Child Protection Caseworker - Northern NSW

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work environment

Training opportunities

Health & wellbeing program

Employee assistance program

Competitive pay

Job summary

NSW Department of Communities and Justice is recruiting a Child Protection Caseworker for Ballina, Lismore, Tweed Heads, and Clarence Valley. The role involves responding to safety concerns for children and young people and working with families to safeguard wellbeing.

You will collaborate with other agencies, perform risk assessments, prepare safety plans, and participate in court processes while managing complex cases in a supportive regional environment.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A valid driver's licence (P1 or above).
• A paid working with children clearance number.

Responsibilities

• Respond to reports about safety concerns surrounding children or young people.
• Work collaboratively with other agencies and engage in complex problem solving.
• Assist families in formulating goals that address safety and wellbeing through home visits.
• Develop safety plans and complete risk assessments.
• Manage cases with high needs and high-risk clients and their families.
• Participate in court processes and prepare court documents.
• Engage in supervision and professional development.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Driver's license

Working with children clearance

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work / social science and welfare

Job description

Child Protection Caseworker – Northern NSW

We are currently recruiting for vacancies and talent pool inclusions for Ballina, Lismore, Tweed Heads, Clarence Valley. 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

What we’re looking for

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

• 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.

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.

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.

Applications close on 2026-11-13.