Child Protection Caseworker - Central Coast

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

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development opportunities

Health & Wellbeing programs

Flexible work environment

Job summary

NSW Department of Communities and Justice is seeking a Child Protection Caseworker for the Central Coast. This ongoing position focuses on the safety and well-being of children, working closely with families and agencies to address complex issues. The role requires strong communication skills, a relevant degree, and experience with vulnerable populations. The successful candidate will enjoy a flexible work environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Preferred completed or in your final semester of a Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s licence (P1 or above) and paid working with children clearance number.

Responsibilities

• Respond to safety concern reports about children.
• Work collaboratively with families and agencies.
• Develop safety plans and perform risk assessments.
• Manage cases for high-needs clients.
• Prepare court documents and attend court as necessary.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Building positive relationships

Problem-solving

Working with vulnerable populations

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in social work or related field

Practical experience with vulnerable children and families

Job description

Child Protection Caseworker – Central Coast

We are currently recruiting for vacancies and talent pool inclusions for Tuggerah.

Employment type: Ongoing

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

Your Role

DCJ is all 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. In this role, you will respond to reports about safety concerns surrounding children or young people who may have been harmed.

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 a 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

(If you are in your final semester of university you will not be able to commence on duty if successful until you have completed your degree)

• Preferred Completed or in your final semester of a Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work, Social Science and Welfare along with practical experience.
• Other related degrees are considered, if you can demonstrate your knowledge skills and experience working with vulnerable children, young people and families
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to build positive working relationships
• A valid driver’s licence (P1 or above)
• A paid working with children clearance number

What We Offer

• 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

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.

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.