Aboriginal Family Preservation Caseworker (Identified)

Goodradigbee Cultural and Heritage Aboriginal Corporation; Liverpool; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Flexible working arrangements

Employee assistance programs

Wellbeing support services

Mentoring and supervision

Job summary

Goodradigbee Cultural and Heritage Aboriginal Corporation is seeking an Aboriginal Family Preservation Caseworker (Identified) to join our team in Penrith and Liverpool, NSW. This full-time role focuses on strengthening Aboriginal families, preventing out-of-home care, and promoting cultural connection through holistic support and case management.

You will assess family needs, develop strengths-based plans, coordinate services, and advocate with agencies to ensure child safety and family

Qualifications

• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent (identified position).
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in family support, child welfare, youth services, or related community services fields.
• Sound knowledge of the Aboriginal child placement principle, family preservation philosophy, and culturally responsive practice.
• Understanding of legislation relevant to child protection and family services, including the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage respectfully with families from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and liaise effectively with external agencies.
• Excellent organisational, time management, and case management skills with the ability to manage multiple cases.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.
• Current NSW Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain one.
• Valid driver's licence and access to reliable transport.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work within ethical and legal frameworks.
• Lived experience of working within Aboriginal communities is highly valued.
• Tertiary qualification in social work, community welfare, psychology, or related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong, trusting relationships with Aboriginal families, providing culturally responsive support and case management services
• Conduct comprehensive family assessments to identify strengths, challenges, and support needs within a family preservation framework
• Create individualised case plans with families that are strengths-based, culturally informed, and focused on achieving measurable outcomes
• Provide practical support to families including assistance with budgeting, housing, employment, education, and access to services
• Link families with community resources, services, and support networks including health, mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence services
• Advocate on behalf of families with government agencies, service providers, and other stakeholders
• Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and documentation in line with legislative requirements and agency policies
• Attend and prepare reports for case conferences, court proceedings, and statutory meetings as required
• Collaborate with other professionals including child protection workers, educators, health practitioners, and community members
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, professional development, and contribute to continuous service improvement
• Uphold child safety and wellbeing as a primary concern whilst supporting family preservation objectives

Job description

Aboriginal Family Preservation Caseworker (Identified)

Goodradigbee Cultural and Heritage Aboriginal Corporation – Liverpool NSW

Goodradigbee Cultural and Heritage Aboriginal Corporation is seeking an Aboriginal Family Preservation Caseworker (Identified) to join our team in Penrith and Liverpool, NSW. This is a full-time position that plays a vital role in supporting Aboriginal families and communities to strengthen family relationships, prevent out-of-home care, and promote cultural connection. As a Family Preservation Caseworker, you will work directly with families to provide holistic support, advocacy, and practical assistance to help them overcome challenges and build resilience. This role is fundamental to our mission of keeping Aboriginal families together whilst honouring cultural practices and values.

There are two locations Penrith and Liverpool

What you'll be doing

Develop and maintain strong, trusting relationships with Aboriginal families, providing culturally responsive support and case management services

Conduct comprehensive family assessments to identify strengths, challenges, and support needs within a family preservation framework

Create individualised case plans with families that are strengths-based, culturally informed, and focused on achieving measurable outcomes

Provide practical support to families including assistance with budgeting, housing, employment, education, and access to services

Link families with community resources, services, and support networks including health, mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence services

Advocate on behalf of families with government agencies, service providers, and other stakeholders

Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and documentation in line with legislative requirements and agency policies

Attend and prepare reports for case conferences, court proceedings, and statutory meetings as required

Collaborate with other professionals including child protection workers, educators, health practitioners, and community members

Participate in team meetings, supervision, professional development, and contribute to continuous service improvement

Uphold child safety and wellbeing as a primary concern whilst supporting family preservation objectives

What we're looking for

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent (this is an identified position)

Minimum of 2 years' experience in family support, child welfare, youth services, or related community services fields

Sound knowledge of the Aboriginal child placement principle, family preservation philosophy, and culturally responsive practice

Understanding of the legislation relevant to child protection and family services, including the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998

Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage respectfully with families from diverse backgrounds

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and liaise effectively with external agencies

Excellent organisational, time management, and case management skills with the ability to manage multiple cases

Commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice

Current NSW Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain one

Valid driver's licence and access to reliable transport

Ability to maintain confidentiality and work within ethical and legal frameworks

Lived experience of working within Aboriginal communities is highly valued

Tertiary qualification in social work, community welfare, psychology, or related field is preferred

What we offer

Comprehensive professional development and training opportunities to support career growth and skill development

Supportive and culturally safe workplace environment that values Aboriginal perspectives and practices

Flexible working arrangements where possible to support work-life balance

Access to employee assistance programs and wellbeing support services

Collaborative team culture with strong mentoring and supervision

Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in Aboriginal community wellbeing and family preservation

Recognition of the importance of cultural connection and community engagement

About us

Goodradigbee Cultural and Heritage Aboriginal Corporation is an Aboriginal-led organisation committed to supporting Aboriginal families, communities, and individuals in the Penrith region and beyond. Our mission is to preserve and strengthen Aboriginal culture, heritage, and family connections whilst providing holistic, culturally responsive services that address the diverse needs of our community. We are dedicated to keeping Aboriginal families together, supporting their self-determination, and ensuring that Aboriginal children and young people grow up connected to culture, family, and community. We work collaboratively with other service providers, government agencies, and community organisations to achieve the best outcomes for Aboriginal families. Our values are grounded in respect, cultural integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to social justice.