Child and Youth Caseworker in Camden

Reporting to: Shelter Manager

Work type: Contract 12-Month Fixed-Term Part Time 15 hours per week

Award Classification: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS) Crisis Accommodation Level 2 (depending on experience) plus superannuation.

WHO WE ARE

Blue Wren House - Camden Women’s Shelter is a crisis accommodation service supporting women and children experiencing homelessness, domestic and family violence, and other complex life challenges. We provide trauma-informed, client-centred support that promotes safety, healing, recovery and long-term housing outcomes. Our service is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where children and young people can recover from trauma, build resilience and maintain positive connections with their families, schools and communities.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Child and Youth Case Worker to join our team on a 12-month fixed term contract. The Child and Youth Case Worker plays a vital role in supporting children and young people residing in our crisis accommodation service. Working collaboratively with mothers, case workers, schools, health professionals and community partners, you will provide developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed support to children and young people who have experienced homelessness, domestic and family violence, trauma and disruption. This role focuses on improving safety, wellbeing, educational participation, emotional regulation, social connection and positive family relationships while supporting children and young people to achieve their individual goals.

Key responsibilities of this role include:

• Build trusting and supportive relationships with children and young people residing at the shelter.
• Undertake strengths-based assessments and contribute to individual support plans.
• Deliver individual and group-based activities that promote wellbeing, resilience and development.
• Support school engagement, enrolment, attendance and educational outcomes.
• Facilitate age-appropriate programs focused on emotional wellbeing, life skills and social connection.
• Advocate for children and young people with schools, health services and community agencies.
• Work collaboratively with mothers to strengthen family relationships and parenting capacity.
• Assist children and young people to access recreational, cultural and community activities.
• Maintain accurate case notes and documentation in line with organisational requirements.
• Participate in case planning, team meetings, supervision and professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to a child-safe culture that places children's voices, safety and wellbeing at the centre of service delivery.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Relevant qualifications in Social Work, Community Services, Youth Work, Child and Family Studies or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience working with children and young people experiencing trauma, homelessness, domestic and family violence and/or adverse childhood experiences.
• Strong understanding of child development and trauma-informed practice.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with children, young people and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience maintaining case records and client documentation.
• Current Working With Children Check.
• Current National Police Check.
• Current Driver Licence.
• Current First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain prior to commencement.
• Right to work in Australia.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Experience working within the Specialist Homelessness Services sector.
• Knowledge of child protection systems and referral pathways.
• Experience facilitating therapeutic, educational or recreational programs for children and young people.
• Understanding of the impacts of domestic and family violence on children and families.

WHAT’S ON OFFER

• Opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of women, children and young people.
• Salary packaging benefits.
• Supportive and values-driven workplace.
• Ongoing professional supervision and reflective practice.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Flexible and family-friendly workplace.
• A trauma-informed, child-safe and inclusive organisational culture.

Blue Wren House is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Employment is subject to satisfactory background checks, which include a National Police Check, Working with Children Check and Reference Checks.