Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker

3 weeks ago

Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia NSW Department of Communities and Justice Full time

Aboriginal Caseworker - Mid North Coast

We are currently recruiting for vacancies in Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, and Taree.

Would you like to learn more about working as an Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker and the recruitment process? We will hold an information session on Thursday, 04 September 2025, at 5 pm. Please register your interest here or click 'Apply now' if you are ready to join us

We do work that really matters. DCJ is committed to keeping families together so that children thrive at home. Our priority is the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of children and young people. We recognize that increasing the number of Aboriginal caseworkers helps more Aboriginal children grow up safely at home with their community.

What You'll Do
  1. Work sensitively and respectfully with parents, family members, children, or young people.
  2. Collaborate with other agencies and engage in complex problem solving.
  3. Assist families in setting goals that meet their needs, addressing safety and wellbeing concerns, and providing appropriate support through home visits.
  4. Develop safety plans and conduct risk assessments.
  5. Manage cases involving high needs and high-risk clients and their families.
  6. Participate in court processes, including preparing documents and attending hearings.
  7. Engage in individual and group supervision sessions.

Being an Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker can be challenging. Sometimes, tough decisions must be made to help families overcome hardships and create safe, loving homes.

What We're Looking For

Ideal candidates are confident, curious, and resilient. The essential requirements include:

  • A relevant diploma or degree (preferred).
  • Candidates without formal qualifications require at least two years of experience working with vulnerable children, young people, and families.
  • Ability to build positive relationships, supported by excellent communication skills.
  • A valid driver's license.
  • A current Working with Children clearance.
  • Verification of Aboriginality, confirming you are of Aboriginal descent and identify as Aboriginal.

This is an Identified role, open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons. As such, race is a genuine occupational qualification under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Role Confirmation

Applicants must upload one of the following to be considered:

  • Confirmation of Aboriginality form, or
  • Written confirmation from 2-3 Aboriginal organizations in your community, addressing:
    • Descent as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander,
    • Self-identification as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander,
    • Acceptance by the community.

Click here for the role description and further information about the assessment process. Also, click here to hear from our Aboriginal Caseworkers.

Benefits

As Australia's leading public sector employer, we offer:

  • Competitive salary from $89,934 to $116,969 per annum plus superannuation and leave loading.
  • Flexible working arrangements.
  • 17 weeks of industry-leading training via the Caseworker Development Program.
  • Personalized career development and support.
  • Generous leave entitlements, including flex leave.
  • Wellness programs, including Fitness Passport, health apps, and mental health support.
Relocation and Partner Opportunities

Considering relocating to Kempsey? The Welcome Experience program helps you and your family settle in quickly. Learn more at

Interested in your partner joining you? They can also find employment opportunities. Register here.

Application Process

Apply by submitting a cover letter (max 2 pages) and an up-to-date résumé (max 5 pages). A talent pool may be created for future roles, valid for up to 18 months. For more details, visit Our Process. For questions or accommodations, email or call Julie at

Our Commitment to Diversity

We value diversity and are committed to inclusive hiring, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, LGBTIQ+ individuals, culturally diverse groups, carers, and others. Learn more at Inclusion and diversity.

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