Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker

Company description:

Department of Communities and Justice

Job description:

Aboriginal Caseworker - Hunter Region & Newcastle

We are currently recruiting for vacancies in Newcastle, Cessnock, Charlestown, Edgeworth, Maitland, Mayfield, Muswellbrook & Raymond Terrace

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.

DCJ is all about keeping families together so that children thrive at home. Our first priority is always the safety, welfare and wellbeing of the children or young person. We know the more Aboriginal caseworkers we have, the more Aboriginal kids grow up safely at home with mob.

As an Identified role, this position is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons. Where a position is identified, an applicant's race is a genuine occupational qualification under the exception in Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

What you'll do

• work sensitively and respectfully with parents, family members, children or young people
• work collaboratively with other agencies and engage in complex problem solving
• assist families in formulating goals that align with their needs, addressing safety and well-being concerns, and provide appropriate assistance through home visits
• develop safety plans and complete risk assessments
• manage cases and situations including working with high needs and high-risk clients and their families
• be involved in court processes, including the preparation of court documents and attending court
• participate in individual and group supervision

Being an Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker can be difficult. Sometimes, you may have to make tough decisions with families to help them overcome hardships in order to be able to care for their children and develop safe and loving homes.

What we're looking for

To be a Child Protection Caseworker you need to be confident, curious and resilient. The essential requirements include:

• A relevant diploma or degree qualification is preferred

• Applicants without a relevant qualification require at least two years' experience working with vulnerable children, young people and their families

• The ability to build positive working relationships with the Aboriginal community, supported by excellent verbal and written communication skills

• A valid driver's licence
• A paid working with children clearance number

There are two alternatives to confirming your Aboriginality, one of which must be uploaded to be considered for the role as follows. Either will be accepted:

• Confirmation of Aboriginality form

or

Written confirmation from 2-3 Aboriginal organisations within the community in which you live/work, which addresses the three criteria listed below:

• is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
• identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
• is accepted as a such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community

Click here to view the role description and further information about the assessment process.

Click here to hear from our Aboriginal Caseworkers.

What's in it for you?

As Australia's top public sector employer, we offer competitive benefits and opportunities including:

• Rewarding salary from $89,934 - $116,969 pa plus superannuation and annual leave loading
• Opportunities to work flexibly
• 17 weeks of industry leading training in the Caseworker Development Program
• Customised 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

Are you ready to join us?

Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).

Got a question?

If you've got a question about applying 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 email us at or call Lujana on

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.

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 and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people

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

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