Wiyala Family Wellbeing Caseworker

About Awabakal

Awabakal has provided health & community services to Aboriginal people living across Newcastle and surrounding regions for more than 40 years and is dedicated to advancing the wellbeing of our community. Leading the way and embracing our culture, with a commitment to continuous improvement, through innovative programs and excellence in service delivery. It is through this commitment that Awabakal will be able to achieve our mission and continue to lead the way for future generations.

About the role

The Wiyala Family Wellbeing Caseworker is responsible for providing culturally safe, trauma-informed support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who are in contact with the justice system. The role focuses on promoting healing, reducing offending behaviours, and supporting positive reintegration into the community through mentoring, cultural connection, and practical assistance.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Provide a minimum of four hours of direct casework support per client each week, using culturally safe and trauma-informed approaches to engage young people.
• Support young people to achieve meaningful goals in partnership with the young person, their family, and Youth Justice, aligning with Youth Justice Case Plans where applicable.
• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with young people through open communication and culturally responsive engagement.
• Deliver a range of cultural, mentoring, and recreational activities that foster connection to culture, community, and positive identity.
• Assist and empower young people to develop key life skills
• Provide warm referrals and direct support to access services such as Centrelink, NDIS, and other relevant supports.
• Support young people to re-engage with school, TAFE, training programs, or employment pathways, working to remove barriers and build confidence.
• Accurately capture service data and prepare weekly Service Delivery Reports for Youth Justice, recording client contact and progress using the program's data management system.
• Maintain up-to-date electronic client records, ensuring documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with privacy, ethical, and legal requirements.
• Ensure detailed, timely, and professional case notes are recorded for all client interactions.
• Liaise regularly with Youth Justice, Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), NSW Health, and other relevant agencies to coordinate care, implement referrals, and provide effective wraparound support for young people.
• Actively engage with the community on issues relating to violence, abuse, neglect, colonisation, racism, and Aboriginal healing and wellbeing.
• Participate actively in interagency collaborations, partnerships, and Aboriginal cultural governance to improve community safety and wellbeing through trauma-informed, healing-centred holistic service delivery.

About you:

• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with young people, families, and stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Qualifications/Licences

• Diploma or Certificate IV in Community Services or relevant field, or equivalent experience.
• Current First Aid Certificate.
• National Police Check clearance.
• Working with Children Check clearance.
• Current NSW Driver's Licence and access to a reliable vehicle.

Experience

• Minimum three (3) years' experience in a similar role or industry.

Aboriginality is a desirable requirement for this role. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

To Apply

To submit your application please click on the "Apply" button below or to learn more about this exciting opportunity please contact Rebecca Douglas