About the Role

This is a part-time opportunity working  21-28 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:

• 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

About You

• Tertiary level qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, social welfare or a related discipline (minimum Diploma qualification)
• Demonstrated case management experience with at risk children and their families.
• Demonstrated understanding of child protection issues and an ability to conduct risk and family assessments using a strengths based approach.
• Demonstrated ability to work with families in crisis and work in partnership with them to achieve their goals, using a variety of evidence based intervention strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting Aboriginal families using culturally safe and sensitive interventions.
• Commitment to ongoing training and development to ensure a broad range of evidence-based models as determined necessary by the program.
• Current NSW Working With Children’s check.
• Current driving license.

 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families are overrepresented in this program and within the child protection system. Appropriate cultural knowledge and understanding is important to deliver effectively in this role.

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
• 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 0466 801 937 / [email protected], using the subject line: Caseworker - Child Protection (Aboriginal Targeted) - Dubbo enquiry via EthicalJobs. 

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

About Uniting

When you’re part of Uniting NSW.ACT, you’re part of a diverse, purpose-led team of people who are really making a difference to the world around them.

We contribute to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.

Uniting leaders and employees work together to create a culture that is safe, inclusive and person-centred. We bring this to life every day through our values: compassionate, respectful, imaginative and bold.

Uniting acknowledges the continuing sovereignty and rich cultural diversity of Australia’s First Peoples. We pay our respects to all Elders – past, present, and emerging – and to all First Peoples on whose lands we live and work.

Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.