CARER ADVOCATE, LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Foster Care Association of Victoria – Abbotsford VIC

An exciting opportunity has become available to join the Foster Care Association of Victoria (FCAV).

We are looking for an experienced Carer Advocate, Learning & Development Coordinator to join our passionate & dedicated team.

About us

The Foster Care Association of Victoria (FCAV) is the peak body for Victorian foster carers. For over 30 years, the FCAV, as a carer-led, not-for-profit organisation, has been working towards better outcomes for foster carers and the children and young people in their care.

The Foster Care Association is here to provide information, support, and advocacy to all Victorian foster families. Our work directly impacts on the care provided to the thousands of Victorian children and young people in foster care by providing:

Carer Advocates - free, independent advice and support to foster carers through one-to-one support to carers and robust relationships with Community Support Organisations (CSOs), Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and key stakeholders to work collaboratively to assist foster carers.

Carer Assistance Program - free, confidential short-term counselling to foster carers, permanent carers, and adoptive parents.

Learning & Development - free forums and carer events, for information exchange, connection, and wellbeing support for carers.

Advocacy - Advocating on behalf of foster carers to government, their agencies, in the sector and the community.

Community building - as the only centralised body for all foster carers in the state.

Promotion of the carer voice - through member forums, research, and engagement.

Carer news and information - through our comprehensive website, social media pages & regular newsletters.

The Foster Care Association represents all foster carers across Victoria. In tandem with one-to-one support we provide to individual foster carers, our role as a membership Association is to advocate for vital improvements to the foster care system. Our current member database consists of over 4,500 carers and the wider sector and community.





The Foster Care Association is mandated to strengthen Victoria’s investment in greater recognition, respect and resources for foster carers, the volunteers who every day and night make a difference in the lives of Victoria’s children and young people.

OUR MISSION

As the peak body in Victoria, we are the united voice of foster carers, advocating for systemic improvements, building productive partnerships and nurturing respectful relationships.

We champion foster carers that they may be recognised and valued for their role in the lives of children and young people in care, and deliver a full range of information and support services to meet carers’ needs at all points in their care journey.

OUR VALUES Advocacy, Dignity, Integrity, Creativity, Connecting.
BENEFITS AND CULTURE

Located in Abbotsford, with onsite parking and close to public transport

Flexible working arrangements with work from home opportunity

Salary Packaging incentives

A supportive and inclusive workplace culture that values wellbeing, psychological safety and respectful communication

Structured supervision and regular support from managers to encourage professional growth, collaboration and reflective practice

Access to wellbeing initiatives and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

An additional day of leave to celebrate your birthday!

Position Summary

The Carer Advocate, Learning & Development Coordinator is under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010. This role reports to the Carer Support Team Manager and will be based at the FCAV Office in Abbottsford, with work from home opportunity.

The position objectives are to:

Provide prompt, responsible, and accurate information and advice to foster carers

Provide case management and advocacy support, addressing complex issues including Client Incident Management (CIMS)



investigations

Record and maintain files & case notes in the CMS database (Salesforce)

Liaise with Community Support Organisations (CSOs), Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) as required

Develop and host Learning & Development sessions and forums, based on carer and sector needs.

Manage Carer Assistant Program online referrals and engage with carers to book initial appointments for therapeutic counselling

Coordinate the staff Wellbeing Portfolio.

This permanent position is 4 days (30.4 hrs) per week, commencing 17 September 2026.
Office hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday, the days of work can be negotiated with the Carer Support Team Manager.

The current hourly pay rate is $55.85. Annual Package is $98,882 inclusive of compulsory 12% compulsory Superannuation (Pro-rata based on 4 days per week), based on Level 5 – Pay Point 3 of the Social and Community Services Award.

The successful applicant’s knowledge and experience will include:

A recognised Social Work or Psychology tertiary qualification or equivalent.

Professional experience working in Child and Family Welfare; in home-based care, Child Protection, family services, or other services working with vulnerable families and children

Demonstrated understanding of the Victorian home-based care system, particularly foster care

Knowledge of current State legislation relevant to the Victorian Out-of-Home Care system

Outstanding communication and written skills

Strong advocacy and negotiation skills

Ability to be discreet, sensitive and ensure confidentiality is always maintained

Event coordination, Program/ Project Management, evaluation and reporting

Competent computer skills in MS Office suite, Email and Case Management Software.

Applications close 5:00pm, Friday 14 August 2026.

The successful applicant will be required to undergo satisfactory pre-employment checks, including two referees, a criminal records check and a Working With Children Check.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

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📌 CARER ADVOCATE, LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR (Williamstown)
🏢 Foster Care Association of Victoria
📍 Williamstown