We are currently recruiting for vacancies in Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell, Moree, Muswellbrook, Narrabri, and Tamworth.
DCJ is committed to keeping families together so children can thrive at home. Our primary focus is always the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of children and young people.
This role involves responding to reports concerning the safety of children or young people who may have been harmed.
What You'll Do
* Work sensitively and respectfully with parents, family members, children, or young people.
* Collaborate with other agencies and engage in complex problem solving.
* Travel across the New England District as required.
* Undertake assessments, investigations, and ongoing family work with expectant parents to identify and address safety and risk concerns.
* Advocate for and support families to engage with services and participate in meetings such as Pregnancy Family Conferences or hospital case meetings.
* Develop and maintain networks with key stakeholders, including NSW Health staff.
* Work collaboratively with NSW Health to promote and implement the Pregnancy Family Conferencing Model.
* Focus on supporting expectant parents during pregnancy to reduce risks and prepare them to care for their baby safely.
* Plan next steps for families, connecting them with support services and developing networks before the birth.
* Ensure clear discharge planning, consider parallel planning and assessments as needed.
* Assist families in setting goals, addressing safety concerns, and providing home visits.
* Develop safety plans and complete risk assessments.
* Manage cases involving high needs and high-risk clients.
* Participate in court processes, including document preparation and attendance.
* Engage in supervision sessions.
Being a Child Protection Caseworker can be challenging. You may need to make tough decisions to help families overcome hardships and create safe, loving homes.
Travel across the district may be necessary to support cases.
What We're Looking For
To succeed as a Child Protection Caseworker – New England, you should be confident, curious, and resilient.
The Essential Requirements Include
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work, Social Science, Welfare, or a 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.
* Ability to build relationships with stakeholders, especially NSW Health and preservation services.
* Experience with prenatal cases is preferred but not essential.
* 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?
* Competitive salary from $89,934 to $116,969 per annum plus superannuation and leave loading.
* Flexible work options.
* 17 weeks of industry-leading training through the Caseworker Development Program.
* Support for your personal and professional growth.
* Generous leave entitlements, including flex leave.
* Wellness programs such as Fitness Passport, health apps, and mental health support.
Living in New England
Learn about housing, amenities, and attractions in New England and why it might be the perfect place for you.
Partner Opportunities
Bring your partner along Opportunities exist for both of you to find meaningful employment. Register your partner here.
Relocation and Community Support
The Welcome Experience helps you settle into communities like Muswellbrook, Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell, Moree, or Tamworth. Find out more at .
Ready to Join?
Apply now by answering the questions, attaching 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 us at or call Julie at (02) 9354 1722.
Inclusion and 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, and others.
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