Brighter Futures Caseworker

About the role 

This is a full-time closed period contract until June 2025 located in the Central Coast NSW.

About the opportunity

Uniting is seeking an experienced caseworker to join our Brighter Futures Team in the Central Coast NSW. You will be responsible for providing casework and case-management to families, children and young people who are at risk of further escalation within the Child Protection system.

• You will provide casework and case management services to families with complex needs in the Brighter Futures program in accordance with the service provision guidelines and program model.
• Provide planning support and structure for the safety of children and young people and immediately take appropriate action in line with Uniting Communities’ policies and the Mandatory Reporting Guidelines where the safety of children and young people is at risk.
• Assess family’s strength and needs using NCFAS G+R and other approved assessment tools.
• Assist families to formulate goals that are child focused and address the safety and well-being of children. Formulate goals that meet their needs. Provide families with appropriate assistance to achieve these goals.
• Facilitate and participate in the development and review of the family’s case plan in accordance with the program model timeframes.
• Deliver the practice framework for working with families affected by domestic violence and other approved practice interventions.
• Support parents/carers to develop their skills utilising role-modelling and teaching strategies as appropriate, utilising a home visiting approach wherever possible.
• Advocate effectively on behalf of service users linking them to ongoing support.
• Monitor children’s developmental milestones, refer to childcare services and specialist early intervention services including Brighter Futures Early Childhood facilitators (where available and appropriate) and maintain placements in childcare.
• Facilitate the development of a transition plan when the family exits the program.

Your Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant Tertiary qualifications in Social Sciences and relevant work experience with children and families.
• Demonstrated ability to engage families from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and work in partnership with them to achieve their goals and address child safety concerns using a variety of intervention strategies from a range of theoretical models.
• Demonstrated understanding of child protection issues and the ability to identify and address these issues with families when required.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues facing vulnerable families; principles of early intervention and the importance of children’s early years on later outcomes; and of children’s developmental stages and practical parenting skills.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct family assessments using a strengths based approach.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours to meet the needs of families as required.
• Proven computer skills including word processing, accessing emails and internet.
• Current driver’s license and willingness to transport families.
• Current NSW WWCC.

Benefits and culture

Working to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice brings its own rewards, but there’s more.

• Welcoming you exactly as you are
• Access to generous salary packaging options
• Wellbeing programs – fitness passport
• Access to Uniting’s URewards program
• Career development opportunities
• Amazing workplace culture 

Should you have any questions, please contact Belinda Condon from Uniting's Talent Acquisition Team at bcondon@uniting.org

Employment with Uniting is subject to satisfactory background checks, which include National Police Checks, Working with Children Checks and Reference Checks.  

Closing date: 11:55pm, Wednesday 1st May 2024