CatholicCare is seeking a temporary full-time Carer Support & Development Caseworker to cover maternity leave.
You will provide day-to-day support and casework for Authorised Foster Carers, including Relative and Kinship Carers, working closely with Reunification and Child & Family Caseworkers to ensure children and young people in the PSP experience safe, stable, and nurturing care.
This role involves trauma-informed assessments, development planning, and collaborative casework to maintain carer authorisations and positive care experiences. You will liaise with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), courts, and community agencies to ensure child-centred, evidence-based decisions.
Key responsibilities include:
Case management and support for Foster, Relative, and Kinship Carers
Assessments, investigations, and development planning to address safety, welfare, and permanency
Collaboration with Reunification and Child & Family Caseworkers to support care pathways
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference, contributing to CatholicCare’s mission and the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle to support vulnerable families and promote safe, stable care.
In line with pre-employment screening requirements, preferred candidates will be required to undergo a Residential Care Worker Register Check. Any offer of employment is contingent on receiving a satisfactory result.
Benefits of Working With Us
Directly contribute to improving the lives of many in the community.
On-site parking.
Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport (T&C’s apply).
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.
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 PSP Carer Support & Development Caseworker is the primary caseworker responsible for the day-to-day case management and case work of CatholicCare’s Authorised Foster Carers. They work directly with Foster Carers (including Relative & Kinship Carers), supporting them to develop their capacity and capability to meet the safety, welfare and wellbeing needs of children and young people in the CatholicCare PSP. The Carer Support & Development Caseworker works in partnership with; the Reunification Caseworker who has the primary responsibility for the day-to-day case management and case work that support parent/s to achieve restoration of their child/ren to their care, and with the Child & Family Caseworker who has the primary responsibility for the day-to-day case management and casework for children and young people found by the NSW Children’s Court to be in need of care and protection. Carer Support & Development Caseworkers are responsible for holistic assessment, purposeful carer support and development planning and trauma-informed casework. They engage in a professional relationship with Foster Carers, and Relative and Kinship Carers, working in partnership with them to maintain the authorisation of the carer household, support stability in the care arrangement and promote a positive care experience. Carer Support & Development 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.
Desired Skills and Experience
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 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 and 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:
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: Lauren Fisher lauren.fisher@catholiccare.org.au
Applications close Tuesday, 17th February 2026 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.
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