THE OPPORTUNITY

CatholicCare is seeking a passionate and community-focused individual to join the team as a Community and Family Support Caseworker and make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children, young people and families across the Maitland region.

This temporary part-time maternity relief opportunity (11 months, 0.6 FTE) is suited to an experienced caseworker who enjoys building strong community connections, delivering strengths-based support, and empowering families to overcome challenges before they escalate.

Working within a supportive, trauma-informed and culturally responsive environment, you will collaborate with schools, local services and community networks to strengthen protective factors, enhance family wellbeing, and support safe and nurturing outcomes for children and young people. You will also assist families to access counselling and targeted supports, helping individuals and communities build resilience, independence and long-term capability.

If you are passionate about supporting children, young people and families to thrive, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.

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).
• Salary packaging
• 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.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Community and Family Support (CAFS), is focused on supporting vulnerable children, young people, families and communities to access support when required, to prevent issues from escalating and empower them to lead independent and meaningful lives. CAFS services promote family and community wellbeing and reduce vulnerability and risk factors (including those that may lead to child abuse, neglect and family violence), while also building protective factors and supporting healthy childhood development. The program helps to foster and grow personal, family and community-level strengths and capabilities, and to increase individual and community safety. 

CAFS will be delivered under the Wellbeing and Safety program which aims to support children, young people and families with targeted and intensive support. This includes services that strengthen protective factors and respond to risk factors that may lead to child abuse, neglect and/or family violence, and help parents and caregivers provide their children and young people with a safe and nurturing home – for example, counselling, family capacity building, youth individualized support, education and skills training and information/advice and referral. 

The CAFS caseworker will also support young people and their families to access funded counselling through the Rosewood Centre.

The program is framed around an evidenced, strengths-based, culturally competent, outcomes framework with training, support & supervision of the team.

EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA

• A commitment to the Vision, Mission and Values of our organisation and active engagement in organisational events.
• Demonstrated compassion towards and understanding of the holistic needs of children and families affected by trauma with experience working within a trauma informed practice model.
• A clear understanding of child and adolescent development with demonstrated experience in engaging and working effectively with students and their families.
• High level communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to maintain confidentiality; and develop and sustain constructive and respectful relationships at all levels within and beyond the school community.
• A strong understanding of the contributing factors to various types of disadvantages and experience in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, refugees and migrants, and other minority groups
• An ability to effectively analyse and respond to student data on academic performance, behaviour, and wellbeing to enhance learning outcomes
• Strong organisation and time management skills with a high level of motivation and commitment to achieving outcomes
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently (often in families homes) and as part of a team.
• Experience in delivering group programs – such as parenting programs and life skills.
• Flexibility to be available outside of core business hours in performing duties position.
• Experience in outcomes data collection

QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree in Social Welfare, Social Work or Psychology and/or equivalent experience (5+ years) in early intervention programs.
• Current Working with Children Check/Police Check
• NSW Driver Licence.

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 Lucy Tennant luc•••••••••@catholiccare.org.au

Applications close 11.59pm on Monday, 08 June 2026.

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.