Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker - Western NSW

NSW Department of Communities and Justice; Dubbo; 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

NSW Department of Communities and Justice is seeking an Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker to work in Dubbo, New South Wales. This role involves partnering with families and communities to foster children's well-being. Candidates should have relevant qualifications or experience and demonstrate strong relationships with the Aboriginal community. A valid driver's license and Working with Children clearance are required. Competitive salary of $89,934 – $116,969 plus superannuation offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ experience working with vulnerable children and families.
• Ability to manage high-risk clients and families.
• Required Working with Children clearance number.

Responsibilities

• Work with families and communities to support children's well-being.
• Create safety plans and conduct risk assessments.
• Engage with other agencies in problem-solving.

Skills

Building positive relationships with Aboriginal community

Verbal and written communication skills

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Relevant diploma or degree qualification

Tools

Driver's license

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.