Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker - Western Sydney Nepean Blue Mountains

NSW Department of Communities and Justice; Lithgow City Council; On-site; AUD 89,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

A government organization is seeking an Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker to aid families in need and ensure the welfare of children. Key responsibilities include case management and collaboration with agencies. The role requires a relevant diploma or significant experience, excellent communication skills, and documented verification of Aboriginality. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary from $89,934 to $116,969

17 weeks of training

Flexible work opportunities

Generous leave entitlements

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience with vulnerable children and families is required for applicants without qualifications.
• A valid driver's license is necessary.
• Documented verification of Aboriginality must be provided.

Responsibilities

• Work sensitively and respectfully with children and families.
• Assist families in formulating goals and provide assistance through home visits.
• Develop safety plans and complete risk assessments.

Skills

Building positive working relationships

Excellent verbal communication

Excellent written communication

Resilience

Curiosity

Education

Relevant diploma or degree

Job description

Overview

Aboriginal Caseworker - Western Sydney Nepean Blue Mountains

We are currently recruiting to vacancies in Auburn, Blacktown, Mt Druitt, Parramatta, Hawkesbury, Lithgow, Penrith, St Marys & Blue Mountains.

We do work that really matters. Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We’re focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.

DCJ is about keeping families together so that children thrive at home. Our first priority is always the safety, welfare and wellbeing of the children or young person. We know the more Aboriginal caseworkers we have, the more Aboriginal kids grow up safely at home with mob.

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.

What You’ll Do

• work sensitively and respectfully with parents, family members, children or young people
• work collaboratively with other agencies and engage in complex problem solving
• assist families in formulating goals that align with their needs, 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

Being an Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker can be difficult. Sometimes, you may have to make tough decisions with families to help them overcome hardships in order to be able to care for their children and develop safe and loving homes.

What We’re Looking For

To be a Child Protection Caseworker you need to be confident, curious and resilient. The essential requirements include:

• 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, 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

Role

There are two alternatives to confirming your Aboriginality, one of which must be uploaded to be considered for the role as follows. Either will be accepted:

• Confirmation of Aboriginality form
• Written confirmation from 2-3 Aboriginal organisations within the community in which you live/work, which addresses the three criteria listed below:
• is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
• identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
• is accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

Click here to view the role description and further information about the assessment process.

Click here to hear from our Aboriginal Caseworkers.

What’s in it for you?

As Australia’s top public sector employer, we offer competitive benefits and opportunities including:

• Rewarding salary from $89,934 pa to $116,969 pa plus superannuation and annual leave loading
• Opportunities to work flexibly
• 17 weeks of industry leading training in the Caseworker Development Program
• Customised career development and support for your personal and professional growth
• Generous leave entitlements including flex leave
• Positive culture for wellness including Fitness Passport, tailored health app and mental health support

Are you ready to join us?

Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).

Got a question?

If you’ve got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Crystal on 02 9765 4095 or via [e-mail].

Visit adjustment in the recruitment process, to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience, and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers, and other diversity groups.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

For more information and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

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