Joint Child Protection Response Program (JCPRP) Caseworker - Statewide

Role overview

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice is hiring experienced child protection caseworkers for statewide NSW locations, with current vacancies and a talent pool available for future ongoing and temporary opportunities across Ballina, Bathurst, Blacktown, Broken Hill, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Gosford, Inverell, Liverpool, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Queanbeyan, Strawberry Hills, Tamworth, the Wagga Wagga grouping (including Wagga Wagga, Albury and Griffith), and Wollongong.

This is an ongoing, full-time onsite position based in Coniston, New South Wales, Australia, with a salary range of $89,934 to $116,969 per year plus superannuation and annual leave loading.

The organisation strongly encourages applications from people with Aboriginal and multicultural backgrounds.

What the role involves

JCPRP Caseworkers work within a multidisciplinary service model to assess safety and risk for children and young people. The role calls for strong analytical judgement, sound communication, careful attention to detail, critical thinking, and the ability to manage work independently and effectively.

• Carry out assessments to identify and respond to safety and risk issues affecting children and young people within a multidisciplinary program.
• Work in a collaborative, child-centred way that respects the culture and circumstances of each child, young person, and their carers or family members.
• Gather information promptly and accurately, then use it to make evidence-based decisions about safety, welfare, and wellbeing.
• Apply ethical, inquisitive casework practices that adapt to the changing needs of children, young people, and families.
• Build effective working relationships within the program and across practice and legislative frameworks to support positive family change and better outcomes.
• Maintain networks with partner agencies and stakeholders to deliver coordinated, holistic support.
• Contribute to continuous learning and professional development so that practice knowledge stays current.
• Keep client records accurate, objective, and suitable for reporting and information sharing.
• Handle difficult conversations with children, young people, families, and key stakeholders to reduce risk and improve safety and wellbeing.
• Take action in the Children’s Court when needed to protect safety and wellbeing.

What the employer is looking for

The ideal candidate will be confident, curious, resilient, and comfortable working with vulnerable children, young people, carers, and families in a demanding but meaningful environment.

• At least 2 years of frontline experience in statutory child protection or statutory investigation services.
• Preferred qualification: completed, or currently in the final semester of, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, Social Science and Welfare, together with practical experience. Candidates in their final semester cannot start until the degree is completed if successful.
• Other relevant degrees may be accepted if you can show suitable knowledge, skills, and experience working with vulnerable children, young people, and families.
• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants with a strong connection to community are also encouraged to apply.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, plus the ability to develop positive working relationships.
• Valid driver’s licence (P1 or above).
• Paid Working With Children clearance number.

Benefits and support

• A demanding and rewarding career path.
• Flexible working arrangements, including a 140-hour month.
• Competitive remuneration and conditions.
• Industry-leading JCPRP training and continuing development opportunities.
• The chance to work in a unique, highly visible multidisciplinary program focused on improving safety and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people.
• Direct insight into the operations and culture of JCPRP partner agencies.
• Access to health and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Program.

Application requirements

To apply, submit an up-to-date résumé of no more than 5 pages and a cover letter of no more than 3 pages addressing the targeted question below:

Describe a time when you had to complete a safety and risk assessment for a child or young person. What steps did you take, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?

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

Additional information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and can remain active for up to 18 months.

For candidates applying through a third-party portal, a profile or login may be required. You may also apply directly through the DCJ careers site.

The department values inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage, and integrity, and encourages applicants who meet the essential criteria to apply even if they do not meet every desirable requirement.

If you need help with your application or require recruitment adjustments, assistance is available through Gen Lanuzo at 02 9765 3513 or Gen.Lanuzo@dcj.nsw.gov.au.

The department’s workforce includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, LGBTIQ+ people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers, and other diversity groups.

The organisation highlights its commitment to building an inclusive and diverse workforce.

Regional NSW applicants can also access the Welcome Experience for personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in.

The careers site also promotes this service on the “Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW” page.