Senior Practitioner - Kinship Pathways - Family Based Care

Maryborough, Queensland 4650, Australia • A$92,279.2 - A$94,689.89

Full-time Permanent Entry Level

Posted 01 Oct 2026

Description

CQID is experiencing 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 Senior Practitioner is responsible for leading the assessment and approval of Kinship carers, ensuring all assessments are culturally safe, evidence-informed, and compliant with legislation, practice frameworks, and organisational policy. The role ensures carers are safe, and capable of meeting the needs of children and young people in care.

A strong focus for this position is the application of culturally responsive practice, particularly in upholding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle. The Senior Practitioner actively centres the voices, rights, and the best interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait children, families, and communities throughout assessment and decision‑making processes. This includes engaging respectfully in line with cultural protocols and working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders.





The role requires advanced skills in assessment, risk analysis, and decision‑making, alongside the ability to lead complex assessments and provide clear, defensive recommendations, A strengths‑based, safety‑orientated approach underpins all practice, with a focus on achieving safe, culturally connected, and stable placements for children and young people.

Responsibilities and Duties

- Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, kinship systems, cultural authority, family relationships, community and connection to Country guide all service delivery.
- Embed culturally safe, family‑led, strengths‑based, trauma‑informed and child‑centred practice consistent with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle (ATSICPP).
- Oversee the timely completion of initial and provisional kinship carer assessments, Household Safety Studies, Blue Card requirements and associated documentation.
- Ensure prospective kinship carers and their households receive clear information, culturally safe engagement and practical assistance throughout the assessment and approval process.
- Maintain collaborative relationships with children, families, kin, CQID programs, Child Safety, prescribed delegates, assessment panels and community partners.




- Ensure service delivery complies with relevant legislation, departmental requirements, assessment guidelines, contractual obligations, CQID policies and quality standards.
- Lead and promote culturally protected, high‑quality practice within the Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Emerald Foster and Kinship Care teams, with a strong commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities.
- Lead the intake, assessment, training and approval of kinship carers, ensuring processes are rigorous, culturally responsive, and compliant with legislation, policy, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle.
- Provide expert practice guidance on complex matters, including risk, assessment, legislation, and culturally informed practice.
- Contribute to a culture of quality practice and continuous improvement, including identifying trends, informing service development, and strengthening outcomes for children and young people.
- Support strategic and operational planning, including service delivery, resource allocation, and workforce capability development.
- Build and maintain strong, respectful partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community representatives.
- Provide practice guidance and support staff, including the Senior Program Support Worker, to ensure accountable, culturally capable practice.
- Ensure compliance with organisational, legislative, and quality standards, including ISO 9001:2015, HSQS, and Workplace Health and Safety requirements.
- Contribute to achieving organisational goals and deliver high‑quality, a

📌 Senior Practitioner (Maryborough)
🏢 Central Queensland Indigenous Development
📍 Maryborough