First Nations Caseworker – Permanency Support Program

About the Role This is a full-time (35 hours per week) contract opportunity based in Dubbo with some travel across the Western NSW region. The contract lasts until July 2026 with a likely extension. As a First Nations Caseworker you’ll be a key figure in a child’s life—supporting their safety, their story, and their cultural identity. You’ll be responsible for coordinating care for Aboriginal children and young people in out‑of‑home care, with a strong focus on permanency, cultural connection and healing. You’ll have control over your own schedule, allowing you to plan your work week based on the needs of the children, families and carers you support. This includes conducting regular home visits, frequent informal visits, appointments and family time, as well as liaising with carers and birth families and ensuring children stay connected with their broader mob. About you in the role Developing and reviewing case plans and risk assessments. Supporting family time and building strong, culturally respectful relationships with birth families and extended kin. Working toward guardianship outcomes where appropriate. Collaborating with the clinical team on behaviour support planning. Navigating placement breakdowns and sourcing culturally safe alternative placements. Drawing on your community connections and cultural knowledge to keep children close to their families, Country and culture. Managing a caseload of up to 12 children (depending on complexity). Completing a range of administrative and compliance‑related tasks that are part of ensuring quality care and protection for each child. The role involves regular travel across Western NSW, so you’ll need to be comfortable being on the road, visiting communities and maintaining strong face‑to‑face relationships. While core hours are 9am to 5pm, we know the work doesn’t always stick to the clock. That’s why we offer flexibility—when you support families outside of regular hours, you’ll be supported with time‑in‑lieu and flexible working options to help you maintain balance. About You This is an identified Aboriginal position. Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply in accordance with Section 14(d) of the Anti‑Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). You are a proud Aboriginal person with deep cultural understanding and strong ties to community. You are passionate about keeping Aboriginal children safe while helping them maintain lifelong connections to family, mob and culture. You thrive when working independently, planning your schedule and connecting with families face‑to‑face. You’re confident working through complex family situations, including trauma and placement changes. You’re a strong communicator who listens deeply, speaks with heart, and walks alongside people with respect. You hold a current driver’s licence and are ready to travel across Western NSW. Why Join Us? Be part of a culturally safe and supportive team that honours Aboriginal ways of being, knowing and doing. Enjoy flexibility to manage your time and wellbeing. Access ongoing cultural supervision, clinical support and professional development. Help build a future where Aboriginal children are safe, strong and thriving and connected to family, culture and Country. Ex‑gratia leave (up to 5 days per year), paid parental leave and family violence leave. Hybrid work options and time‑in‑lieu to support flexibility. Generous above‑award pay rates and a $500 retention bonus. Should you have any questions, please contact Alex Sullivan from Uniting's Talent Acquisition Team at or . 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 Tuesday 9th December 2025 About Uniting When you’re part of Uniting NSW.ACT, you’re part of a diverse, purpose‑led team of people making a real difference. We contribute to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We acknowledge the continuing sovereignty and rich cultural diversity of Australia’s First Peoples. We pay our respects to all Elders—past, present and emerging—and to all First Peoples on whose lands we live and work. Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people. #J-18808-Ljbffr