ROLE DESCRIPTION
1.
ROLE DETAILS
Role Title
Social Worker
Role No
Classification Level
AHP1
Discipline
Allied Health Professional
Division
Families SA
Date Created
February 2011
Branch/Unit
Relative & Kinship Care
Date Approved
February 2011
Reports To
Supervisor Assessment, Training & Review Team
Review Date
2.
ROLE CONTEXT
Role Summary
Reporting/Working
Relationships
The Social Worker (Assessment, Training and Review Team) is a role within Families SA and is
accountable to the Supervisor for:

undertaking professional assessment, training and review of relative/kinship carers.

working in partnership with government and non-government agencies and with clients.

assisting relative and kinship carers during the course of professional assessment and support to
provide a safe care environment.

working within the care team to ensure children who have entered into the care of the Minister are
provided with a care experience that enables their development, stability and security.

responding effectively to children who are unsafe

Supervisor Assessment, Training and Review Team (direct manager).

Manager Relative & Kinship Care.

Relative and Kinship Care Program staff

Staff within DFC.

Relative and Kinship Carers, Children and young People in care, Birth Parents

Other government and non-government agencies providing services to the children and young people
requiring care and protection and their families.

Special Conditions
3.
Community.

Successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a Background Screening and National
Criminal History Record Check (NCHRC) prior to being employed and every three years.

Some out of hours work and intrastate travel will be required.

The location of this role may change to meet service demands.

Hold a current driver’s license and is able and willing to drive in the course of their duties.

The incumbent may be assigned to another position at this remuneration level or its equivalent
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
A degree level qualification in Social Work leading to eligibility for (full) membership of the Australian
Association of Social Workers.
“Pursuant to Section 65 of the Public Sector Act 2009, people of Australian Aboriginal descent applying
for roles within Families SA who have the appropriate background, knowledge and skills, but not the listed
formal tertiary qualifications in social work, are eligible to apply for this position.”
4.
PRIMARY OUTCOMES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
RELATED TASKS
Casework

Undertake comprehensive relative and kinship carer assessments as to suitability of
applicants, particularly in relation to known risk factors.

Identify risk factors for placement breakdown and work collaboratively with relative, kinship
carers, District Centre / and relative and kinship carer staff to enhance placement support
and stability.

Conduct Carer Reviews.

Act as a resource to support placement support workers and carers by facilitating specialist
training and learning opportunities for carers, assisting in the establishment of carer focus
groups, peer support and learning groups for carers.

Operate within and across relevant professional networks.

Undertake professional assessments of relative and kinship carers with the aim of
identifying and responding to needs and risks to safety, well being and development of
children and young people.

Work with relative and kinship carer families during the course of assessment, training and
review to enable them to provide safe care of their children.

Work in a culturally appropriate manner with relative and kinship carer families for the safety
of children.

Enhance the problem solving and coping capacities of individuals and Aboriginal families
are through the provision of respectful consultation processes.

Assist in the direct delivery of services to Aboriginal people that strengthen and preserve
families and contribute to a life of well being, caring and healing.

Identify, collect and share information and observing clients and their situations, in a
manner which promotes dignity and allows them to assess and determine strategies that
contribute to their well being.

Assist in the development and implementation of training modules for relative and kinship
care.

Undertake annual reviews and appropriate registration and that this is recorded as per
Families S.A. Registration and Licensing policy and procedures.

Uphold legislative and agency requirements to ensure responsive and accountable support
to Relative and Kinship carers.

Provide direct social work support to relative and kinship carers and liaise closely with
District centre social work staff in terms of children and young people’s needs within
placement.

Interact effectively with relative and kinship carers, children and young people and their birth
families.

Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers.

Utilise specialist communication skills to build strong relationships both individually and in
group settings.

Communicate across government and non-government organisations, families, community
and with individual clients to strengthen the supports to individuals and families in managing
the key issues that face them.

Compile professional/ reports as required for a range of audiences.

Act as a witness in Court processes where required..
Intervention Support
Communicate & Advocate
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Teamwork and Organisational
Contribution

Review and develop own professional performance.

Work effectively within a team towards achieving the identified outcomes of the team and/or
program.

Model ethical behaviour and professional integrity in accordance with Social Work ethics.

Model ethical behaviour consistent with Commissioner of Public Employment expectations,
DFC stated values.

Comply with workplace and other related legislative requirements.

Model the positive culture within DFC by living the organisational values of being connected,
ethical, brave and respectful through actions and behaviours.

Follow the principles of a sustainable working environment by following Departmental
greening initiatives.

Understand and follow work place safety initiatives, identify potential hazards and contribute
to a safe working environment.
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5.
DFC CAPABILITIES (B)
Relating &
Communicating
Client Focus
Achieving
Objectives
Personal Drive &
Professionalism
Continuous
Improvement
Respect Cultural
Diversity
6.

Identify and use appropriate resources and technology available to develop and maintain internal and
external networks.

Communicate ideas and information, both written and verbal, in a clear and logical format.

Encourage others to express their ideas and seek input to gain a variety of viewpoints.

Develop a clear understanding of issues from a client perspective.

Coordinate implementation of client service strategies.

Resolve complex client issues, adjust approach to meet changing priorities and provide services that
address the cultural needs of clients, and clients with a disability.

Contact clients to follow up on services/information given to deliver high levels of service.

Manage workload and changing priorities.

Guide and support others to help meet set objectives.

Identify potential obstacles and develop contingency plans to overcome them.

Identify competing viewpoints and agendas determining an optimal course of action or making
recommendations.

Evaluate personal progress and develop new approaches to increase knowledge base and skill sets.

Respond to changing priorities and adapt approach to accommodate new operational environments.

Modify or adapt current methods and approaches to better meet business unit needs.

Critically analyse issues and investigate solutions or actions that contribute to improved departmental
processes.

Monitor data integrity and apply appropriate procedures for maintaining security and confidentiality.

Take action and provide services that are inclusive of Aboriginal people and people from culturally and
linguistically diverse backgrounds as well as engaging in learning about other cultures to better
establish relationships and improve services.
ROLE SPECIFIC CAPABILITIES
1
Develop Interventions – apply knowledge and experience to plan, develop, implement and evaluate interventions aimed at
meeting the needs of clients.
2
Assess & Minimise Client Risk – understand and evaluate the factors that contribute to client/family risk and develop action
plans to reduce or eliminate the risks.
3
Case Management – perform casework undertaking suitable assessments, interventions and making appropriate referrals.
4
Conflict Resolution – clarify situations, act impartially and use influence, negotiation and persuasion to effectively mediate the
conflict and devise a workable solution.
7.
DELEGATES APPROVAL
ASSESSED BY:
Kelly Donnell
Date: 8/2/10
Signature:
APPROVED BY:
Denise Brine
Date: 8/2/10
Signature:
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