Child Protection Caseworker - Illawarra Shoalhaven

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible, autonomous work environment

Competitive pay and conditions

Training and development opportunities

Health & Wellbeing Programs

Employee Assistance Programs

Job summary

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice seeks a Child Protection Caseworker for the Illawarra Shoalhaven area. In this ongoing role, you will prioritize the wellbeing of children, respond to safety reports, and work collaboratively with families and other agencies. A Bachelor’s or master’s degree in relevant fields is preferred, alongside excellent communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $89,934 to $116,969 per annum plus superannuation, in a flexible work environment.

Qualifications

• Preferred completed or in final semester of relevant degree with practical experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and experience with vulnerable children and families.
• Strong communication skills for positive relationships.

Responsibilities

• Respond to safety concerns for children or young people.
• Collaborate with agencies in complex problem solving.
• Assist families in formulating and achieving goals.
• Develop safety plans and carry out risk assessments.
• Manage cases involving high-needs clients.
• Prepare court documents and participate in court processes.

Skills

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

Problem-solving

Building relationships

Resilience

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in social work or Social Science and Welfare

Tools

Driver's license (P1 or above)

Job description

Child Protection Caseworker – Illawarra Shoalhaven

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 wellbeing 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

What We’re Looking For

To be a Child Protection Caseworker you need to be confident, curious and resilient.

The Essential Requirements Include

• 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. (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)
• 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

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.