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 grouping (Wagga Wagga, Albury and Griffith), and Wollongong. This is an ongoing full-time role based onsite.

The position offers a salary of $89,934 to $116,969 per year, plus superannuation and annual leave loading. The department especially welcomes applicants from Aboriginal and multicultural backgrounds.

About the role

JCPRP Caseworkers work within a multi-disciplinary model to evaluate safety and risk for children and young people. The role calls for strong analytical thinking, sound judgement, clear communication and a high level of attention to detail.

Successful candidates are expected to bring resilience, self-management, curiosity and strong interpersonal skills, along with the ability to make evidence-based decisions in sensitive and complex situations.

Key duties

• Carry out assessments to identify and respond to safety and risk concerns affecting children and young people in a multi-disciplinary setting.
• Work in a collaborative, child-centred way that respects the culture, background and context of each child, young person and their carers or family.
• Gather accurate, timely and complete information to support evidence-based decisions focused on safety, welfare and wellbeing.
• Apply ethical, inquisitive casework that adapts to the changing needs of children, young people and families.
• Build effective relationships across the program, practice frameworks and legislation to support meaningful family change and better outcomes.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with JCPRP agencies and other stakeholders to deliver coordinated and holistic support.
• Contribute to ongoing learning and professional development so that knowledge and practice remain current.
• Keep client records accurate, objective and suitable for reporting and information sharing.
• Hold difficult conversations with children, young people, families and key stakeholders to reduce risk and strengthen safety and wellbeing.
• Take action in the Children’s Court when required to protect safety and wellbeing.

Requirements and selection criteria

• At least 2 years of frontline experience in statutory child protection services or statutory investigation services.
• A completed or near-complete Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, Social Science and Welfare, with practical experience.
• If applying while in the final semester of university, you must finish the degree before starting if selected.
• Other related degrees may be accepted if you can show relevant knowledge, skills and experience working with vulnerable children, young people and families.
• Applicants who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and have a strong community connection are also encouraged to apply.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, plus the ability to build positive working relationships.
• A valid driver’s licence at P1 level or above.
• A paid Working With Children clearance number.
• Applicants must respond to the targeted question in the application with a brief example of a child or young person safety and risk assessment, including the steps taken, challenges faced and the outcome.
• Applications that do not address the targeted question will not be considered.

What the role offers

• A challenging but rewarding career in child protection.
• Flexible working arrangements, including a 140-hour month.
• Competitive pay and employment conditions.
• Access to industry-leading JCPRP training and continued development.
• The chance to work in a highly visible multi-disciplinary program with a shared focus on improving safety and wellbeing outcomes.
• First-hand insight into the operations and culture of JCPRP partner agencies.
• Health and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Program.

Additional information

The department may create a talent pool for future ongoing and temporary opportunities, valid for up to 18 months.

The recruitment process supports inclusion and diversity, and reasonable adjustments can be requested if needed.

Applicants who need help with the application process or require an adjustment can contact Gen Lanuzo on 02 9765 3513 or Gen.Lanuzo@dcj.nsw.gov.au.

The role sits within a public sector environment focused on collaboration, inclusion, adaptability, courage and integrity, with an emphasis on making a real difference in the lives of children, adults, families and communities.

Regional NSW candidates may also access the Welcome Experience, a support service for housing, schools, jobs and settling in.

For application purposes, candidates must attach an up-to-date résumé of no more than 5 pages and a cover letter of no more than 3 pages.

The position notes that applicants do not need to meet every preferred criterion before they are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the essential requirements and align with the role.