Queensland Foster and Kinship Care (QFKC) is establishing regional Carer Hubs across Queensland, creating more opportunities for foster and kinship carers to connect, learn, access information and strengthen their networks of support.

We are looking for a passionate and highly motivated Retention and Development Officer (RDO) to bring the Carer Hub model to life across the Sunshine Coast and Central regions.

This is a regionally based, remote role for someone who enjoys being out in the community, building genuine relationships and creating opportunities for people to connect, learn and work together.

You will work alongside foster and kinship carers, support agencies, Child Safety, volunteer organisations and local communities to strengthen the network of support around carers and ensure local Carer Hub activities reflect the strengths, needs and opportunities within your region.

About the role

As the Retention and Development Officer for Northern and Far Northern Qld, you will be responsible for developing and strengthening the Carer Hub within your region.

A big part of this role is connection – connecting carers with one another, with information and learning opportunities, with their local communities and, where appropriate, with other QFKC programs and supports.

You will also establish strong feedback loops with carers, including QFKC’s regional Carer Reference Groups and Support Team Members, ensuring their experiences and perspectives help shape regional priorities, activities and partnerships. This is a role with plenty of variety.

Key responsibilities

- Build relationships and networks with foster and kinship carers across your region;

- Create and facilitate forums, events and opportunities for carers to connect;

- Develop strong partnerships with support agencies, Child Safety, community organisations and other regional stakeholders;





- Coordinate and deliver engaging training, webinars and information sessions;

- Listen to carers and identify emerging themes, needs, gaps and opportunities;

- Use regional feedback and data to help shape local activities and contribute to statewide planning; and

- Work closely with the Senior Team Leader and broader QFKC team to ensure a consistent statewide Carer Hub approach while keeping your region’s activities genuinely local and responsive.

About you

Help build stronger connections for foster and kinship carers.

We are looking for someone who is a natural relationship builder and understands the importance of solid communities and support networks around foster and kinship carers.

You will be someone who can work independently and take ownership of your region while also enjoying being part of a collaborative statewide team.

You will bring:

- Relevant tertiary qualifications;

- Substantial demonstrated experience in human services, child protection, community services, social work or a related field;

- You must also hold a current Queensland Driver Licence and hold, or be eligible to obtain, a current Queensland Working with Children (Blue Card)

- A strong understanding of the foster and kinship care sector and the broader child protection environment;

- The ability to build respectful and effective relationships with carers from diverse backgrounds, communities and stages of the caring journey;





- Strong community engagement and stakeholder relationship skills;

- Confidence developing and delivering engaging training, information sessions, forums and other capacity-building activities, both face-to-face and virtually;

- An ability to genuinely listen to carers and translate what you hear into themes, opportunities and meaningful action;

- Strong communication, organisation and reporting skills; and

- The ability to plan and prioritise your work independently across a large geographic region.

Employment conditions and benefits

This is an opportunity to join QFKC at an exciting time and play a hands-on role in building and strengthening the Carer Hub model within your region.

The position offers:

- SCHADS Award Level 4.4

- A remote, regionally based position

- A QFKC vehicle, laptop and mobile phone

- A fortnightly paid day off, recognising the reasonable additional hours associated with the requirements of the role

- The opportunity to work independently within your region while being connected to a supportive statewide team; and

- A role with genuine scope to build relationships, respond to local needs and help shape how the Carer Hub develops within your community.

- Regular regional travel is an inherent part of the position, including overnight travel where required. Some flexibility in working hours is also required, including occasional after-hours or weekend activities where this best meets the needs of carers

How to apply

If you are passionate about strengthening support for foster and kinship carers and would love the opportunity to build connections and make a difference within [REGION], we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your current resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience align with the position.

📌 Retention & Development Officer - Carer Hub - 12 month contract (Gladstone Central)
🏢 Queensland Foster and Kinship Care
📍 Gladstone Central