Pre-natal Child Protection Caseworker

Pre-natal Child Protection Caseworker - New England

We are currently recruiting to vacancies in Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell, Moree, Muswellbrook, Narrabri & Tamworth. 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
• travel across the New England District will be required
• undertake assessment/investigation and ongoing family work with expectant parents to identify and address safety and risk concerns for children following their birth
• advocate for and support families to engage with services and participate in meetings such as Pregnancy Family Conferences or hospital complex case meetings
• develop and maintain networks and relationships with key stakeholders, in particular NSW Health staff such as Pregnancy Family Conference facilitators, birthing hospital staff and hospital social workers
• work in collaboration with NSW Health in the promotion and implementation of the Pregnancy Family Conferencing Model
• the primary focus of decision making for a caseworker is in assessing/investigating and supporting expectant parents during pregnancy to reduce risks and help parents build skills and prepare them to keep their baby safely in their care
• planning next steps for families in connecting them with appropriate support services and developing supportive networks prior to the birth of their baby
• ensure clear discharge planning, consider parallel planning and assessment as required
• 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

• Essential Requirements Include Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work, Social Science, Welfare or related discipline
• Not essential, but preferred experience working as a Midwife, Nurse, or working with expectant parents, or experience in other roles with NSW Health
• Experience in child protection assessment and case planning
• Aboriginal applicants with suitable experience are encouraged to apply (Degree not required)
• Able to engage with families to support participation in Pregnancy Family Conferencing to develop achievable family action planning
• Experience engaging with and supporting change in voluntary clients while navigating complex vulnerabilities and service systems
• Able to build relationships and stakeholder engagement, particularly with NSW Health and preservation services
• Experience working with prenatal cases is preferred but not essential
• A valid driver's licence
• A paid working with children clearance number

What's in it for you?

• As Australia's top public sector employer, we offer competitive benefits and opportunities including:
• Rewarding salary from $89,934 to $116,969 pa plus superannuation and annual leave loading
• Opportunities to work flexibly
• 17 weeks of industry leading training in the Caseworker Development Program
• Customised career development and support for your personal and professional growth
• Generous leave entitlements including flex leave
• Positive culture for wellness including Fitness Passport, tailored health app and mental health support

Inclusion and Diversity

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 our careers site.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Temporary

Job function

• Other

Industries

• Newspaper Publishing

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