Joint Child Protection Response Program

Joint Child Protection Response Program (JCPRP) Caseworker - Statewide

We are recruiting for multiple locations. We are currently recruiting for the following 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

• 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
• Build relationships within the program, practice and legislative frameworks to promote meaningful change in families for better outcomes
• Develop and maintain networks 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 stay contemporary
• Maintain accurate and objective client records for reporting and information sharing
• Have difficult conversations about and with children, young people, families 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

Working with vulnerable children, young people and carers/families within a multi-disciplinary program is challenging and rewarding. To be a JCPR Caseworker you need to be confident, curious and resilient. The essential requirements include:

• Minimum of 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, with practical experience. (If you are in your final semester you will not be able to commence duties until you have completed your degree)
• Other related degrees considered if you can demonstrate knowledge, skills and experience working with vulnerable children, young people and families
• Identity 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.

• 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

Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages). Provide a response to the targeted question below as part of the application. Applications that do not answer the targeted question may not be reviewed.

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, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?

Need assistance? If you have questions about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process, please contact Vanessa Tran on (02) 9765 5049 or vanessa.tran@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Inclusion and Diversity We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and encourage applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and other diversity groups to apply.

Other Information A talent pool may be created for future roles and remains valid for up to 18 months.