Adoption Officer (501557)

Job Description:

From 3 October 2022, Department of Education has joined with colleagues in the Department of Communities to form the Department for Education, Children and Young People.

This is a department built entirely for children and young people and their communities. Our ultimate goal is to work together to ensure that every child and young person in Tasmania is known, safe, well and learning.

The child is at the centre of everything we do and the way we do it.

In the short term, you may still see references to Department of Communities and Department of Education as we transition. We are working together to build our strategy and our culture and values. This work will be continuing into 2023, and we want all staff to be involved in this.

It's an important time to join a dynamic new department.

Duties

As an Adoption Officer you will:

• Provide a response through assessment and case management of children placed for adoption with the Department either voluntarily or on legal status.
• Identify, develop, and provide resources required to meet needs of individuals, families, and children, including assessment of prospective adoptive parents and the preparation of relevant documents.
• Liaise with relevant areas within the Department for Education, Children and Young People, other government agencies and non-government organizations to ensure coordination of effective services.

Period of Appointment

Permanent full-time day work and fixed term full time day work starting ASAP for up to 12 months.

Please note: Other permanent and fixed-term full-time and part-time vacancies that may arise in the future may also be filled from this process.

Hours per fortnight

76 hours per fortnight

Essential Requirements

• Current Tasmanian Working with Children (Vulnerable People) Registration (Employment type)
• The cost associated with obtaining a Tasmanian Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (Registration Status - Employment) is the responsibility of the individual.
• Current Driver's Licence
• Satisfactory completion of an appropriate course of study at a recognised tertiary institution.

The Head of the State Service has determined that the person nominated for this job is to satisfy a pre‑employment check before taking up the appointment, on promotion or transfer. The following checks are to be conducted:

• 1. Conviction checks in the following areas:
• a) crimes of violence
• b) sex related offences
• c) serious drug offences
• d) crimes involving dishonesty
• e) serious traffic offences (If Driver's License is an Essential Requirement )
• 2. Identification check
• 3. Disciplinary action in previous employment check.

Selection Criteria includes:

• An understanding of the social and developmental needs of individuals, children and families and the ability to apply this in a service delivery context and within statutory responsibility.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, in particular, strong interpersonal and counselling skills and the ability to present confidently in public.
• A knowledge of the tasks performed in the work area together with a good knowledge of the operations of the agency and other agencies providing a service relevant to the work area or the ability to acquire such knowledge.
• Note: Please refer to the Statement of Duties for ALL the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.

Statement of Duties and a reference guide to assist with applying online can be found here:

Statement Of Duties (PDF)

Statement Of Duties (Word)

Information for Applicants (PDF)

How to apply

Electronic submission of application is preferred, please click the 'Apply Now' button.

Applicants should complete:

• a statement addressing the selection criteria;
• a resume that contains relevant personal details and work history.

All applicants are required to supply a valid email address with their application for the purposes of email communication.

The cost associated with obtaining a Tasmanian Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (Registration Status - Employment) is the responsibility of the individual.

Applications should be made via the Apply Now button and submitted online by 11.30pm AEDT on the advertised closing date.

For support in submitting your application and reasonable adjustment requests: please email [email protected]

Applicants needing more information are encouraged to request specific details of the vacancy from the Contact Person.

Name: Leah Foskett
Title: Coordinator, Adoption Information Service
Phone: 03 6777 1127
Email: [email protected]