Child Protection Caseworker Role Overview
We aim to preserve families and support the well-being of children within their home environments. The primary focus is on ensuring the safety, welfare, and overall well-being of the child or young person.
* This role involves responding to reports of potential harm towards children or young people who may have already been affected.
About the Responsibilities
1. Developing strong relationships with parents, family members, children, or young people while working in a sensitive and respectful manner.
2. Collaborating effectively with other agencies and engaging in complex problem-solving processes.
3. Traveling across designated areas as required.
4. Conducting assessments/investigations and ongoing family work with expectant parents to identify and address potential risks and safety concerns for children following birth.
5. Advocating for and supporting families in engaging with relevant services and participating in meetings such as Pregnancy Family Conferences or hospital complex case meetings.
6. Maintaining networks and relationships with key stakeholders, particularly NSW Health staff like Pregnancy Family Conference facilitators, birthing hospital staff, and hospital social workers.
7. Working in collaboration with NSW Health to promote and implement the Pregnancy Family Conferencing Model.
8. Assessing/investigating and supporting expectant parents during pregnancy to minimize risks and equip them with skills necessary to keep their baby safe in their care.
9. Planning next steps for families to connect them with suitable support services and develop supportive networks prior to the birth of their baby.
10. Ensuring clear discharge planning, considering parallel planning as needed, and assessing situations appropriately.
11. Providing assistance to families in formulating goals that align with their needs, addressing safety and well-being concerns, and offering necessary support through home visits.
12. Developing safety plans and completing risk assessments.
13. Managing cases and high-risk situations, including working with clients who require specialized attention and their families.
14. Participating in court proceedings, including preparing court documents and attending court sessions.
About You
To excel as a Child Protection Caseworker, you must be confident, curious, and resilient.
Essential Requirements
1. A degree in Social Work, Social Science, Welfare, or a related field is required.
2. Preferred experience includes working as a Midwife, Nurse, or working with expectant parents, or roles within NSW Health.
3. Experience in child protection assessment and case planning is essential.
4. Aboriginal applicants with suitable experience are encouraged to apply (degree not required).
5. Ability to engage with families to support participation in Pregnancy Family Conferencing for developing achievable family action planning.
6. Experience in engaging with and supporting change in voluntary clients while navigating complex vulnerabilities and service systems.
7. Ability to build relationships and stakeholder engagement, particularly with NSW Health and preservation services.
8. Experience working with prenatal cases is preferred but not essential.
9. A valid driver's license is required.
10. A paid Working with Children clearance number is also required.
This role offers an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families in need.
We encourage individuals who share our commitment to preserving families and supporting the well-being of children to apply for this challenging yet rewarding role.