Department Communities and JusticeMurrumbidgee Far West & Western NSW DistrictBroken Hill GroupingCaseworker (Prenatal)Clerk Grade 3/7Ongoing, Full Time Location - Broken HillEmployment Type - Ongoing, Full timeSalary - Clerk Grade 3/7 The Department of Communities and Justice acknowledges lived experience and how it contributes to the valuable work we do with the community. We strongly encourage and support applications from people who are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent. While all applications are welcome, once we have determined through merit-based assessment which candidates meet the pre-established standards of the role, we will select the candidate who is also of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent. Your Role Applications are sought from caseworkers who are interested in applying for a designated Prenatal Caseworker role as part of the Brighter Beginnings initiative. The role works with expectant parents to reduce the likelihood that the parent's child, when born, will need to be placed in out-of-home care. Brighter Beginnings is a whole-of-government initiative to give children the best start in life. It aims to: provide families with the information they need, when they need it to make their decisions – a customer centric approach to empower families with clear, reliable and timely information improve universal services that lift the standard of opportunity for all – facilitating full participation in universal health, education and family services target support and services for families that need it most – improve existing services and deliver evidence-based supports for families with additional needs. What you'll do Undertake assessment/investigation and ongoing family work with expectant parents to identify and address safety and risk concerns for children following their birth Advocate for and support families to engage with services and participate in meetings such as Pregnancy Family Conferences or hospital complex case meetings Develop and maintain networks and relationships with key stakeholders, in particular NSW Health staff such as Pregnancy Family Conference facilitators, birthing hospital staff and hospital social workers Work in collaboration with NSW Health in the promotion and implementation of the Pregnancy Family Conferencing Model The primary focus of decision making for a caseworker is in assessing/investigating and supporting expectant parents during pregnancy to reduce risks and help parents build skills and prepare them to keep their baby safely in their care. Planning next steps for families in connecting them with appropriate support services and developing supportive networks prior to the birth of their baby. A critical role of the prenatal caseworker is to ensure clear discharge planning, consider parallel planning and assessment as required The appointment to a Caseworker position in Murrumbidgee Far West & Western NSW District in accordance with the Government Sector Employment Act 2013. Consideration may be given for relocation assistance for eligible candidates who relocate to take up the role. If you are making a move when applying for the Broken Hill role, consider registering an enquiry with the Welcome Experience team who are part of Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. A Local Connector can provide local advice on what life is like in regional NSW and can answer questions that will help you transition into the community. Read more about this service on the Welcome Experience website. Let's Go Regional Are you ready to go regional and boost your career? The Let's Go Regional caseworker mobility program provides our regional teams, children, families, and communities with the much-needed support of experienced caseworkers like you. Click on this link if you are an existing DCJ caseworker looking to relocate to Broken Hill from a Caseworker role in a metropolitan area. What we're looking for To be a Prenatal Caseworker you need to be confident, curious and resilient. The essential requirements include: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work, Social Science, Welfare or related discipline As an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Caseworker, you will need to have a connection to, and at least two years' experience working with Aboriginal Women, families, and/or communities. A valid driver's licence A paid working with children clearance number? Ability to travel as this role will cover the whole of the Far West District making travel a mandatory requirement for this position. Experience in child protection assessment and case planning. Able to engage with families to support participation in Pregnancy Family Conferencing to develop achievable family action planning Experience engaging with and supporting change in voluntary clients while navigating complex vulnerabilities and service systems Ablility to build relationships and stakeholder engagement- particularly with NSW Health and preservation services. Experience working with prenatal cases is preferred but not essential Click here to view the role description and the assessment process Click here to hear from our Caseworkers. What's in it for you? As Australia's top public sector employer, we offer competitive benefits and opportunities including: Rewarding salary from $79,032 to $109,194 pa plus superannuation and annual leave loading Opportunities to work flexibly 17 weeks of industry leading training in the Caseworker Development Program Customised career development and support for your personal and professional growth Generous leave entitlements including flex leave Positive culture for wellness including Fitness Passport, tailored health app and mental health support Are you ready to join us? Click apply, attach the following: an up-to-date brief resume which clearly details your skills and experience as relevant to this role. A cover letter (of no more than 2 pages) that outlines why you are interested in the prenatal caseworker role and what skills and attributes you would bring, as well as an address to the below targeted questions. Name and contact details for your current Supervisor, who will be contacted as your Referee Target Questions: As a Prenatal Caseworker you will use your strong knowledge of child protection and out of home care practice and processes to work with expectant parents in potentially challenging situations. Since engaging with DCJ is voluntary before the birth of a child, the work will focus on bridging relationships and engaging positively to reduce risks to the child after their birth. Please describe a time you have utilised these skills and what was the outcome? What would you do differently in the future? In your opinion why is it important to seek input from others who may have different perspectives and needs? Give a few examples of how you do this in the workplace, including working with people who have a different cultural identity than your own. Applications Close: 11:59pm AEST Sunday 27th October 2024 Got a question? For any recruitment enquiries please contact Luke Griffiths via 0437 162 213 or ****** If you've got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Vanessa Tran on (02) 9765 5049 or via ****** Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more. Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups. To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website. Other Information For more information and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.For more information visit Your recruitment journey on the DCJ website. To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/