Community Engagement Officer – Foster & Kinship Care (Fraser Coast)

CQID is experiencing enormous organisational growth across all services and seeking suitable candidates for a range of positions.

CQID is one of the largest employers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Central Queensland region. Offering a broad range of service areas, with roles that serve our community across Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Longreach, Maryborough and Woorabinda.

A new organisational structure, designated HR team and the implementation of a new Workforce Strategy. Striving to support employees on their career journey is a priority and contributes us to being an Employer of Choice.

Purpose of the Position

The Community Engagement Officer is responsible for building and maintaining strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, local stakeholders, and service providers to support the recruitment, development, and retention of foster and kinship carers. The role strengthens community connections to ensure children and young people remain safe, connected to culture, and supported within their communities.

This position plays a key role in promoting culturally safe practices and supporting the implementation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle. It ensures community voice, cultural knowledge, and local context inform service delivery, carer recruitment, and support strategies.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Build and sustain strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Elders, and community-controlled organisations to support culturally appropriate service delivery
• Lead community engagement activities to promote foster and kinship care, with a focus on increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers
• Support culturally informed carer recruitment strategies, including community events, yarning circles, and targeted outreach
• Act as a cultural liaison between the service, community, and partner agencies, ensuring respectful engagement in line with cultural protocols
• Promote awareness of foster and kinship care within the community and reduce barriers to participation
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to ensure community insights inform assessment, placement, and support decisions
• Support carers and families to access culturally appropriate services, networks, and supports within their communities
• Strengthen partnerships with government, community, and private sector stakeholders to improve outcomes for children and carers
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying community needs, service gaps, and opportunities for innovation
• Ensure all engagement activities align with organisational values, legislative requirements, and culturally safe practice frameworks
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to reporting on engagement activities and outcomes
• Comply with organisational policies, including Workplace Health and Safety and quality standards (ISO 9001:2015 and HSQS)
• Undertake other duties as required

Key Performance Indicators

• Deliver community engagement activities in line with the recruitment plan and/or reporting requirements
• Demonstrate increased community awareness and understanding of foster and kinship care within target communities
• Evidence meaningful and ongoing engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in line with the recruitment plan and/or reporting requirements
• Contribute to growth in carer enquiries and referrals through community engagement activities
• Support progression of identified carers from community connection through to initial engagement and assessment stages in line with reporting requirements
• Maintain strong, trusted relationships with key community stakeholders, Elders, and organisations
• Demonstrate sustained and culturally respectful partnerships that support recruitment and community connection outcomes
• Ensure community voice and cultural knowledge are reflected in recruitment approaches and service delivery
• Demonstrate culturally safe practice aligned with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle (ATSICPP)
• Contribute to strengthened collaboration between community, service providers, and government stakeholders
• Support improved coordination and culturally appropriate referral pathways for carers and families
• Demonstrate accurate tracking and reporting of engagement activities and outcomes in line with reporting requirements
• Identify trends, community needs, and opportunities to improve engagement and recruitment strategies work in partnership with the Senior Practitioner – Assessment & Approval
• Maintain practice aligned with organisational values, cultural frameworks, and legislative requirements
• Participate in supervision and reflective practice to support continuous improvement

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Holds a current C Class Queensland Driver’s Licence
• Current Working with Children Check, ‘Blue Card’
• Holds or is willing to obtain a First Aid and CPR Certificate

Desirable

• Qualifications or knowledge related to Child Protection
• Diploma in Community Services, Child, youth and Family Intervention, Social Work, or a related field
• Experience at successfully leading and developing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members
• Well-developed written communication skills, including report writing and assessment documentation
• Experienced in client engagement and case collaboration
• Experience at successful service delivery to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Relevant experience in foster and kinship care, including carer assessment and recruitment pathways

Skills and Attributes

Essential

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage – [Note: Non-Indigenous applicants will only be considered if no suitable Indigenous candidates are attracted in the first round of applicants]
• Competent in use of Microsoft Office software
• Physical ability to undertake job responsibilities
• Ability to communicate effectively; spoken and written
• Self-starter, motivated and able to self-manage work tasks
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and engage respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Desirable

• Demonstrated passion for community engagement and a commitment to driving positive change and outcomes for children, families, and communities
• Ability to empower families to understand and engage in foster and kinship care, supporting confidence and informed decision-making
• Strong understanding of the importance of Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations leading work within community and supporting culturally led approaches
• Experience facilitating or supporting community-based activities (e.g. yarning circles, events, information sessions).
• Commitment to continuous learning, reflective practice, and professional development
• Adaptability and ability to respond to changing priorities within a dynamic service environment