Salary: SCHADS Award Level 5.3
Program: Out of Home Care (OoHC)
About Pathfinders
Pathfinders is committed to developing thriving communities where all people can participate fully and reach their potential. Through our Out of Home Care (OoHC), Foster Care and Supported Independent Living (SIL) programs, we provide safe, nurturing and therapeutic environments for children and young people with high and complex needs.
Our practice is underpinned by the Circle of Courage and Sanctuary Model philosophies and is guided by strong principles of social justice, inclusion and child safety.
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and values-driven Caseworker to join our Out of Home Care team in Inverell.
The Caseworker is responsible for achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people placed in the Pathfinders OoHC Program. Working in partnership with the Department of Communities and Justice and key stakeholders, the role involves developing, monitoring and reviewing case plans, supporting carers, and ensuring compliance with Office of the Children’s Guardian Child Safe Standards.
Travel is an inherent requirement of this position.
Key Responsibilities
- Case management for allocated children and young people
- Development, monitoring and review of case plans
- Chairing and attending case conferences and review meetings
- Maintaining accurate and compliant case notes and files
- Supporting foster carers and collaborating with Youth Workers
- Facilitating family and sibling contact in line with Court Orders
- Advocating for children and young people
- Building strong interagency relationships
- Participating in on-call duties, supervision, training and service evaluations
Essential Criteria
- Relevant vocational or tertiary qualification (Bachelor degree or relevant Diploma working towards a Bachelor) and/or relevant experience in community services, children’s services or family work
- Strong understanding of children’s rights and a commitment to advocacy
- Ability to build effective working relationships with children, young people, carers and stakeholders
- Commitment to ethical practice
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong computer literacy skills
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working with children and young people in Out of Home Care
- Case management experience
Pre-Employment Requirements
This position is child-related employment. The successful applicant must:
- Hold a current paid NSW Working with Children Check
- Provide a National Criminal History Check
- Hold a current unencumbered driver’s licence
- Hold or be willing to obtain a First Aid Certificate
- Engage in Pathfinders training, including WHS
Prohibited persons under the Child Protection Act 2012 are not eligible to apply.
Closing Date: 5:00pm, Wednesday 14 January 2026
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the following to be considered:
- A written statement addressing each of the essential and desirable selection criteria
- A current resume
- Copies of relevant qualifications
- Names and contact details of two referees (one should be a recent supervisor where possible)
Email applications to: hr@pathfinders.ngo
For application enquiries, please contact the Corporate Services Team at
hr@pathfinders.ngo
Equal Employment Opportunity
Pathfinders is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and select staff on merit, ensuring fairness and equity throughout the recruitment process.
For further Operational information please email Justin Power at justinp@pathfinders.ngo