Family Time Worker

Introduction:

The Opportunity

CatholicCare is building a pool of casual Family Time Workers to join its Permanency Support Program (PSP), which is dedicated to achieving safety, stability, and permanency for vulnerable children and young people within a two-year timeframe. This program focuses on family reunification, exploring alternative legal pathways like Guardianship or Open Adoption, and providing long-term care with Foster Carers.

As a Family Time Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting the day-to-day functions of the PSP care team. Your responsibilities will include supervising and facilitating family visits, and ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people in Out-of-Home Care. You'll also document visit details and communicate essential updates to the team.

This role offers flexibility with weekend and after-hours work, making it ideal for those balancing study or other commitments. You'll collaborate with children, young people, their families, Foster Carers, and the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) to foster a supportive and respectful environment. As part of CatholicCare, you'll provide compassionate, evidence-based support, making a meaningful impact within the PSP. Shifts can vary across all seven days of the week, including weekdays and weekends.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US

• Receive an attractive salary with salary packaging available
• Paid parental leave for eligible employees;
• Fantastic ongoing training & development, coaching & mentoring and career progression opportunities;
• A great friendly environment of dedicated and passionate co-workers;
• Discounted gym membership, Fitness Passport; and more.
• Onsite Parking

Description:

POSITION DESCRIPTION

CatholicCare's Permanency Support Program (PSP) focusses on achieving safety and permanency for vulnerable children and young people within a two-year (2) timeframe, by; promoting reunification with their parents, or by supporting an alternative legal pathway i.e., Guardianship or Open Adoption, or by providing long term care with Foster Carers. CatholicCare's Family Time Workers are responsible for directly supporting the day-to-day work of the PSP teams. They make a significant contribution to the PSP care team by undertaking tasks that support the safety, welfare and well-being of children and young people in Out-of-Home Care. Tasks include supporting appointments for children and young people, and supervising and supporting Family Visits, writing reports and information relating to visits, as well as handing over any information to the team that they need to be aware of. As a valued part of the PSP, Family Time Workers are required to work with children, young people, their family and Foster Carers in a way that promotes strengths and respect. They are required to work in partnership with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, (DCJ) and other agencies in the universal service system to improve evidence-based casework, share decision-making risk and promote dignity in service delivery.

Skills and Experiences:

EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA

• A commitment to work within the Mission, Vision and Values of CatholicCare.
• Demonstrated verbal and written skills
• The ability to work as part of a team and independently to provide proactive and responsive support.
• A basic knowledge of the legislation, policies and standards relevant to child protection, statutory out-of-home-care, the PSP and child safe organisations.
• Experience working with, or a demonstrated knowledge of cultural competence principles, relevant to engaging clients from diverse backgrounds, including First Nations people and those from CALD communities.
• Contribute to collaborative PSP work by maintaining timely records, including client information system records, notes and the coordination and delivery of appropriate information sharing.
• Supervise and support family time visits and prepare summary reports which accurately record observations.
• High-level computer skills in use of Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Teams.
• Demonstrated awareness of confidentiality & boundaries of practice.
• Experience in the provision of social services is desirable however applicants must be willing to complete formal training and obtain role specific training.
• A demonstrated commitment to work flexible hours and After Hours to meet the needs of children, young people, their family and Foster carers.
• Ability to work across several locations, time manage and prioritise
• Ability to demonstrate and work within the key accountabilities and inherent requirement of this position detailed in Section 12.
• Any other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS

• A TAFE qualification (Cert 4 / Diploma) in a Community Services, Family Studies, Welfare, or related discipline with demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development, OR Tertiary qualifications, (or working toward a qualification) in a Social Work, Psychology, Social Science, Welfare, or related discipline with demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Current NSW Driver Licence
• Current Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
• National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014
• This role is subject to a NSW Office of the Children's Guardian Residential Care Workers Register check

To Apply

Please provide a current copy of your Resume and a Cover Letter which addresses the two criterion points below:

• Why you want this role and how it aligns with your career goals.
• Your qualifications and experience in a similar position.

For further information regarding this position, please contact: Penelope Brydon -

Applications close: 11:59pm Monday 6th October 2025

Additional information

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons.

All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese's Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese's Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.