We do work that really matters
Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is about working in partnership with families and communities to thrive. We walk alongside families, children, and communities, working together with other agencies and partners to build on strengths and create lasting change. Our focus is on breaking cycles of disadvantage and supporting strong futures. This is work that truly matters.
At DCJ, we believe families are the heart of our work and your cultural knowledge would be invaluable to this work. Our priority is always the safety, wellbeing, and cultural connection of children and young people. We know that when we have more Aboriginal caseworkers, our kids are more likely to grow up strong, safe, and connected to 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 in partnership with other agencies and engage in complex problem solving
- walk alongside families to set goals that build on their strengths, 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
- participate in Aboriginal cultural 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 an Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworker, you bring courage, curiosity, and cultural strength. You stand strong in challenging times, listen deeply, and walk alongside families 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 confirmation of Aboriginal Land Council membership
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 on caseworkercareers@dcj.nsw.gov.au or call Lujana on 02 9765 3769
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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