Joint Child Protection Response Program (JCPRP) Caseworker - Statewide

Role overview

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice is hiring experienced caseworkers for the Joint Child Protection Response Program across multiple NSW locations, including Ballina, Bathurst, Blacktown, Broken Hill, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Gosford, Inverell, Liverpool, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Queanbeyan, Strawberry Hills, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Griffith and Wollongong.

This is an ongoing full-time position based onsite. The advertised salary is $89,934 to $116,969 per year, plus superannuation and annual leave loading.

Applicants from Aboriginal and multicultural backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the role

JCPRP Caseworkers work within a multidisciplinary model to assess safety and risk for children and young people. The role calls for strong analytical ability, sound judgement, clear communication, attention to detail, and a high level of self-management.

The work is varied, demanding and meaningful, with a strong focus on child-centred practice, evidence-based decision-making, ethical casework, and collaboration with families, partner agencies and key stakeholders.

Key duties

• Carry out safety and risk assessments for children and young people as part of a multidisciplinary service.
• Work in a collaborative, child-focused way that respects each child, young person and family’s culture and context.
• Gather information promptly and accurately, then use it to make well-supported decisions about safety, welfare and wellbeing.
• Apply thoughtful, ethical and responsive casework approaches as family circumstances change.
• Work within program, practice and legislative frameworks to support positive change and better outcomes for children, young people and families.
• Develop and sustain effective relationships with partner agencies and other stakeholders to deliver coordinated support.
• Contribute to ongoing learning and professional development so practice remains current.
• Keep client records accurate, objective and suitable for reporting and information sharing.
• Handle sensitive and difficult conversations with children, young people, families and stakeholders to reduce risk and improve safety.
• Take action in the Children’s Court when required to protect a child or young person’s safety and wellbeing.

Selection criteria

To succeed in this role, you should be confident, curious and resilient, and be able to work effectively with vulnerable children, young people and families in a challenging environment.

Essential experience includes at least 2 years of frontline work in statutory child protection or statutory investigation services.

A completed degree, or final-semester study, in Social Work, Social Science and Welfare is preferred, along with practical experience. If you are in your final semester, you cannot begin work until your degree is completed. Other related qualifications may also be considered if you can demonstrate relevant knowledge, skills and experience. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants with a strong community connection are also welcomed.

You must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to build constructive working relationships, a valid driver’s licence at P1 level or above, and a paid Working With Children clearance number.

Application instructions

Submit an up-to-date résumé of no more than 5 pages and a cover letter of no more than 3 pages that answers the targeted question about a time you completed a child or young person safety and risk assessment. Your response should explain the steps you took, the challenges involved and the outcome.

Applications that do not answer the targeted question will not be considered.

What’s on offer

• A challenging and rewarding career with meaningful community impact.
• Flexible working arrangements, including a 140-hour month.
• Competitive remuneration and employment conditions.
• Access to industry-leading JCPRP training and ongoing development.
• The chance to work in a unique, high-profile multidisciplinary program focused on better safety and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people.
• Strong insight into the operations and culture of partner agencies.
• Health and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Program.

Additional information

A talent pool may be established for future ongoing and temporary vacancies and may remain active for up to 18 months.

Recruitment support and adjustments are available for candidates who need assistance with the application process or alternate submission methods.

The organisation values inclusion and diversity and welcomes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, LGBTIQ+ people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

Support is also available for people considering relocation to regional NSW through the Welcome Experience service, which can help with housing, schools, jobs and settling in.