Family Preservation Caseworker

**Work with families in the Community to achieve positive outcomes in Family Preservation.**:

- **Be part of an organisation that values it’s people by supporting ongoing growth and development**.**

**Who We Are**

CareSouth is a spirited, truly local community-based organisation with a dynamic and bold vision to make a difference 'every day'. Working across locations in NSW and ACT, we seek to inspire each other and the communities in which we operate. Our purpose is to influence and support the safety, development and empowerment of children, young people, adults, and communities.

**About the Role**

CareSouth is currently looking for experienced and enthusiastic Caseworkers to join our Family Preservation Nowra and Wollongong in a variety of capacities. We are open to exploring an employment type that suits you

Raising a child can be tough, help and support can make a real difference. At CareSouth we know that children thrive when they are with family and community. Through the Family Preservation Program we work with families to support them through challenges like domestic violence, mental health issues, significant learning or intellectual disabilities, drug and alcohol misuse, complex health needs, school attendance concerns and other challenges that may make family life difficult. We work alongside families to support their opportunities to thrive.

The program is a voluntary program for families with children aged 0 to 18. The role of the Caseworker is to provide case management and support through regular home visits and access to services and programs for children and their families, the majority of whom are referred by the Department of Communities and Justice ( DCJ) in relation to a Risk of Significant Harm (ROSH) report. Brighter Futures is a voluntary program that supports families for up to 18 months.

**The successful applicant will have**:

- Tertiary qualifications in relevant discipline (Social Work, Social Sciences, Social Welfare) or working towards completion.
- Demonstrated experience in a similar role. (2+ years’ experience desirable).
- Ability to comprehensively assess and case manage the individual needs of children and young people and their families.
- Experience in preparing assessment reports and case plans in conjunction with children and young people.
- Ability to work independently when required as well as working positively within a team.
- Ability to undertake crisis intervention and support of children and young people in care, parents and other services.
- Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with DCJ, referral agencies and community carers.
- Understanding and commitment to Workplace Health and Safety, Cultural issues and the NSW Child Protection system and legislation as well as mandatory reporting requirements.
- Knowledge of the context and impact of the issues arising from children and young people being at risk of entering the Child Protection system.
- Demonstrated computer skills and the use of various software.
- Driver’s licence with a satisfactory driving history record.

**Do you want to be a part of something great?**

At CareSouth, we recognise that the work you do every day is what makes our organisation great. In return, we strive to promote a healthy work life balance, support ongoing professional development and assist you in delivering our purpose.

To recognise the work you do we offer:

- 24/7 After Hours Call centre to allow you to leave work at work
- Flexible Work options including the ability to Work from Home and schedule Rostered Days Off.
- Concessional leave, to be taken over the Christmas period
- Various Salary Packaging options
- Discounted Private Health Insurance
- Free, confidential and independent Employee Assistance Program
- Tailored professional development pathways
- 24/7 access to our online eLearning system
- A compassionate, supportive and inclusive culture that encourages you to be bold, big-hearted and determined.

CareSouth warmly welcomes EVERYONE, irrespective of their ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination.

**Enquiries to**: Alex Muir, Manager Family Preservation on 1300 554 260

**Attachments**:

- F-PC-129 - Position Description CW-BF - Level 5.pdf
- X-PC-191 - Fit2Work Criminal Record Check - online version.pdf