Casework Support Worker - Hunter

Role overview

This is a talent pool recruitment campaign for upcoming permanent and temporary opportunities in the Hunter region. The position supports caseworkers who work with children, young people, families, and communities in complex and often demanding situations.

Location

Roles may be based across Newcastle, Mayfield, Charlestown, Cessnock, Maitland, Muswellbrook, and Raymond Terrace. Both full-time and part-time arrangements are available.

Pay and conditions

The salary range is Grade 3/4, from $84,659 to $92,701 per year, plus superannuation and annual leave loading.

Key accountabilities

• Support caseworkers by preparing documentation and assisting with case planning for children and young people.
• Gather and pass on information about families, and arrange the required referrals and appointments.
• Keep client and case records accurate and up to date, including entries in the client information system.
• Oversee low-risk family visits and write clear summary reports that accurately reflect what was observed.

Experience and qualifications

The ideal candidate will have some community services experience working with vulnerable and diverse groups, along with sound record-keeping skills or a willingness to develop them. You should be able to support caseworkers and understand the pressures involved when working with disadvantaged families facing difficult circumstances. A TAFE Diploma in a relevant area such as welfare or community services, or equivalent relevant work experience, is required. A current driver’s licence is also necessary because occasional travel will be part of the role.

Selection and compliance checks

Employment offers are subject to reference checks and pre-employment screening. These checks include a National Criminal History Record Check under the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 and a Working with Children Check clearance under the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

Application requirements

Applicants must submit an updated résumé of no more than 5 pages and a cover letter of no more than 3 pages. The cover letter must address the two target questions provided in the advertisement and briefly explain how you meet the role requirements.

Target questions

• Describe a time when you had to manage competing demands within a tight timeframe.
• Share an example of working in a team to achieve a challenging goal, including the contribution you made to help the team deliver a strong outcome.

What this employer offers

• A meaningful and challenging career.
• A flexible work environment with a degree of autonomy.
• Competitive remuneration and employment conditions.
• Training and development to strengthen and maintain capability.
• Health and wellbeing support, including employee assistance programs.

About the organisation

The Department of Communities and Justice works with other agencies and community partners to improve lives and help children, adults, families, and communities reach their potential. Its focus is on addressing disadvantage rather than simply managing it, and the role contributes to work that has real impact.

Inclusion and diversity

The department is committed to building an inclusive workforce and welcomes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people who identify as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, carers, and other diversity groups.

Other information

This recruitment may establish a talent pool for future ongoing and temporary positions and the pool can remain active for up to 18 months. The role includes information about recruitment adjustments for candidates who need support during the process. Regional NSW relocation support may also be available through the Welcome Experience, which offers personalised help with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in.