Caseworker - Family Preservation PIP

The Opportunity

This position will be responsible for the overall case management of families within the Family Preservation – Positive Intervention Partnerships Program.

This is a child and young person focused role that maximises early childhood principles in ensuring all aspects of a child’s social, emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing are prioritised leading to improved outcomes for each child and young person within their family unit and the wider community.

The role of caseworker involves conducting strengths-based assessments, developing a family support plan in conjunction with the family, home visiting, initiating parenting programs, coordination of case reviews and case conferences as required and ongoing liaison between all professionals and agencies involved with the family.

The focus of this role is building resilience in families who have identified risks due to multiple vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities include parental DV, AOD misuse, Mental Illness, Intellectual Disability, significant learning difficulties and lack of parenting skills. Many of these children are subject to Risk of Significant Harm (ROSH) reports and at times multiple ROSH reports. The aim of the program is to work towards building a sustainable social structure for each family that maximises outcomes for children and young people, linking with other community support programs to provide ongoing care.

The role requires an awareness of Aboriginal culture and the issues faced by Aboriginal people and people from CALD backgrounds. The role also requires understanding and empathy regarding inter-generational trauma and its impact on parental roles, family and community relationships.

• Directly contribute to improving the lives of many in the community.

  • Receive an attractive salary with salary packaging available.

  • Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport (T&C’s apply).

  • Ongoing training and development opportunities.

  • A great friendly environment of dedicated and passionate co-workers.

  • Enjoy up to 10% off at top retailers with our mnBenefits program.

  • Corporate benefits, including EAP, flu shots and more

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This position will be responsible for the overall case management of families within the Family Preservation – Positive Intervention Partnerships Program.

This is a child and young person focused role that maximises early childhood principles in ensuring all aspects of a child’s social, emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing are prioritised leading to improved outcomes for each child and young person within their family unit and the wider community.

The role of caseworker involves conducting strengths-based assessments, developing a family support plan in conjunction with the family, home visiting, initiating parenting programs, coordination of case reviews and case conferences as required and ongoing liaison between all professionals and agencies involved with the family.

The focus of this role is building resilience in families who have identified risks due to multiple vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities include parental DV, AOD misuse, Mental Illness, Intellectual Disability, significant learning difficulties and lack of parenting skills. Many of these children are subject to Risk of Significant Harm (ROSH) reports and at times multiple ROSH reports. The aim of the program is to work towards building a sustainable social structure for each family that maximises outcomes for children and young people, linking with other community support programs to provide ongoing care.

The role requires an awareness of Aboriginal culture and the issues faced by Aboriginal people and people from CALD backgrounds. The role also requires understanding and empathy regarding inter-generational trauma and its impact on parental roles, family and community relationships.

EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA

• A commitment to work within the CatholicCare Mission, Vision and Values.

  • Sound understanding and experience of early intervention programs and case management for vulnerable families, including delivery of parenting programs that support parent-child relationships and child inclusive practice.

  • A sound understanding of the NSW Child Protection system and an ability to identify child protection concerns.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to document, analyse and report on relevant key performance indicators.

  • Experience working with, or a demonstrated knowledge of cultural competence principles, relevant to engaging clients from diverse backgrounds, including First Nation people and those from a CALD background.

  • Demonstrated ability to undertake assessments and investigations to address safety, and risk for children, young people, and their family.

  • Sound understanding and ability to apply best practice child development, trauma and attachment theory to case planning.

  • Ability to maintain timely, accurate and relevant client records for reporting and information sharing.

  • Contribute to continuous learning, professional networks and relationships through the co-ordination of meetings and other information sharing activities.

  • A demonstrated commitment to work flexible hours to meet the needs of children, young people and their families.

  • Significant experience in the provision of social services is desirable however applicants must be willing to complete formal training and obtain role specific training.

  • Ability to demonstrate and work within the key accountabilities and inherent requirement of this position detailed in Section 12.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree qualifications in Social Work, Social Welfare, Social Science, Psychology, Early Childhood Education, Nursing, Midwifery or a related discipline and/or relevant high level experience and capability.

  • Current driver’s license

  • Working With Childrens Check (WWCC)

  • Current first aid certificate (Desirable)

To Apply

Please provide a current copy of your Resume and a Cover Letter which addresses the two criterion points below:

• What motivates your desire for this role and how does it correspond with your career objectives?

  • Your professional qualifications and previous experience in a related position.

For any further information about the role, please contact: Nikki Reece Team Leader child and Family Programs on nikki.reece@catholiccare.org.au

Applications close Wednesday 17th September 2025 at 11.59pm

Additional Information

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons. All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.