Out of Home Care Practice Mentor

Location: TCCG Head Office, Berrimah, Darwin NT Employment Type: Full-Time

About Us

Territory Child Care Group (TCCG) is a not-for-profit organisation committed to providing safe, nurturing and supportive environments where children and young people can thrive. Through our Out of Home Care program, we work alongside home-based carers who provide care for children and young people who are unable to live with their families. We believe that supporting carers is an essential part of ensuring children experience safe, stable and nurturing care.

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Out of Home Care Practice Mentor to join our team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, young people and their carers.

About the Role

As an Out of Home Care Practice Mentor, you will play an important role in supporting and guiding home-based carers to provide safe, consistent and nurturing care for children and young people. Unlike a traditional childcare or residential care position, this role involves working alongside carers who provide care for children in their own homes.

You will build supportive relationships with carers, provide practical advice and guidance, and help them develop the skills and confidence to respond to the individual needs of children in their care.

Working closely with carers, case managers and our Out of Home Care team, you will help promote positive care practices, identify areas where additional support may be needed and contribute to safe and stable care environments.

This is a varied and rewarding role that requires strong interpersonal skills, sound judgement and the ability to build positive, professional relationships. You will need to understand and respect the unique nature of home-based care, balancing the importance of maintaining secure and nurturing environments with recognising that you are working within someone's family home.

Regular home visits are an essential part of the position, along with maintaining accurate records, preparing reports and managing administrative responsibilities.

Above all, we are looking for someone who is approachable, practical and genuinely committed to supporting carers and improving outcomes for children and young people.

Key Responsibilities

Carer Support and Mentoring

- Build and maintain positive, skilled relationships with home-based carers.
- Provide ongoing guidance, encouragement and practical support to carers in their day-to-day responsibilities.
- Support carers to develop their skills and confidence in responding to the individual needs of children and young people.
- Provide practical guidance on child development, behaviour guidance, routines and creating nurturing home environments.
- Promote trauma-informed, child-centred and culturally responsive care practices.
- Assist carers to navigate challenges, identify practical solutions and implement agreed improvements.

Home Visits and Quality Assurance





- Conduct regular home visits to support carers and monitor the quality of care environments.
- Identify areas where additional guidance, support or improvement may be required.
- Promote safe, welcoming and nurturing home environments that support children's physical, emotional, social and developmental needs.
- Ensure carers understand and meet relevant organisational policies, procedures and care requirements.
- Address concerns appropriately and professionally, balancing supportive relationships with accountability for quality care.

Child and Young Person Wellbeing

- Advocate for the safety, wellbeing and best interests of children and young people.
- Support carers to understand and respond appropriately to children's individual experiences, behaviours and developmental needs.
- Support children and young people to maintain meaningful connections with their family, community, culture and Country, with particular consideration for the cultural identity and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
- Promote positive relationships, consistency and stability within home-based care environments.

Collaboration and Communication

- Work collaboratively with case managers, carers and other professionals involved in supporting children and young people.
- Communicate effectively regarding children's needs, placement arrangements and emerging concerns.
- Contribute to a coordinated and consistent approach to supporting children and carers.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Build respectful relationships while being confident to have difficult conversations when necessary.

Administration and Documentation

- Maintain accurate and timely records of home visits, carer support and relevant observations.
- Prepare placement summaries, reports and other required documentation.
- Manage competing priorities and meet reporting deadlines.
- Ensure records and documentation comply with organisational requirements and relevant standards.

About You

We are looking for someone who is approachable, organised and able to build trusting relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds. You will be practical, adaptable and comfortable working independently. You will also be someone who can recognise when carers need additional guidance, offer constructive support and follow through on agreed actions.

We are particularly interested in applicants with a background in early childhood education, children's services or home-based care. However, we also welcome applicants with relevant qualifications and experience in community services, out-of-home care or related fields.





Qualifications and Experience

- A Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Education, Children's Services, Community Services, Social Work or a related field.
- Experience working with children, young people or families, particularly in early childhood education, children's services, home-based care or a similar environment.
- A sound understanding of child development, behaviour guidance and the importance of consistent, nurturing care.
- An understanding of trauma-informed practice and the impact of childhood trauma on development, relationships and behaviour, or a willingness to develop this knowledge.
- Solid communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to provide guidance and support in a respectful and constructive manner.

- Emotional resilience and the ability to remain calm, professional and solution-focused when navigating challenging situations or sensitive conversations.
- A commitment to culturally safe and inclusive practices, particularly when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to maintain detailed records and meet deadlines.

- The ability to work independently, exercise sound qualified judgement and contribute positively to a supportive team environment.
- Confidence using computers and electronic recordkeeping systems.

Previous experience supporting home-based carers or working in Out of Home Care would be an advantage but is not essential.

Essential Requirements

- Current driver's licence and access to a reliable vehicle.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Northern Territory Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card).
- Willingness to undertake relevant screening and background checks.
- Ability to undertake regular home visits across the Darwin and surrounding areas.

Why Join TCCG?

- Be part of a supportive, experienced and dedicated team.
- Make a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Work in a varied role that combines practical support, mentoring and relationship-building.
- Access opportunities for career development, ongoing learning and on-the-job support.
- Enjoy a full-time position within an established not-for-profit organisation.
- Receive a competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.

We recognise that people bring different experiences and strengths to this type of work. If you have a strong background in caring for and supporting children, excellent interpersonal skills and a genuine willingness to learn, we encourage you to apply.

How to Apply

If you enjoy working with people, have a strong understanding of children's needs and would like to use your skills and experience to support home-based carers, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your application through SEEK, including your resume and a short cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position.

📌 Out of Home Care Practice Mentor (Berrimah)
🏢 Territory Child Care Group
📍 Berrimah