Pre-Natal Child Protection Caseworker

Pre-natal Child Protection Caseworker - New England
We are currently recruiting to vacancies in Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell, Moree, Muswellbrook, Narrabri & Tamworth. 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. In this role, you will respond to reports about safety concerns surrounding children or young people who may have been harmed.
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
travel across the New England District will be required
undertake assessment/investigation and ongoing family work with expectant parents to identify and address safety and risk concerns for children following their birth
advocate for and support families to engage with services and participate in meetings such as Pregnancy Family Conferences or hospital complex case meetings
develop and maintain networks and relationships with key stakeholders, in particular NSW Health staff such as Pregnancy Family Conference facilitators, birthing hospital staff and hospital social workers
work in collaboration with NSW Health in the promotion and implementation of the Pregnancy Family Conferencing Model
the primary focus of decision making for a caseworker is in assessing/investigating and supporting expectant parents during pregnancy to reduce risks and help parents build skills and prepare them to keep their baby safely in their care
planning next steps for families in connecting them with appropriate support services and developing supportive networks prior to the birth of their baby
ensure clear discharge planning, consider parallel planning and assessment as required
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
What We're Looking For
Essential Requirements Include Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work, Social Science, Welfare or related discipline
Not essential, but preferred experience working as a Midwife, Nurse, or working with expectant parents, or experience in other roles with NSW Health
Experience in child protection assessment and case planning
Aboriginal applicants with suitable experience are encouraged to apply (Degree not required)
Able to engage with families to support participation in Pregnancy Family Conferencing to develop achievable family action planning
Experience engaging with and supporting change in voluntary clients while navigating complex vulnerabilities and service systems
Able to build relationships and stakeholder engagement, particularly with NSW Health and preservation services
Experience working with prenatal cases is preferred but not essential
A valid driver's licence
A paid working with children clearance number
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 to $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
Inclusion and Diversity
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 our careers site.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Temporary
Job function
Other
Industries
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