Child Protection Caseworker - Mid North Coast

NSW Department of Communities and Justice; Taree; On-site; AUD 93,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible, autonomous work environment

Health & Wellbeing and EAP programs

Training and development opportunities

Competitive pay and conditions

Annual leave loading

Job summary

NSW Department of Communities and Justice is seeking a Child Protection Caseworker – Mid North Coast to cover Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Port Macquarie and Taree. The position is ongoing with salary between $92,632 and $120,478 per year plus superannuation and annual leave loading.

You will respond to safety reports, work with families and agencies, develop safety plans, manage high‑risk cases, attend court when required and participate in supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work, social science or welfare with practical experience.
• Clear communication skills and ability to build positive working relationships.
• A valid driver’s licence (P1 or above) and Working with Children clearance.

Responsibilities

• Respond to safety concerns and reports about children or young people.
• Work with families and other agencies to address safety and wellbeing needs.
• Develop safety plans and complete risk assessments.
• Manage cases including high needs and high‑risk clients and attend court when required.
• Participate in supervision and case reviews.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Relationship building

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work or welfare

Job description

Child Protection Caseworker – Mid North Coast

We are currently recruiting for vacancies and talent pool inclusions for Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Taree

Employment type: Ongoing

Salary: $92,632 – $120,478 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

• 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

Download the Role Description

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.

Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of 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.

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 Gen Lanuzo on 02 9765 3213 or via [e-mail].

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website 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 visit Applying for DCJ jobs on the DCJ website.

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

To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/

The Welcome Experience

Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience The careers site currently promotes this service on the ‘Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW’ page.