Better Futures Practitioner

Join our Youth Case Management & Better Futures team and help young people build successful futures beyond care.

Employment Type: Full Time Permanent

Classification: Social Worker Level 5 (SW5)

Salary: $105,736 to $110,518 plus superannuation

Salary Packaging: Up to $15,900 plus meals and entertainment benefits

Location: Ballarat, VIC

Above Award Benefits: Including 3 days paid Christmas Leave annually

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Our Values

At Cafs, our work is guided by the values of:

Respect ? Integrity ? Collaboration ? Kindness ? Innovation

About the Program

The Better Futures program supports young people with a care experience to transition successfully into adulthood. Through therapeutic engagement, advocacy and practical support, the program assists young people to build independence, strengthen community connections, access education and employment opportunities, secure housing, and improve overall wellbeing.

Better Futures supports eligible young people from age 15 years and 9 months through to their 21st birthday and includes case management, Home Stretch support, accommodation brokerage and community connection opportunities.

About the Role

As a Better Futures Practitioner, you will engage with young people transitioning from out-of-home care, supporting them to have an active voice in their future planning while achieving their goals and aspirations.

Guided by the Better Futures Practice Framework and Advantage Thinking approach, you will provide individualised, strengths-based support across housing, education, employment, health, wellbeing, community participation and cultural connection. Working collaboratively with young people, carers, Child Protection, care teams and community organisations, you will help create positive pathways to independence and long-term stability.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver case management and support in line with the Better Futures Framework.
• Build therapeutic relationships that empower young people to achieve their goals.
• Support young people to access housing, education, employment, health and wellbeing services.
• Coordinate referrals, advocacy and community connections.
• Manage Better Futures brokerage processes and flexible funding.
• Attend care team meetings and provide secondary consultations.
• Maintain accurate client records and reporting requirements.
• Develop strong partnerships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Lead joint visits and participate in professional meetings.
• Support less experienced practitioners and program support workers.
• Manage complex cases and work with a high level of autonomy.

Why Join Cafs?

At Cafs, you will join a supportive and inclusive organisation where your contribution genuinely matters.

• Salary packaging benefits
• Professional development and career progression opportunities
• Regular supervision and reflective practice support
• A supportive, collaborative and values-based culture
• An organisation committed to child safety, inclusion, diversity and eliminating family violence
• Opportunities to positively influence the lives of young people transitioning from care
• Above-award benefits, including 3 days paid Christmas Leave annually

How to Apply

If you are passionate about helping young people develop confidence, independence and meaningful connections as they transition into adulthood, we would love to hear from you.

APPLY NOW!

To find out more about this opportunity, please refer to the attached Position Description when applying. For a confidential discussion about the role, contact the Youth Case Management and Better Futures team or Jen Allen, Talent Acquisition Partner, on [03 5337 3333](tel:03 5337 3333).

Applications close 27 August 2026. Please note that applications may be reviewed as they are received, and applicants may be contacted for interview prior to the closing date. All applicants must be eligible to work in Australia, and employment will be subject to satisfactory Police and Victorian Working with Children Checks.

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Our Commitment

Inclusion and diversity are at the heart of everything we do at Cafs. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

To work with people to enable healing, hope and meaningful impact across all generations.