Joint Child Protection Response Program

Joint Child Protection Response Program (JCPRP) Caseworker - Statewide

We are recruiting for the Joint Child Protection Response Program (JCPRP) Caseworker - Statewide role with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).

Locations

• Ballina
• Bathurst
• Blacktown
• Broken Hill
• Coffs Harbour
• Dubbo
• Gosford
• Inverell
• Liverpool
• Newcastle
• Port Macquarie
• Queanbeyan
• Strawberry Hills
• Tamworth
• Wagga Wagga grouping (includes Wagga Wagga, Albury & Griffith)
• Wollongong

Responsibilities

• JCPRP Caseworkers assess safety and risk to children and young people within a multi-disciplinary service model.
• Undertake assessments to identify and address safety and risk concerns for children and young people.
• 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.
• Develop and maintain networks and relationships with JCPRP partner agencies and other stakeholders to deliver holistic and coordinated services.
• Participate in 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.
• Initiate action in the Children's Court to ensure safety and wellbeing where required.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking experienced child protection Caseworkers with excellent analytical, assessment and communication skills. To be successful, applicants should demonstrate strong attention to detail, highly developed critical thinking and problem solving, and excellent interpersonal and self-management skills.

• Minimum of 2 years\' frontline experience in statutory child protection services or within statutory investigation services.
• Preferred: Completed or final-semester student in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work, Social Science and Welfare with practical experience. If in final semester, you may not commence duties until degree completion.
• Other related degrees are considered if you can demonstrate knowledge and experience working with vulnerable children, young people and families.
• Identity as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander with a strong connection to community (encouraged).
• 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's in it for you

• A competitive base salary range $89,934 – $116,969 pa plus superannuation and 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.
• Insight into the operations and culture of the JCPRP partner agencies.
• Wellness-focused benefits including Fitness Passport, a tailored health app and mental health support.

How to apply

Click apply and attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages). Ensure you address the targeted question in your application. If you need adjustments in the recruitment process, contact the DCJ recruitment team for support.

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

Diversity and inclusion

We strongly encourage people from Aboriginal and multicultural backgrounds to apply. Inclusion and diversity are central to our recruitment approach. DCJ is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce, welcoming applicants from disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, women, LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, carers and other diversity groups. For more information, visit the DCJ Inclusion and Diversity page.

Additional information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for up to 18 months. For more information, visit the DCJ recruitment journey page.

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