DESCRIPTORS (UNTIL 4 NOVEMBER 2012)
Jobs in this structure support the department’s Child Protection and Youth Justice programs.
Child Protection and Youth Justice form part of the same service delivery system in Victoria. This is because they are both governed by the same legislation: Children, Youth and Families and Young Persons Act 2005(Vic) (The Act – CYFA). The Act outlines its purposes as:
to provide for community services to support children and families; and
to provide for the protection of children; and
to make provision in relation to children who have been charged with, or who have been found guilty of, offences; and
to continue The Children's Court of Victoria as a specialist court dealing with matters relating to children.
The Act sets out the statutory roles of the Department of Human Services in youth justice and child protection. A key role of these employees is exercising legal delegations and functions pursuant to the Act and other related acts. A brief explanation of each of the programs is provided below.
Youth Justice Custodial Services
Youth Justice Custodial Centres accommodate young people aged 10 – 18 (Age change legislation as of July 1, 2005) years remanded and sentenced by the Criminal Division of the Children’s Court and some 18 – 21 year olds sentenced by the adult courts to a Youth Justice Custodial Centre. There are three Youth Justice Custodial Centres in Victoria. The centres operate within a framework that promotes the return of young people to the community at the completion of their custodial sentence with increased support and opportunities and reduced risk of re – offending.
Child Protection
Secure Welfare Services
Secure Welfare Services provide care to young people in a lock up facility. Employees provide direct care and support to young people placed in Secure Welfare under the Act. This involves assisting in the case planning process and transitioning of the young person to an appropriate placement. Secure Welfare placements are time limited (21 days with the option of another 21 days in exceptional circumstances). Secure Welfare placements are utilised when it is assessed that a young person poses a significant risk to themselves or others and short term containment is required. There are two Secure Welfare facilities in Victoria.
CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTORS
Note: Youth Justice Grade and Value Range Descriptors reflected the underpinning work value anchors for the function. Where the descriptors reference the VPS Grade and Value Range Descriptors, the Youth Justice descriptors are to be read in conjunction with them. The primary classification reference at Youth Justice Grade 5 is operational service delivery with the VPS Grade and Value range descriptors serving as a framework for the other elements of work value. Use of the VPS Grade and Value Range descriptors in this manner for CP Grade 5 is unique to this occupational category.
Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6
Grade Descriptors
General:
Provides basic client care and support in both a community and /or institutional setting Works within a
well-defined environment under close supervision Typically in Youth Justice Custodial Services, a worker providing either direct care, client supervision or support Typically in Secure Welfare Services, a worker providing either direct care, client supervision or support
General:
Provides standard services under general supervision within a service delivery framework
Program Specific:
Typically In Youth Justice Custodial Services,
may coordinate shift and team activities
coordinates activities which support client programs
Typically in Secure Welfare Services, a shift supervisor of residential direct care staff
General:
Provides standard services within a service delivery framework
Program Specific:
Typically in Youth Justice Custodial Services, a unit or program co-ordinator Typically in Secure Welfare Services, a unit coordinator
General:
Manages delivery of services to clients within a service delivery framework Provides professional services at an advanced level in the field of expertise Program Specific:
Typically in Youth Justice Custodial Services, a program or unit manager
Program Specific:
Typically in Youth Justice Custodial Services, a project or policy manager Typically in Secure Welfare Services, a manager of a residential unit
General:
A senior regional program manager with a significant impact on program managem ent and delivery
Program Specific:
Typically in Secure Welfare Services, a manager of the program.
Decision Making All employees exercise legal delegations and functions pursuant to the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic) and other related acts. Specific delegations and functions are determined by the role and work environment in combination (as specified in job descriptions).
CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTORS
167
Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6
VR 1 VR 2 VR 1 VR 2
Operational
Service Delivery Provides case support or direct care to clients
Manages a range of client behaviours Takes appropriate action for the safety and security of clients and the centre Selects and applies established procedures and local work practices Prioritises own work program with guidance from the supervisor
Implements aspects of client case plans Works with clients in a range of settings Works as part of a team in dealing with crisis intervention Works with others to coordinate client programs
Provides direction to a shift of direct care workers involved in the care, support and supervision of clients Plans and prioritises work to achieve defined targets Undertakes client assessments, case management and the development, implementation and review of case plans and client service plans
Adapts practices to a variety of case circumstances Refers complex cases and issues to more senior staff and other service providers Works with clients in a range of settings
Works as a coordinator of a residential unit or a non-residential monitors the level of service provided to clients
Provides services in relation to vocational training and employment for clients
Researches program options to develop recommendations
Evaluates and modifies behaviour managem ent systems or programs within a unit operations of a centre or service, sub program, Intervenes in and manages the or sensitive or complex issues
CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTORS
Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6
Accountability and
Frameworks
Provides direct client care, case managem ent, practical advice, assistance and client support and supervision services Maintains accurate client records Makes decisions and solves problems based on knowledge gained from formal training and the application and interpretation of precedents, policies and standards Selects and applies a variety of work practices and techniques common to the work area Refers more complex problems to the supervisor for resolution
Provides advice, expertise, support and training to direct care staff
Ensures case plans are followed by direct care staff including leave programs Participates in planning, implementing and reviewing programs and services Assesses clients and recommends appropriate type and level of service for clients
Selects from a variety of techniques, systems, methods or procedures Modifies or adapts practices within the work area that have limited impact
Co-ordinates case management advice relating to individual case plans to peers, and internal and external stakeholders Ensures case management processes are in place and standards are met.
Solves problems by applying sound service delivery and treatment strategies Conduct supervision sessions for a team of direct care staff
Overall responsibility for the operation of the unit or program.
Decisions are authoritative and not usually subject to intervention Manages staff and resources for a unit or program
The VPSG 5 Non Executive Career Structure Classification and Value Range Standard Descriptors apply
The VPSG 6 Non Executive Career Structure Classification and Value Range Standard Descriptors apply
Innovation and Originality
Judgement is required to solve problems arising in own work program Takes initiative to recommend improved processes in immediate work area
Creatively deals with problems within the work area
Initiates improvements to work practices within the work area Explores new ideas in response to more challenging cases issues and problems and proposes changes and solutions
Develops and applies new ideas in more complex case plans and proposes solutions Assesses and responds to developments in the field
Explores and disseminates new ideas in response to non-routine case issues and problems and decides on changes and solutions Demonstrates creative thinking in the design and implementation of unit processes
Contributes ideas to strategic planning of the centre
The VPSG 5 Non Executive Career Structure Classification and Value Range Standard Descriptors apply
The VPSG 6 Non Executive Career Structure Classification and Value Range Standard Descriptors apply
CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTORS
169
Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6
Communication Communicates effectively with clients, and their families/guardians/
caregivers concerning the implem entation of case plans and client support
Prepares routine reports and correspondence relating to client assessment and case plans
Applies conflict resolution skills in dealing with challenging clients
Uses persuasion, advocacy, negotiation and motivation skills with clients, their families, guardians and service providers Prepares client reports
Prepares briefs and correspondence for consideration by management
Liaises, consults and seeks to influence other service providers, government and non-governm ent sector agencies to provide coordinated client services Provides specialised advice and inform ation to other service providers
Finalises case reports and correspondence
Conveys policy, case management and operational advice to a range of professional and program audiences Applies negotiation, consultation and persuasion skills at an advanced level.
Prepares comprehensive case reports, correspondence, and briefings
The VPSG 5 Non Executive Career Structure Classification and Value Range Standard Descriptors apply
The VPSG 6 Non Executive Career Structure Classification and Value Range Standard Descriptors legislation relating to the work area
Applies a developed understanding of and current trends and approaches to service provision in the field
Provides authoritative advice to other professionals and organisations on program and service delivery
Possesses and applies a wide knowledge and understanding of program, operational and service delivery issues
The VPSG 5 Non Executive Career Structure Classification and Value Range Standard Descriptors apply
The VPSG 6 Non Executive Career Structure Classification and Value Range Standard Descriptors apply
CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTORS