Joint Child Protection Response Program (JCPRP) Caseworker - Wollongong

NSW Department of Communities and Justice; Wollongong City Council; On-site; AUD 89,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in New South Wales is seeking a JCPRP Caseworker in Wollongong to assess safety and risks to children within a multi-disciplinary program. Ideal candidates will possess at least two years of frontline experience in statutory child protection services and relevant academic qualifications. The role offers a competitive salary range of $89,934 to $116,969 per annum, along with flexible working conditions and opportunities for ongoing professional development.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Flexible working conditions

Industry leading training

Positive culture for wellness support

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years' experience in statutory child protection or investigation services.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s licence (P1 or above), paid working with children clearance.

Responsibilities

• Undertake assessments for children's safety and risks.
• Build relationships with families to promote positive outcomes.
• Maintain accurate client records for reporting.

Skills

Analytical skills

Assessment skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Self-management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work or related fields

Job description

Joint Child Protection Response Program (JCPRP) Caseworker - Wollongong

JCPRP Caseworkers assess safety and risk to children and young people within a multi-disciplinary service model. We are seeking experienced child protection Caseworkers with excellent analytical, assessment and communication skills.

To be successful in this role, applicants must demonstrate strong attention to detail, highly developed critical thinking and problem solving, and excellent interpersonal and self-management skills.

A day in the life of a JCPR Child Protection Caseworker

While no two days are the same, JCPRP Caseworkers:
Undertake assessments to identify and address safety and risk concerns for children and young people within a multi-disciplinary program
Engage in collaborative, child focused practice that acknowledges and respects the culture and context of each child, young person and their carers/family
Source timely, accurate and comprehensive information and make evidence based decisions in line with the child/young person’s safety, welfare and wellbeing
Model ethical and curious casework that is responsive to the changing needs of children, young people and families
Build relationships within the Program, practice and legislative frameworks to promote meaningful change in families for better outcomes for children/young people and their families
Develop and maintain networks and relationships with JCPRP partner agencies and other stakeholders to deliver holistic and coordinated services for children, young people and families
Participate and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and professional development to ensure practice knowledge and skills are contemporary
Maintain accurate and objective client records for reporting and information sharing
Have difficult conversations about and with children, young people, family and key stakeholders to mitigate risks and enhance safety and wellbeing
Initiate action in the Children’s Court to ensure safety and wellbeing where required

What we’re looking for

Working with vulnerable children, young people and carers/families within a multi-disciplinary program is never boring, often challenging and always rewarding.

To be a JCPR Caseworker you need to be confident, curious and resilient. The essential requirements include:
A minimum of two (2) years' frontline experience in statutory child protection services or within statutory investigation services
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 and/or identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander with a strong connection to community
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

We strongly encourage people from Aboriginal and multicultural backgrounds to apply for these roles.

A competitive base salary range $89,934 – $116,969 pa plus superannuation & annual leave loading

Flexible working conditions including a 140 hour month

Industry leading JCPRP training and ongoing development opportunities

Opportunity to work within a unique and highly visible multi-disciplinary program with a collective goal of improving safety and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people

Unequalled insight into the operations and culture of the JCPRP partner agencies

Positive culture for wellness including Fitness Passport, tailored health app and mental health support

Are you ready to join us?

Targeted Question: Describe a time when you were required to undertake a safety and risk assessment for a child or young person. What steps did you take to complete this assessment, what were the challenges and what was the outcome?

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.