Introduction:
THE OPPORTUNITY
Join CatholicCare’s Permanency Support Program and help create safe, stable and permanent outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
As a Child & Family Caseworker, you will provide day-to-day case management and trauma-informed support to children, young people and their families, working towards reunification, guardianship, open adoption or long-term foster care. Working collaboratively with carers, DCJ and community services, you will develop strengths-based case plans that improve safety, wellbeing, health and education outcomes.
We are seeking compassionate and resilient professionals with relevant tertiary qualifications (or working towards), strong case management skills and a passion for supporting children and families.
This recruitment will establish an eligibility list for current and future permanent full-time Child & Family Caseworker opportunities based in Newcastle.
BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US
- Directly contribute to improving the lives of many in the community.
- Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport (T&C’s apply).
- Paid parental leave (for eligible employees).
- Salary packaging available.
- 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.
- On-site car parking available
Description:
POSITION DESCRIPTION
CatholicCare’s Permanency Support Program (PSP) focuses 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 PSP Child & Family Caseworker is the primary caseworker responsible for the day-to-day case management and case work of children and young people found by the NSW Children’s Court to be in need of care and protection. They work directly with children, young people and families to promote change and improve their social, emotional, health and educational outcomes. The Child & Family Caseworker works in partnership with; the Carer Support & Development Caseworker who has the primary responsibility for the day-to-day case management and casework of authorised carers, and with the Reunification Caseworker who has the primary responsibility for the day-to-day case management and casework of restoration and family action planning for change casework. Child & Family Caseworkers are responsible for holistic assessment, purposeful case planning and trauma-informed casework in partnership with children, young people, their parents, family, Foster Carers and significant people, to develop strengths-based, child and youth centred case plans. Child & Family Caseworkers 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.
Skills and Experiences:
EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA
- A commitment to work within the Mission, Vision and Values of CatholicCare
- 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
QUALIFICATIONS
- 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 Driver Licence
- Current Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
- National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014
- This role is subject to a NSW Office of the Children's Guardian Residential Care Workers Register check
- On-call roster
- Residential Care Worker Register Clearance
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 further information please reach out to: Megan George, Head of Out of Home Care
[email protected]
Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday, 26/07/2026.
Applications for this position will only be considered if submitted through the following platforms: our careers page on our website, mnpeople, Indeed, Seek, or LinkedIn.
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.
