Foster Care Development Coordinator – Gympie

Foster Care Development Coordinator

Permanent Part Time

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People of all ages are strongly encouraged to apply

REFOCUS is in the business of Redirecting and Empowering Families by creating Opportunities through Culturally Unique and responsive Services. Our work is driven by a commitment to strengthening families, celebrating identity, and fostering resilience.

We do this by building genuine connections, valuing emotional intelligence, and taking a ground-up approach to understanding where support is most needed for children and families. Our services are shaped by real-world experience and a deep respect for the communities we serve.

Over the past 15 years, we have supported more than 20,000 community members across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Gympie, and Cairns regions, delivering high-quality support across the Health, Community, and NDIS sectors. We are powered by a dedicated team with more than 800 years of combined lived and professional experience, ensuring culturally safe, person centred, knowledgeable, and effective care.

We are crafting a team of change-makers and we want you!

REFOCUS is seeking a Foster Care Development Coordinator to join our Foster Care Services team and help grow a diverse, skilled, and responsive foster care workforce.

This role sits within the Foster Care Recruitment service and is responsible for guiding prospective foster carers from their initial enquiry through to approval. You will play a key role in strengthening family-based care options for children and young people by recruiting, assessing, preparing, and supporting foster carers throughout their journey.

Working collaboratively with Child Safety, community organisations, referral partners, and internal teams, you will help ensure children and young people have access to safe, nurturing, and culturally responsive care environments.

About the role

As a Foster Care Development Coordinator, you will:

• Promote foster care through community engagement activities, presentations, and recruitment events
• Develop strong relationships with community organisations, businesses, and referral partners
• Respond to enquiries from prospective foster carers and support them through the recruitment process
• Conduct initial screening, household safety assessments, and comprehensive foster carer assessments
• Prepare evidence-based assessment reports and recommendations
• Deliver pre-service training, orientation programs, and foster carer education
• Build the knowledge, confidence, and capability of prospective carers
• Collaborate with Child Safety, Placement Support Services, Kinship Finding Practitioners, and internal support teams
• Support culturally safe, strengths-based, and trauma-informed practice
• Maintain accurate documentation and contribute to service reporting and quality improvement activities

Pay and conditions

Permanent part-time position

Hourly pay rates range from:

Level 1 PPT3 $30.90 per hour, up to Level 3 PPT4 $52.93 per hour

Classification level and pay rate are assessed and determined based on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated capability.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people in care
• Has strong community engagement and relationship-building skills
• Can confidently assess, interview, and support prospective foster carers
• Is an effective presenter, educator, and facilitator
• Demonstrates excellent organisational, communication, and report-writing skills
• Values cultural safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Is committed to child-centred, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practice

Qualifications and experience

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Human Services, Behavioural Science, Community Services, or a related discipline
• Experience in child protection, out-of-home care, or related human services
• Demonstrated experience in assessment, community engagement, workforce development, or similar fields
• Experience delivering presentations, education programs, or group facilitation
• Strong written communication and report-writing skills

Highly desirable:

• Experience recruiting, assessing, or supporting foster carers
• Knowledge of the Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld)
• Experience in community development, marketing, or volunteer recruitment
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Training and support

REFOCUS is committed to supporting professional growth through ongoing supervision, mentoring, professional development opportunities, and reflective practice. You will be supported by experienced leaders and practitioners dedicated to building a strong foster care workforce across Queensland.

Additional requirements

• Current Working with Children Check (Blue Card)
• Criminal history check
• Ability to meet REFOCUS compliance and reporting requirements
• Current Queensland Driver Licence
• Ability to work within the 10 Child Safe Standards

How to apply

To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.