Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker

Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker - Hunter Region & Newcastle $89,934 - $116,969 pa + super + leave loading 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 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. 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? 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 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. Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application. #J-18808-Ljbffr