Joint Child Protection Response Program (JCPRP) Caseworker - Statewide

About the Role

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice invites applications for multiple ongoing Child Protection Caseworker positions as part of the Joint Child Protection Response Program (JCPRP) across various locations statewide, including Inverell. These roles focus on evaluating and responding to safety and risk concerns affecting children and young people within a collaborative multidisciplinary model.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough assessments to identify safety and risk issues for children and young people in the program.
• Adopt a child-centered approach that respects cultural and family contexts while promoting collaboration.
• Gather accurate, timely information to inform evidence-based decisions prioritizing child welfare and safety.
• Demonstrate ethical, responsive casework adaptable to evolving client needs.
• Foster relationships within program frameworks to drive positive family outcomes and child well-being.
• Develop partnerships with JCPRP agencies and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated service delivery.
• Engage in ongoing learning and professional development to maintain current best practices.
• Maintain precise, objective client records to support reporting and information sharing.
• Manage sensitive discussions with children, families, and stakeholders to mitigate risks and enhance safety.
• Initiate court actions to protect child safety where necessary.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least two years of frontline experience in statutory child protection or investigation services.
• Completion or near completion of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work, Social Science, or Welfare with practical experience preferred. Candidates in their final semester are eligible but must complete their degree before starting.
• Other related qualifications considered if supported by relevant experience with vulnerable children and families.
• Identification as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander with strong community connections is valued.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build constructive professional relationships.
• Current valid driver's license (P1 or above).
• Possession of a paid Working with Children clearance.

Employment Details

• Employment Type: Ongoing, full-time, onsite
• Locations: Multiple including Inverell, Ballina, Bathurst, Blacktown, Broken Hill, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Gosford, Liverpool, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Queanbeyan, Strawberry Hills, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga grouping, Wollongong.
• Salary Range: $92,632 to $120,478 annually plus superannuation and annual leave loading.
• Flexible working provisions including a 140-hour monthly work cycle.

Additional Information

The department encourages applications from Aboriginal, multicultural, and diverse backgrounds to foster inclusivity.

A talent pool for current and future vacancies may be established, valid up to 18 months.

Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing a targeted question related to a safety and risk assessment experience, along with a résumé up to 5 pages. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact Gen Lanuzo for application assistance or recruitment adjustments.

Visit the department's website for more information on working conditions, diversity initiatives, and relocating to regional NSW support.

About the Employer

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice is dedicated to enhancing community wellbeing by partnering with agencies and communities to improve outcomes for children, families, and individuals facing disadvantage.