Support Officer - Permanency Support Program

Please Note: This role is open to applicants who identify as Aboriginal only. Roles which involve directly providing programs and services to Aboriginal people for the purposes of promoting their welfare are considered to be ‘Aboriginal identified roles’ and are as such restricted to Aboriginal people only. This is permitted under Section 14(d) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS!

1 X Full time Position - Penrith Location

1 X  Parental Leave FT Fixed Term 1 Year Position Ending September 2027 - Liverpool Location

1 X FT Fixed Term Contract Ending 22 June 2027 - Roseberry Location

About KARI Foundation

At KARI Foundation, we deliver high-impact programs that strengthen Aboriginal culture, empower families and change lives. This is your chance to work hands-on with children and young people in care — building trust, opening doors, and creating opportunities that last a lifetime.

Benefits and Perks

• Generous salary of $85,894 per annum including leave loading

• Access full salary packaging to boost your take-home pay (up to $15,900 tax-free)

• 35-hour work week (7-hour days) = work / life balance

• Monthly RDOs for that extra day to recharge

• Work mobile phone provided

• Supportive, culturally grounded team environment

• Ongoing training and professional development

About the role

You’ll be the steady, supportive presence in a young person’s week — transporting them to visits and programs, supervising family contact, and mentoring them through life’s challenges. Every interaction is a chance to keep them connected to culture, build their confidence, and help them feel safe.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Drive change - literally and figuratively - by transporting children and young people to appointments, activities, cultural events and family visits, making every journey safe, positive and purposeful

• Supervise and document family contact visits, capturing moments that help caseworkers understand needs, progress and opportunities

• Mentor children and young people to build confidence, life skills and cultural pride, becoming a trusted role model in their corner

• Partner with caseworkers to keep each young person’s care plan on track - from gathering key information to attending case conferences and following up actions

• Provide calm, reassuring presence in challenging situations, helping young people feel safe and supported

• Build strong, respectful connections with children, young people, carers and birth families to create a united support network

• Spot needs, risks and opportunities early, and connect children with services that can make a difference

• Be an active voice in team meetings, planning sessions and service improvements

• Champion cultural safety and advocate for Aboriginal children and young people across every interaction

Requirements

• Must identify as Aboriginal

• Working With Children Check

• National Criminal History Check

• NSW Driver’s Licence (minimum P2)

Skills and Experience

• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage children, young people, carers and families

• Proven ability to build trust and maintain professional relationships across diverse stakeholders

• Experience in community services, youth work or similar people-focused roles

• Understanding of issues impacting Aboriginal children, young people and families

• Sound problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing situations

• Good report writing and basic computer literacy (Microsoft Word, email, databases)

• Reliable, organised and able to manage competing priorities

• Commitment to cultural safety and trauma-informed practice

How to apply

If you’re passionate about empowering Aboriginal youth and building a culturally strong future, we’d love to hear from you.