Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker - Hunter

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible, autonomous work environment

Training and development opportunities

Health & Wellbeing Programs

Job summary

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice is seeking an Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker to partner with families and communities. This vital role involves working sensitively with parents and youth, managing complex cases, developing safety plans, and engaging in court processes. Applicants must have relevant qualifications and experience working with vulnerable groups, with a strong commitment to Aboriginal culture. The position offers a competitive salary, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for development.

Qualifications

• At least two years’ experience working with vulnerable children, young people, and their families if no relevant qualification.
• Paid working with children clearance number required.
• Documented verification of Aboriginality required.

Responsibilities

• Work sensitively and respectfully with parents, family members, children or young people.
• Develop safety plans and complete risk assessments.
• Manage complex cases involving high-needs clients and their families.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to build positive working relationships with the Aboriginal community

Education

Relevant diploma or degree preferred

Tools

Valid driver's licence

Job description

Employee type: Ongoing. Salary: $89,934 – $116,969 pa plus superannuation and annual leave loading. Location: Cessnock, Charlestown, Maitland, Mayfield, Muswellbrook, and Raymond Terrace.

Your Role

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is about partnering with families and communities to help children and young people thrive. As an Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker you will work sensitively and respectfully with parents and youth, manage complex cases, develop safety plans, participate in court processes, and engage in Aboriginal cultural supervision.

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

The essential requirements include:

• Relevant diploma or degree preferred
• At least two years’ experience working with vulnerable children, young people and their families if no relevant qualification
• Ability to build positive working relationships with the Aboriginal community, supported by excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Valid driver’s licence
• Paid working with children clearance number
• Documented verification of Aboriginality – confirming you are an Aboriginal person of Aboriginal descent and that you identify as being Aboriginal

Eligibility

As an identified role, this position is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons. 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.

Confirming Aboriginality: Provide either of the following –

1. A completed Confirmation of Aboriginality form
2. Written confirmation from 2–3 Aboriginal organisations within your community addressing the criteria of descent, identity, and community acceptance

Benefits

• A challenging and rewarding career
• Flexible, autonomous work environment
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs

Please note the role is identified and is an Indigenous job role.