Child and Family Caseworker PSP

at  Catholic Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle

INTRODUCTION:

The Opportunity
CatholicCare is seeking a passionate Case Worker to join our Permanency Support Program (PSP) team. This is a permanent, full time position based at our Cardiff office.
As a key member of the team, you will work collaboratively with children, young people, their families, and Foster Carers, promoting strengths and fostering respect. If you are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable children and young people, we encourage you to apply.
This role requires flexibility with start and finish times, as well as the ability to work across multiple locations to meet the needs of our clients.

Benefits of Working With Us

• Directly contribute to improving the lives of many in the community.
• 1 week shutdown over Christmas and New Year annually (includes 3 days of additional paid leave + public holidays).
• On-site parking.
• Paid parental leave.
• Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• 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.

DESCRIPTION:

Position Description
CatholicCare’s Permanency Support Program (PSP) aims to ensure safety and permanency for vulnerable children and young people within a two-year timeframe. This is achieved through reunification with parents, alternative legal pathways like Guardianship or Open Adoption, or long-term care with Foster Carers.
The PSP Child & Family Caseworker manages day-to-day casework, working directly with children, families, and other caseworkers to promote positive outcomes. They collaborate with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and other agencies to provide trauma-informed, strengths-based, and child-centered case plans.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:

Experience/Criteria

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to work as part of a team and independently in the provision of proactive and responsive casework.
• A working knowledge of the legislation, policies and standards relevant to child protection, statutory out-of-home-care, the permanency support program and child safe organisations.
• 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, risk and permanency concerns for children, young people, their family and Foster Carers.
• Ability to deliver accountable, collaborative and evidence-based casework that respects the culture and context of children, young people, their family and community.
• 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 and On-Call After Hours to meet the needs of children, young people, their family and Foster carers.
• 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.

Qualification

• 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 NSW Employee Working with Children Check.
• Current driver’s licence.

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 Kevin Grice - Casework Manager: kevin.grice@catholiccare.org.au
Applications close Tuesday, 4th February 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

Please refer the Job description for details