About the Role

This is a full-time opportunity working 35 hours/ week and  will be based in Dubbo with some travel throughout the Central West outlying communities.

We’re looking for a creative, experienced, organised self-starter; someone as exceptional as the people we support to join us to provide assessment, crisis management, and casework as per the Homebuilders Model to families at high risk of having their children removed into care for protective concerns or who are having their children restored to their care.

This role is responsible for providing culturally responsive child and family assessments, intensive home visiting, crisis management and casework to prevent unnecessary entry of children and young people into Out of Home Care (OOHC).

Our PSP-FP team (Family Preservation) work to support vulnerable families who are at risk of further escalation in the child protection system because we believe that supporting families before a crisis improves family resilience and reduces harm to children.

What you will be engaged in

• Provide culturally respective intense casework and case management services to families with complex needs in the program in accordance with the Homebuilders Model, Policies and Procedures
• Providing planning support and structure for the safety of children and young people and taking appropriate action where the safety of the child or young person is at risk.
• Assessing families’ strength and needs using the NCFAS G+R and other approved assessment tools.
• Assisting families to formulate and achieve goals that are child focused and address the safety and well-being of children.
• Facilitating the development and implementation of case plans with families.
• Participating in an on-call roster (1 week every 2 months).

About You

• Identifies as an Aboriginal person and able to provide appropriate evidence of Aboriginal identity that satisfies the accepted definition of an Aboriginal person.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in social sciences/welfare, minimum Diploma.
• Case management experience with at risk children and their families.
• Links with the local Aboriginal community.
• The ability to engage make and maintain new and existing connections to Aboriginal community 
• Knowledge and understanding of significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dates for celebration and memorial 
• Knowledge of government policies and practices and the ongoing impact of colonisation on Aboriginal people and community 
• Knowledge of Aboriginal community structures  
• Knowledge of cultural protocols 
• Knowledge and/or willingness to learn of Aboriginal organisations and services in local area 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Innovative ideas to problem solve 
• Excellent organisational and time management skills 
• Commitment to children remaining with their own families provided they are safe 
• The ability to assess risk and safety plan in relation to child protection concerns 
• The ability to engage families in crisis and work in partnership with them to develop and implement goals.  
• Ability to work as part of a team and flexibility in working hours

About the benefits

Uniting is proud to be an EEO employer. We support an inclusive approach in the workplace and celebrate our diversity, welcoming staff regardless of ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity and lifestyle choices. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

As well as the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others we are also offering:

• An attractive annual salary plus super with optional salary packaging available
• 35 hour working week (part time option can be considered)
• 4 weeks annual leave and 1 week ex gratia leave at Christmas
• Ongoing training & development

If you have any questions or require further details, please do not hesitate to contact Alex Sullivan from Uniting's Talent Acquisition Team on 0466801937 / [email protected] using the subject line: Aboriginal Caseworker - Child Protection - Dubbo enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Employment with Uniting is subject to satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check and Reference Check.