Caseworker - Hcea Strategy Unit

Division: System Reform
- Location: Parramatta, NSW, AU, 2150
- Req ID: 75586

**Caseworker - HCEA Strategy Unit**

**Location - Parramatta**
- We are also creating a talent pool for upcoming opportunities across the state so if interested in alternate locations, we encourage you to apply_

**Employment type - Ongoing**

**Clerk Grade 4/7 - $87,315 - $113,562 pa plus superannuation**

**_ The Department of Communities and Justice acknowledges lived experience and how it contributes to the valuable work we do with the community._**

**About the role**
- The Intensive Foster Care is a team within the High-Cost Emergency Arrangements (HCEA) Strategy Unit.
- The HCEA Strategy Unit is made up of multiple teams who work together to achieve a reduction of the number of children and young people in HCEAs, including work to increase home-based placements for children and young people.
- We currently have casework positions within the Intensive Foster Care Team.

**Your role**
- One of the key principles guiding out-of-home care in NSW is that children’s safety and wellbeing benefit from stable, permanent placements.
- As a Caseworker you will be part of a dedicated team that undertakes and completes high quality and culturally responsive casework.
- As an Intensive Foster Care (IFC) Carer Support Caseworker, you will provide intensive and specialised support to foster carers looking after children and young people with higher and more complex needs.

**What you’ll do**
- Work in partnership with the child’s caseworker, carer, family and other members of the care team to ensure coordinated and comprehensive supports for carers and children
- Support carers to navigate the system and receive the necessary assistance to enable them to continue their vital caregiving role
- Identify and support carer skill development and training
- Facilitate placement stability by addressing the unique challenges faced by each child and carer and leveraging your advocacy and negotiation skills to find solutions
- Contribute to the evaluation of the pilot program

**Additional information**
- Due to the nature of the assessment work and carer support work, and the necessity to meet the needs of carer applicants, some after-hours and weekend work may be required.
- Some travel may also be required, depending upon service demand across the state.

**What we’re looking for**
- We are looking for caseworkers who:

- Have a strong knowledge and understanding of the child protection and OOHC system.
- Demonstrated experience in clear insightful evidence-based work, including report writing.
- Experience in achieving stability and permanency for children and young people including their relational, cultural and physical needs.
- Demonstrated ability to build constructive relationships with parents' family and carers.
- Demonstrate inclusive behaviour and show respect for diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives
- Demonstrated experience in completing high quality written assessments.
- Can work flexible hours, with afterhours and weekend work being required at times.
- Completion of the Caseworker Development Program (CDP) is preferred.

**Essential Requirements**
- Preferred Completed or in your final semester of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, Social Science and Welfare along with practical experience. (If you are in your final semester of university you will not be able to commence on duty if successful until you have completed your degree)
- Other related degrees are considered, if you can demonstrate your knowledge skills and experience working with vulnerable children, young people and families
- Relevant experience in child protection, out of home care or provision of casework in another setting
- 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
- Download the role description.

**What’s in it for you?**
- As Australia’s top public sector employer, we offer competitive benefits and opportunities including:

- Rewarding salary from $87,315 to $113,562 pa plus superannuation and annual leave loading Opportunities to work flexibly.
- 17 weeks of industry leading training in the Caseworker Development Program
- Customized 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.
- Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

**We do work that really matters**
- Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realize the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than