Caseworker (Central Access Unit)

Caseworker

Central Access Unit, High-Cost Emergency Arrangement (HCEA) Strategy Unit

• Parramatta (6PSQ) – above Parramatta Station- with flexible workplace arrangements in place in line with the Workplace Presence policy
• Temporary (up to 12 months) & Ongoing
• Clerk Grade 3/7

The HCEA Strategy Unit sits within the System Reform division.

We acknowledge the harm caused by past government policies and practices and the significant impact these have had on First Nations children, families and communities.

We commit to recognition of past injustices, truth-telling, and working in partnership with First Nations children, parents, families, communities and the sector to improve outcomes for children and young people in who can't live at home right now.

If you are aligned with our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, courage and integrity – we encourage you to apply for this role.

Your role

The Central Access Unit (CAU) sits within the High Cost Emergency Arrangement Strategy Unit and is the steward for all forms of non home based care, including Intensive Therapeutic Care and Interim Care Models. The role provides an opportunity to stretch your valued skillset and practice knowledge toward avoiding entry into HCEA and finding permanency for children and young people, within a supportive team environment.

What you'll do

As part of the CAU team you will be part of a dynamic and supportive team, based within the CAU Placements team and/or CAU Triage and Emergency Care Arrangements team working to avoid entry into HCEA and facilitating the entry of children and young people into non home based care models.

As part of this role, you will liaise with district colleagues to assess the suitability of children and young people into residential settings, and develop strong relationships with key stakeholders, including CFDU's, PSP Providers and contract managers to enable service system responsiveness, and facilitate permanency and positive outcomes for young people with complex needs in Out of Home Care.

What we're looking for

Applicants must have 2 years' experience in child protection, out of home care or provision of caseworker in another setting.

You will be required to comply with the Workplace Presence policy and attend Parramatta Square a minimum of 50% (5 days per fortnight) on days that meet the CAU business needs.

Download the role description.

What We Offer

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

• A challenging and rewarding career

• Flexible, autonomous work environment

• Competitive pay and conditions

• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities

• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

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 realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It's work that really matters.

Apply now and join Australia's top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment

Are you ready to join us?

Click apply, attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 3 pages) addressing the targeted questioned with a brief outline on how you meet the requirements of the role:

It is an essential requirement of this role that applicants have a minimum of two years' experience in child protection, out-of-home care, or casework within a similar setting.

Please outline your experience working in child protection, out-of-home care, or similar casework roles.

Applications closeThursday 9th of October at 11:59pm AEST.

Got a question?

If you've got a question about the role or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please contact the hiring manager Michelle Humphreys, Manager Client services, Central Access Unit on or at

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 people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander people are encouraged to apply. This is because the Department acknowledges this lived experience contributes a perspective valuable to our work with this community.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

For more information visit Applying for DCJ jobs on the DCJ website.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

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The careers site currently promotes this service on the 'Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW' page.