Pre-natal Child Protection Caseworker

Overview

We are currently recruiting to vacancies in Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell, Moree, Muswellbrook, Narrabri & Tamworth.

We do work that really matters. 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

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.

Please be aware that in this role travel across the New England District may be obligatory to support with cases as required.

What We're Looking For

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

The 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

Click here to view the role description and the assessment process

Click here to hear from our Caseworkers.

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

Interested in learning more about the lifestyle opportunities available in New England?

Read about the housing opportunities, amenities and attractions in New England and why it might be the perfect home for you.

What about your partner?

Bring your partner along on your employment journey

Regional NSW is a great place to work and currently there is opportunity for you and your partner to find meaningful employment together

Is your partner interested? Register now here

Relocation and Welcome Experience

Will you be relocating to Muswellbrook, Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell, Moree or Tamworth?

The Welcome Experience is for you. The Welcome Experience in Muswellbrook connects you and your family with local people and local resources to help you settle in and feel at home in your new community faster. Learn more at- www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

Ready to Apply?

Are you ready to join us? Click apply, answer the required questions, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).

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 Our Process.

If you've got a question about applying or require an adjustment in the recruitment process, please email CaseworkerCareers@facs.nsw.gov.au or call Julie on (02) 9354 1722.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit. We hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds, including 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 is doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit our careers site.

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