Caseworker - Hcea Strategy Unit

Division: System Reform
- Location: Parramatta, NSW, AU, 2150
- Req ID: 75248

**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 Fostering with DCJ Team 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 Carer, Placement and Permanency Assessment and Fostering with DCJ teams.

**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 carer placement assessments and permanency assessments for children and young people in OOHC.
- These assessments will include carer authorisations, re-authorisations, and guardianship assessments.
- Casework positions will be located across the state to support state-wide service provision for children and young people, carers and families.
- A small team will also be involved in the assessment, authorisation and support of carer applicants in the general pool of carers.

**What you’ll do**
- Engage with children, young people, families and carers as part of assessment processes.
- Undertake carer assessments including carer authorisation and re-authorisation.
- Complete high quality and culturally responsive assessment reports that meet the needs of a variety of stakeholders.
- Work closely with district staff to ensure information sharing and shared understanding of assessment expectations
- Undertake probity checks, annual reviews and other work that is associated with children, their carers and carer support.
- Carer support work for generalist foster carers

**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 court reports.
- 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.
- 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.
- Training or experience in use of assessment tools Step-by-Step and Winangay is preferred but not required.
- 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 $113,562pa 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 managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.

**Are you ready to join us?**
- Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).

**Applications close**Tuesday the 17th of June 11.59pm

**Got a question?**
- Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

**Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit**
- We continue to hire great peo