We are currently recruiting for vacancies in Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell, Moree, Muswellbrook, Narrabri, and Tamworth.
We do work that really matters
DCJ is committed to keeping families together so that children can thrive at home. Our top priority is always the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of children and young people.
In this role, you will respond to reports concerning safety concerns about children or young people who may have been harmed.
What You’ll Do
1. Work sensitively and respectfully with parents, family members, children, or young people.
2. Collaborate with other agencies and engage in complex problem solving.
3. Travel across the New England District as required.
4. Undertake assessments and investigations, and engage in ongoing family work with expectant parents to identify and address safety and risk concerns for children following their birth.
5. Advocate for and support families to engage with services and participate in meetings such as Pregnancy Family Conferences or hospital complex case meetings.
6. Develop and maintain networks with key stakeholders, particularly NSW Health staff such as Pregnancy Family Conference facilitators, hospital staff, and social workers.
7. Work in collaboration with NSW Health to promote and implement the Pregnancy Family Conferencing Model.
8. The primary focus is to assess, investigate, and support expectant parents during pregnancy to reduce risks and help them develop skills to keep their baby safe.
9. Plan next steps for families by connecting them with appropriate support services and developing networks before the baby's birth.
10. Ensure clear discharge planning, consider parallel planning, and conduct assessments as required.
11. Assist families in setting goals aligned with their needs, addressing safety and wellbeing concerns, and provide support through home visits.
12. Develop safety plans and complete risk assessments.
13. Manage cases involving high needs and high-risk clients and their families.
14. Participate in court processes, including preparing court documents and attending hearings.
15. Engage in individual and group supervision sessions.
Being a Child Protection Caseworker can be challenging. Sometimes, you may need to make difficult decisions to help families overcome hardships, enabling children to grow up in safe and loving homes.
Please note that travel across the New England District may be necessary to support cases.
What We’re Looking For
To succeed as a Child Protection Caseworker – New England, you need to be confident, curious, and resilient.
The Essential Requirements Include
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, Social Science, Welfare, or related discipline.
* Experience working as a Midwife, Nurse, or with expectant parents is preferred but not essential.
* Experience in child protection assessment and case planning.
* Aboriginal applicants with suitable experience are encouraged to apply (degree not required).
* Ability to engage with families and support participation in Pregnancy Family Conferencing.
* Experience working with voluntary clients and navigating complex vulnerabilities and service systems.
* Ability to build relationships and engage stakeholders, especially with NSW Health and preservation services.
* Experience with prenatal cases is preferred but not required.
* A valid driver’s license.
* A current working with children clearance.
Click here to view the role description and assessment process.
Click here to hear from our Caseworkers.
What’s in it for you?
As Australia’s leading public sector employer, we offer competitive benefits and opportunities, including:
* Salary from $87,315 to $113,562 per annum plus superannuation and leave loading.
* Flexible working arrangements.
* 17 weeks of comprehensive training through the Caseworker Development Program.
* Customized career development and support for growth.
* Generous leave entitlements, including flex leave.
* Wellness initiatives such as Fitness Passport, health apps, and mental health support.
Living in New England
Learn about housing, amenities, and attractions that make New England a great place to live.
Partner Opportunities
Bring your partner along! Opportunities exist for both of you to find meaningful employment. Register your interest here .
Relocation Support
If relocating to Muswellbrook, Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell, Moree, or Tamworth, participate in the Welcome Experience to help settle into your new community. More info at .
Ready to Join?
Click apply, answer the questions, attach a cover letter (max 2 pages), and an up-to-date résumé (max 5 pages). A Talent Pool may be created for future roles, valid for up to 18 months. For questions or adjustments in the recruitment process, email .
Our Commitment to Diversity
We value diversity and are committed to inclusive hiring practices, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, LGBTIQ+ individuals, culturally diverse backgrounds, and carers.
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