Lead therapeutic case management that strengthens placement stability and supports safe, sustainable futures for young people.

Employment type: Full Time Ongoing
Classification: Social Worker Level 5
Salary: $105,736 to $110,518 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Salary packaging options: Up to $15,900 plus meals and entertainment benefits
Location: Ballarat, VIC
Above award entitlements: Including 3 days paid Christmas Leave annually

Our Values
At Cafs, our work is guided by the values of:
Respect | Integrity | Collaboration | Kindness | Innovation

About the Program
Cafs Therapeutic Residential Care provides 24/7 care to children and young people with complex needs who are unable to safely remain at home. The Residential Care Case Management program provides contracted case management and support to young people living across multiple residential units in Ballarat.

Working within the TBRI therapeutic model, the program supports placement stability and transition to long-term care arrangements in line with DFFH Therapeutic Residential Care requirements, the Looking After Children Framework, the Best Interests Framework and Child Safe Standards.

About the Role
As the Residential Care Case Manager, you will lead high-quality, compliant and therapeutic case management for young people where Cafs holds contracted case management responsibility.

You will coordinate care planning, therapeutic interventions and day-to-day residential care delivery, while working closely with young people, families, residential teams, Child Protection, external case managers and partner agencies. This role is central to supporting placement stability, managing risk and progressing safe, sustainable long-term care arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

Provide full case management responsibility for up to six contracted cases, with clearly defined coordination and escalation support for other residential care clients.
Lead care planning in line with the Looking After Children Framework, Best Interests Framework, DFFH guidelines and the Victorian Child Protection Manual.
Engage directly with young people, families, carers and care teams across residential units, schools, family homes and community settings.
Coordinate statutory case planning, therapeutic support plans, care plans and transition plans to ensure an integrated response.
Promote placement stability by identifying emerging risks early and coordinating timely, planned responses before escalation.
Maintain high-quality documentation, including Care Plans, Placement Plans, Cultural Support Plans, Leaving Care Plans and Incident Reports.
Build strong working relationships with Child Protection, external case managers, partner agencies and Cafs teams to support clear information sharing and coordinated decision-making.
Provide advice on placement suitability, stability and transition planning within the role's defined scope of responsibility.
Support consistent case practice, program compliance and continuous improvement across Therapeutic Residential Care.
Work with a high level of autonomy, manage complex cases and participate actively in reflective supervision and professional development.
Why Join Cafs?
At Cafs, you'll join a supportive and inclusive organisation where your contribution genuinely matters.

Salary packaging benefits
Professional development and career progression opportunities
Regular supervision and leadership support
A supportive, collaborative and values-based culture
An organisation committed to child safety, inclusion, diversity and eliminating family violence
The opportunity to lead therapeutic case management and contribute to positive, sustainable outcomes for young people
Above-award benefits, including 3 days paid Christmas Leave annually
How to Apply
If you are an experienced case manager who is committed to therapeutic, child-centred practice and improving outcomes for young people in residential care, we'd love to hear from you.