Therapeutic Caseworker

We are currently looking for a Full Time Therapeutic Caseworker to be based in Port Macquarie or Taree.

Pathfinders’ Out of Home Care Program provides a safe and nurturing environment for young people and who are in need of alternative accommodation due to being unable to live with their parents or foster carers. 

The successful applicant will work with team members in developing and providing a safe, nurturing and home-like environment for Children and Young People in residence utilising the programs Circle of Courage and Sanctuary model philosophy. 

The residential OoHC program aims to provide a home-like environment for residents, build positive coping strategies and maintain and develop links between the residents and their birth families and community. The program aims to meet high standards for health, education, vocation and social competencies amongst all residents.

The OoHC Foster Care program attends to the needs of children aged 0-18 years of age.  The basis of this program is assisting authorised foster carers to meet the needs of children young people in all areas of life.

The Pathfinders SIL program supports young people on the path to independent living. Support packages are developed by caseworkers to meet individual needs of clients so they can confidently navigate life after care. 

The Therapeutic Caseworker is responsible for achieving the best possible outcomes for Children and Young People placed in the OoHC Program of Pathfinders. In partnership with the Department of Communities and Justice; developing, monitoring and reviewing case plans, auditing case notes and files and advising on the appropriate placement of children and young people referred to Pathfinders. Essentially, the caseworker is required to undertake a broad range of tasks in order to ensure the Office of the Children’s Guardian OoHC Child Safe Standards are met. 

• Relevant vocational/tertiary qualifications such as bachelor’s degree or relevant Diploma working towards a bachelor’s degree and/or relevant experience in community services, children’s services or family work.
• Knowledge of the rights of Children and Young People and a commitment to upholding and advocating for them
• Ability to communicate and establish working relationships with children, young people, foster carers and key stakeholders
• Commitment to ethical work practices
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work both independently with initiative and as part of a team
• Excellent computer literacy skills 
• Willingness to adopt the Pathfinders program philosophy and engage in training when provided
• First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain
• Possess a current driver’s licence
• Possess a current working with children check number and Criminal History Check.

• Experience in working with Children and Young People in OoHC
• Case Management experience

Please download the job package from our website www.pathfinders.ngo to apply for this position.

1. Prepare a typed application which includes:

• A statement against each of the essential and desirable selection criteria for the position, giving examples to demonstrate how you meet them.
• A current resume detailing your relevant skills and experience. 
• A photocopy of your relevant academic qualifications.
• The names and phone numbers of two Referees (at least one referee should be a recent supervisor, if possible). 

Please email applications to **@pathfinders.ngo

Application Enquiries – Please send the HR team an email to **@pathfinders.ngo