Join our Foster Care team to provide in-home support carers with children aged 0-17 and empower foster families in the community!

The Role

Centacare's Foster Care program is looking for a dedicated Respite Support Practitioner to join our team.  This vital role involves working with children in foster care ranging from 0 to 17 years in immediate, short term, long term, and respite placements. 

The Respite Support Practitioner works closely with foster carers, families, community members, and professionals to provide expert advice, support, and consultation within a multidisciplinary team. This role supports the recruitment, assessment, and development of carers, promotes the Foster Care Program in the community, and ensures compliance with key requirements such as WWCCs and training. The position also involves providing in-home support and therapeutic interventions for children with trauma, while contributing to program goals and fostering a positive carer experience.

This is a fixed-term opportunity until 30 June 2026 based in Seaton.

Key Responsibilities:

• Co-conduct foster care information sessions with professionalism.
• Complete Information Exchange sessions as needed.
• Liaise with the Department of Child Protection and foster carers to facilitate respite placements within the program
• Ensure timely documentation related to respite placements
• Participate in an after-hours on-call roster.
• Provide guidance to respite carers and other care types, through consultations
• Assist with organising foster carer events and support groups.

What you need to bring

Essential

• Social Work degree 
• Valid Department of Human Services (DHS) Working with Children Check 
• Valid Driver’s Licence
• Availability and ability to do some work outside of standard hours
• Safe Environments for Children and Young People

Desirable

• Experience in working in the In Care Sector
• Knowledge of therapeutic care and trauma-informed practice

See attached position description for full details. 

What's in it for you

• SCHCADS Award 2010 Level 5, $51.00 + super
• Generous salary packaging to help increase your take home pay
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Be part of a supportive and collaborative team
• Gain experience in a multidisciplinary setting
• Contribute to community improvement
• Make a meaningful difference in children's lives
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 6 weeks parental leave for primary carer and 2 weeks for secondary carer
• Health insurance discounts with Bupa

Who we are

Each year, we support more than 30,000 people through community services in metropolitan and regional South Australia, operating within a strong ethical framework. We are client focused and provide support regardless of race, economic circumstance, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious belief or ethnic background. Centacare is a Child Safe, Quality Accredited Organisation and is a registered NDIS provider. We value the uniqueness of individuals, we consult, collaborate and operate with integrity and professionalism. Centacare is committed to cultivating a harmonious workplace free from harassment and discrimination. Equal opportunity principles align with our mission, vision and values. We believe that treating our workers fairly has a positive impact on our clients and maintains our reputation as a great place to work.

To learn more about us, click on the links below.

Centacare Catholic Family Services - Our Story

Centacare Foster Care Program - Centacare

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter (as one document) outlining how you meet the requirements of this role as outlined in the position description. To access the position description or submit your application click on the Apply button.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity please contact Jennifer Boyle, Placement Manager, on 08 8159 1466.

Applications close 5:00pm on Monday, 21 July 2025.

Applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply

With respect, no agencies please.