Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker - Western NSW

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work environment

Training and development opportunities

Health & Wellbeing programs

Job summary

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice seeks an Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker in New South Wales. This role involves working closely with families, providing support, and managing cases for vulnerable children. Applicants should have relevant qualifications or experience and the ability to build strong relationships within Aboriginal communities. A competitive salary and flexible working conditions are offered, along with training opportunities. This position is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individuals, emphasizing the importance of cultural insights.

Qualifications

• Preferred qualification in a relevant field.
• Experience working with vulnerable children, families is essential.
• Must possess a valid driver's licence and Working with Children clearance.

Responsibilities

• Work sensitively with families and children.
• Engage with agencies to solve complex issues.
• Develop risk assessments and safety plans.
• Manage high-risk cases.
• Assist in preparing and attending court documents.

Skills

Building positive working relationships

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Complex problem solving

Cultural strength in Aboriginal communities

Education

Relevant diploma or degree qualification

At least two years’ experience with vulnerable children

Job description

Locations: Bathurst, Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Condobolin, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Cowra, Dubbo, Mudgee, Nyngan, Orange, Parkes, Walgett.

Employment type: Ongoing.

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

Eligibility: This position is open to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 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, focusing on breaking cycles of disadvantage and supporting strong futures.

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 succeed as 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.
• Applicants without a relevant qualification require at least two years’ 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

Confirmation of Aboriginality is required. One of the following must be uploaded:

• Confirmation of Aboriginality form.
• Written confirmation from 2–3 Aboriginal organisations within the community in which you live/work, addressing the following criteria:

• Is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.
• Identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
• Is accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

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.

EEO and Diversity

As an identified role, this position is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons. Race is a genuine occupational qualification under the exception in Section 14(d) of the Anti‑Discrimination Act 1977.