse place, with the work we do impacting on all Victorians, especially people who are disadvantaged and vulnerable. Child Protection The Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, provides the legal mandate for DHS to protect children and young people from abuse and neglect. Regional Child Protection teams are the tertiary component of a community-based system of services that aim to support families and protect children from harm. Child Protection delivers statutory case management services to vulnerable children and families living in Victoria. The program aims to deliver outcomes based on the Best Interest Case Practice framework. Central After Hours Services The Central After Hours Services are located within the Eastern Metropolitan Region and provides a range of After Hours Services within the program area of Children, Youth and Families. Services operating from the Central After Hours Services include: - The After Hours Child Protection Emergency Service (AHCPES) is a state wide service that responds to new child protection reports and contacts regarding existing child protection clients made to DHS out of business hours. The AHCPES also incorporates an after hours placement function for children and young people requiring out of home placement. - The Streetwork Outreach Service (SOS) and Central After Hours and Bail Placement Service (CAHABPS) operates as an integrated after hours service providing assertive street based
outreach to young people at risk of harm and exploitation in St Kilda and the Central Business District; and a response for young people at risk of being remanded due to their criminal activity, undertaking assessments in relation to bail placement suitability and facilitation of bail placement. Position Purpose The Child Protection Practice Manager (SOS/CAHABPS) is responsible for assisting the Area Manager in operational management including financial, budget, HR and performance management, and providing expert case practice advice and leadership; supporting and developing Child Protection Practitioners in the integration of theory and practice while demonstrating expertise through provision of outreach and regular practice forums. The Child Protection Practice Manager provides leadership in local service planning, stakeholder engagement and undertakes some ministerial briefings in general support of the Area Manager role. The Child Protection Practice Manager supervises the Team Manager/s and the position involves rostered shift work. Accountabilities Operating at Value Range 2, you will: Effectively manage and provide leadership to child protection practitioners by: - modelling behaviours integral to departmental values - modelling behaviours integral to effective people management - providing strategic leadership across the child protection program for business and practice streams - providing supervision and performance management for Team Managers and SOS/CAHABPS practitioners - providing mentoring, live supervision and group training opportunities - leading and supporting individuals to achieve their potential while maximising their contribution to achieve their goals and outcomes - providing guidance and expertise in relation to highly sensitive cases and challenging issues - integrating theory into practice and implementing reflective practice for continuous improvement in practice - providing employees with relevant information and access to safe systems of work. Provide authoritative advice and professional expertise to the Area Manager and key internal and external stakeholders in areas of responsibility including policy, funding and program development. Provide authoritative advice and professional opinions to child protection practitioners and professionals in other disciplines; lead or participate in case conferences including family decision making with other professionals. Monitor program activities and operational frameworks, evaluate implications of government initiatives and develop service delivery systems and integrated strategies that manage emerging issues and areas of risk for the Government, department and community. Provide a highly specialised professional service, including managing highly sensitive cases, incorporating cross-agency collaboration and making decisions on intervention strategies and client service delivery. Monitor and evaluate quality of service delivery and lead continuous improvement activities. Conduct quality audits of case practice using CRIS and contribute to program improvements. Monitor key business and financial metrics and key performance indicators within the assigned area to ensure effective service delivery. Implement projects designed to develop, review, evaluate and analyse program policies, professional standards, operating practices and enhanced service delivery. Prepare and present comprehensive reports and briefings on publicly and politically sensitive policy and operational issues. Develop and maintain strategic and collaborative relationships between child protection and the community sector. Identify issues and trends, assess the potential application of developments in the field and develop, propose and apply solutions, new ideas and methods in more complex case plans with a view to promoting continuous improvement in professional practice and the achievement of Child Protection objectives. Identify and apply appropriate research in forming interventions and develop innovative solutions to complex and difficult cases, drawing on a range of professional networks to identify gaps in case 2
assessments. Prepare documentation, present information and make recommendations to the Children s Court of Victoria and other relevant courts and tribunal processes on decisions and actions in the best interests of the child. Be clear about accountability and responsibility for decisions and involve partners in joint problem solving, whilst monitoring the impact this approach has on the desired outcome. Exercise a wide range of authorities and legal delegations pursuant to the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 and other specific delegations and functions including adherence to relevant DHS practice standards Facilitate the placement requirements of DHS clients after hours when required Maintain approvals and delegations within the Client Relationship Information System (CRIS) in accordance with departmental guidelines and privacy principles and ensure compliance for all recording, analysis and review of client information by yourself and practitioners reporting to you. Use a range of IT/web-based applications to manage workflow and approvals, and monitor quality assurance, program outcomes and budgets in accordance with departmental guidelines and privacy principles. Represent the department s view at industry forums and inter-agency committees, taskforces and government and non-government bodies responsible/concerned with achieving Government objectives in this sector. Participate actively in supervision and professional development opportunities. Observe safe work practices and as far as you are able, protect your own and others health and safety. Key Selection Criteria Note: All applicants will be subject to National Criminal History Records Check. You will be required to provide a Working with Children Check (WWCC) card. Mandatory Qualifications: A recognised Social Work degree or a similar welfare or behavioural related degree which includes: a. a primary focus on child development, human behaviour, family dynamics and/or impacts of trauma; and preferably b. a practical component such as counselling or case work practice OR A recognised Diploma of Community Services Work, or similar qualification which is studied over a minimum of two academic years of full-time study (or part time equivalent) and includes: a. a primary focus on child development, human behaviour, family dynamics and/or impacts of trauma b. supervised fieldwork placements (ideally completed within the child and family welfare sector) and at least one unit of study in case management, case work practice or counselling AND Desirable: A valid driver s licence. Post graduate qualification in child adolescent and family practice, family therapy, human resource management, working in government or working towards completion of such a qualification. Extensive relevant experience. Knowledge and Skills: People Management: Clearly defines role expectations, monitors performance, provides timely and constructive feedback and facilitates development of team at a superior level. Expert knowledge of the Department of Human Services and child protection program goals, values, principles, standards and role within the broader child protection system. Expert knowledge and ability to embed in practice, the core responsibilities and principles underpinning the 3
Children Youth and Families Act 2005 and the Child Wellbeing Act 2005. Expert knowledge of the legislative, policy and practice requirements relating to Aboriginal children, families and community and ability to apply to case practice and decision-making. Expert knowledge of the legislative, policy and practice requirements relating to Youth Justice clients and ability to apply expert advice to case practice and decision-making. Superior understanding and skill in applying the best interests case practice model in undertaking assessments, decision-making, planning and interventions to respond to a child or young persons safety and development. Superior understanding of child development, attachment and trauma theories as they relate to child protection practice. Experience in delivering results that focuses on the best interests of the child and achieves positive, long lasting outcomes for children and families at a superior level. Experience in leading and inspiring others by applying adult learning principles during mentoring, coaching and supervision to enable the transference of evidence from research and critical reflection. Experience in initiating, preparing and presenting a case in Children s Court or other tribunals at a superior level. Experience in leading critical reflection, applying theoretical frameworks and referring to research and literature to inform case practice and decision-making at a superior level. Presentation Skills: Prepares and delivers logical, sequential and succinct presentations; quickly makes a positive impression on others and comes across with presence and credibility; and deals with difficult and sensitive topics and questions. Business Skills: Knowledgeable about financial issues and responsibilities. Undertakes and acts on budget plans. Proactively seeks more efficient ways of doing things. Focuses on activities and projects that will bring the best business return for the team and organisation. Change Management: Experience in change management within a complex service delivery environment to drive organisational changes in accordance with business objectives. Stakeholder Management: Identifies issues in common for one or more stakeholders and uses to build mutually beneficial partnerships. Identifies and responds to stakeholder s underlying needs. Uses understanding of the stakeholder s organisational context to ensure outcomes are achieved. Find innovative solutions to resolve stakeholder issues. Personal Qualities: Managing Oneself: Manages and cares for self to maintain resilience and support when working within a challenging operating environment. Integrity: Committed to the public interest. Operates in a manner that is consistent with the organisations code of conduct. Inspires trust by treating all individuals fairly. Relationship Building: Establishes and maintains relationships with people at all levels. Promotes harmony and consensus through diplomatic handling of disagreements. Forges useful partnerships with people across business areas, functions and organisations. Builds trust through consistent actions, values and communication. Minimises surprises. Decisiveness: Makes rational and sound decisions based on a consideration of the facts and alternatives. Makes tough decisions, sometimes with incomplete information. Evaluates rational and emotional elements of situations. Makes quick decisions where required. Commits to a definite course of action. Conditions and Benefits People who work for the department must comply with the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees 2007 and agree to work according to our values of quality, collaborative relationships, responsibility, client focus, professional integrity and respect. Employees of the Department of Human Services can enjoy a whole range of generous Victorian government employment benefits, please see http://www.careers.vic.gov.au/why/benefits-conditions. These include attractive salaries and flexible leave arrangements, to training and development opportunities. The department promotes diversity and equal opportunity in employment. If you are an Indigenous applicant, you may wish to contact the Senior Project Officer Aboriginal Employment on (03) 9096 7143 for advice and support with the recruitment process. If you have a disability and require assistance or adjustment to participate fully in the recruitment process, please contact our Diversity contact on (03) 90962740. 4
How and Where to Apply Online: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/operations/careers/applying-for-a-job Hard copy: Complete a Hard Copy Application for Employment form (available via the above link or contact person listed) quoting the relevant reference number. Post to: Recruitment Officer, Enter address details here. Other Relevant Information For other important information about the entry level Child Protection recruitment process, please read the Information for entry level Child Protection applicants at http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/ data/assets/pdf_file/0010/331849/information-for-applicants-child-protection.pdf If you are unable to download the document, you can obtain a copy from the contact person listed in the position details section above. 5