Carer Advocate

Company Description

Connecting Foster & Kinship Carers SA Inc. (CF&KC-SA) is the peak advocacy body for approved foster and kinship carers in South Australia. As a not-for-profit, membership-based organisation, CF&KC-SA represents carers, stakeholders, professionals, and associates across the state. The organisation provides advocacy services to the entire family-based carer community, supporting carers in navigating systems and accessing their rights. CF&KC-SA’s mission is to improve outcomes for all foster and kinship carers by ensuring their voices are heard by stakeholders and their rights are upheld. Team members work closely with carers and sector partners to strengthen support, recognition, and systemic change for carer families.

Role Description

The Carer Advocate is a part-time, on-site role based in Adelaide, SA. This position focuses on supporting foster and kinship carers by listening to their concerns, providing information, and assisting them to understand and exercise their rights. Day-to-day tasks include responding to carer enquiries, conducting individual advocacy, attending meetings with carers and stakeholders, and documenting case notes and outcomes. The Carer Advocate will collaborate with internal colleagues and external agencies to address systemic issues, identify emerging trends, and contribute to submissions, reports, and resources that reflect carer experiences. The role also involves community outreach, participating in carer events and information sessions, and helping to strengthen CF&KC-SA’s membership and engagement.

Qualifications

• Ability to provide individual advocacy and support, including active listening, case management, and rights-based guidance to carers.
• Strong communication skills, including clear written communication, respectful verbal engagement, and the ability to present information in a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive manner.
• Experience building collaborative relationships with carers, government agencies, and community services, with skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement.
• Organisational and administrative skills, including accurate record-keeping, time management, and the use of digital tools for email, case notes, and basic data entry.
• Understanding of child protection, out-of-home care, or community services systems, and commitment to social justice and human rights-based advocacy.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, handle sensitive information confidentially, and work autonomously within a small team environment.
• Relevant qualification or study in social work, community services, psychology, or a related field, or equivalent experience in advocacy or carer support.
• Lived or professional experience with foster or kinship care, and the ability to travel locally within Adelaide and broader SA as required.