Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker - Central Coast

NSW Department of Communities and Justice; Central Coast; On-site; AUD 89,934 - 116,969; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work environment

Health & Wellbeing programs

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

NSW Department of Communities and Justice is looking for an Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker to work closely with families across New South Wales. Your role will involve sensitive engagement with vulnerable children and their families, developing safety plans, and participating in court processes. Candidates should have strong communication skills and a relevant qualification or experience in child protection. The position offers competitive pay, a flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable children, young people, and their families.
• Ability to build positive relationships with the Aboriginal community.
• Valid driver's licence and working with children clearance.

Responsibilities

• Work sensitively and respectfully with clients.
• Engage in complex problem solving with agencies.
• Develop safety plans and conduct risk assessments.

Skills

Cultural strength

Communication skills

Relationship building

Problem solving

Education

Relevant diploma or degree qualification

Job description

Employment Details

Employment type: Ongoing

Salary: $89,934 – $116,969 pa plus superannuation and annual leave loading

Position open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people only

Your role

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is about working in partnership with families and communities to thrive. We walk alongside families, children, and communities, working together with other agencies and partners to build on strengths and create lasting change. Our focus is on breaking cycles of disadvantage and supporting strong futures. Our priority is always the safety, wellbeing, and cultural connection of children and young people. When we have more Aboriginal caseworkers, children are more likely to grow up strong, safe, and connected to their cultural community.

What You’ll Do

• Work sensitively and respectfully with parents, family members, children or young people


• Work in partnership with other agencies and engage in complex problem solving


• Walk alongside families to set goals that build on their strengths, addressing safety and well‑being concerns, and provide appropriate assistance through home visits


• Develop safety plans and complete risk assessments


• Manage cases and situations including working with high needs and high‑risk clients and their families


• Be involved in court processes, including the preparation of court documents and attending court


• Participate in individual and group supervision


• Participate in Aboriginal cultural supervision

What We’re Looking For

To be an Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker, you bring courage, curiosity, and cultural strength. You can stand strong in challenging situations, listen deeply, and walk alongside families and communities with respect and integrity.

• A relevant diploma or degree qualification is preferred.


• If you do not have a relevant qualification, you must have at least two years of experience working with vulnerable children, young people, and their families.


• The ability to build positive working relationships with the Aboriginal community, supported by excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• A valid driver’s licence.


• A paid working with children clearance number.


• Documented verification of Aboriginality – confirming that you are an Aboriginal person of Aboriginal descent and that you identify as being Aboriginal.

Aboriginality Confirmation

Applicants must provide one of the following documents:

• Confirmation of Aboriginality form.


• Written confirmation from 2–3 Aboriginal organisations within the community where you live or work, addressing the following criteria: of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

What We Offer

• A challenging and rewarding career.


• A flexible, autonomous work environment.


• Competitive pay and conditions.


• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities.


• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Equal Opportunity

Where a position is identified, an applicant’s race is a genuine occupational qualification under the exception in Section 14(d) of the Anti‑Discrimination Act 1977.