INTRODUCTION:

The Opportunity
CatholicCare is seeking a dedicated Casework Support Worker to join our team on a permanent, full-time basis in Cardiff. In this role, you will provide essential support to Caseworkers, playing a vital role in ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people in Out-of-Home Care (OOHC).
As a key member of the Permanency Support Program (PSP) care team, you will provide administrative support to case planning and maintain accurate client records, facilitate referrals and appointments for children and young people, supervise and support Family Visits between children, young people, their families, and Foster Carers, and work with children, young people, their families, and Foster Carers in a strengths-based and respectful manner.
If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people and thrive in a collaborative, child-focused environment, we encourage you to apply.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

CatholicCare’s Permanency Support Program (PSP) focusses on achieving safety and permanency for vulnerable children and young people within a two-year (2) timeframe, by; promoting reunification with their parents, or by supporting an alternative legal pathway i.e., Guardianship or Open Adoption, or by providing long term care with Foster Carers. CatholicCare’s Support Workers are responsible for directly supporting the day-to-day work of Caseworkers. They make a significant contribution to the PSP care team by undertaking tasks that support the safety, welfare and well-being of children and young people in Out-of-Home Care. Tasks include administration support to case planning and documenting client information, facilitating referrals and appointments for children and young people, and supervising and supporting Family Visits between children, young people, their family and Foster Carers. As a valued part of the PSP, Care Team Support Workers are required to work with children, young people, their family and Foster Carers in a way that promotes strengths and respect. They are required to work in partnership with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, (DCJ) and other agencies in the universal service system to improve evidence-based casework, share decision-making risk and promote dignity in service delivery.

EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA

• A commitment to work within the Mission, Vision and Values of CatholicCare.
• Demonstrated verbal and written skills
• The ability to work as part of a team and independently to provide proactive and responsive casework support.
• A basic knowledge of the legislation, policies and standards relevant to child protection, statutory out-of-home-care, the PSP and child safe organisations.
• Experience working with, or a demonstrated knowledge of cultural competence principles, relevant to engaging clients from diverse backgrounds, including First Nations people and those from CALD communities.
• Actively participate as a PSP care team member with caseworkers and administrative staff to address team priorities and directly support casework outcomes on a day-to-day basis.
• Contribute to collaborative casework by maintaining timely records, including client information system records, notes and the coordination and delivery of appropriate information sharing.
• Coordinate arrangements for meetings including case management and family meetings, supervised family visits, appointments and other activities which directly support case planning and decision-making for children and young people.
• Supervise and support family time visits and prepare summary reports which accurately record observations.
• Contribute to continuous learning, professional networks and relationships through the co-ordination of meetings and other information sharing activities.
• High-level computer skills in use of Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
• Demonstrated awareness of confidentiality & boundaries of practice.
• Experience in the provision of social services is desirable however applicants must be willing to complete formal training and obtain role specific training.
• A demonstrated commitment to work flexible hours and On-Call After Hours to meet the needs of children, young people, their family and Foster carers.
• Ability to work across several locations, time manage and prioritise
• Ability to demonstrate and work within the key accountabilities and inherent requirement of this position detailed in Section 12.
• Demonstratable ability to take concise meeting minutes and notes - Desirable
• Experience in the supervision of family time visitations - Desirable
• Experience with prioritisation and time management - Desirable
• Any other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS

• A TAFE qualification (Cert 4 / Diploma) in a Community Services, Family Studies, Welfare, or related discipline with demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development, OR Tertiary qualifications, (or working toward a qualification) in a Social Work, Psychology, Social Science, Welfare, or related discipline with demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Current driver’s licence.
• Appointments are subject to reference checks and the following pre-employment checks: • National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014.
• Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.
  To Apply

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

• Why you want this role and how it aligns with your career goals.
• Your qualifications and experience in a similar position.

For any further information about the role, please contact Kevin Grice - kevin.grice@catholiccare.org.au
Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted as received up until Monday 24 February 2025
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

Please refer the Job description for details