Role Description Caseworker

Transcription

1 Role Description Caseworker Cluster Family & Community Services Agency Community Services Division/Branch/Unit n/a Location Various Classification/Grade/Band Clerk Grade 3/7 Role Number TBC ANZSCO Code PCAT Code Date of Approval 07 August 2014 Agency Website Agency overview The Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) delivers services to the most disadvantaged individuals, families and communities in NSW. Our vision is to enable vulnerable people to participate fully in NSW social and economic life and build stronger, more sustainable and inclusive communities. Primary purpose of the role The primary purpose of a caseworker is to work directly with children, young people and families to support them to achieve change that keeps children and young people safe and improves their social, emotional, health and educational outcomes. Key accountabilities Deliver accountable and collaborative casework that respects the culture and context of each child, young person, family and community and is based on timely sharing of accurate information to ensure that the support meets their identified needs. Undertake assessment / investigation and ongoing family work to identify and address safety and risk concerns for children and young people. Model ethical and curious casework that is responsive to the changing needs of children, young people and families. Build relationships within practice and legislative frameworks to create change in families and keep children and young people safe. Develop and maintain networks and relationships with key stakeholders to deliver appropriate services for children, young people and families. Participate and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and professional development to ensure practice knowledge and skills are contemporary and evidence-based. 1

2 Maintain accurate and relevant client records for reporting and information sharing. Share decision making with family and key stakeholders about children and young people to ensure that there is an appropriate balance between the risks, safety and wellbeing. In order to progress to Grade 7, a caseworker must be willing to undertake this additional capability: Provide, coaching, advice and support to less experienced caseworkers and participate in training and orientation activities. Note: Refer to the approval process for incremental progression from Clerk maximum grade 6 to minimum grade 7. The People Management Capability set relates to Grade 7 of this position. Key challenges Assessing the safety and risk of children and young people in complex and challenging situations where the majority of families are at significant disadvantage due to factors such as a prior history of trauma, poverty and violence. Being sensitive to cultural differences, social complexities and the uniqueness of every family while ensuring that children and young people are safe and cared for. Maintaining a focus on children and young people and undertaking action to protect them which may not align with a parent s view of what needs to occur. Remaining curious and open to new ideas and regularly reflecting on our development as professionals with peers and supervisors. Key relationships Who Internal Why Manager Casework Direct supervisor Manager Client Services Practice leader of the CSC office Caseworkers Peers and colleagues Casework Specialists, psychologists, clinical issues consultants, legal officers External Specialist and clinical advice Children, young people and families The main focus for caseworkers who are working to promote good parenting and providing a safe and stable home Carers Key clients who provide care for children and young people Government and non-government partners Collaborate to provide appropriate services for children young people and families Children s court Court orders, and other legal decisions on children and families are brought before the Children s Court Role Description Caseworker 2

3 Role dimensions Decision making The primary focus of decision making for a caseworker is in assessing/ investigating and supporting children, young people and their families. Planning next steps for families to connect with appropriate support services are part of day to day decision making. Reporting line Reports to a Manager Casework Direct reports Nil Budget/Expenditure Nil Category 10 delegation administrative and financial Note this is a general financial delegation and may not apply to every role. Essential requirements Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Social Science, Welfare or related discipline Experience in the field of social work, child development, and/or child protection matters within family and community environments and an understanding of disadvantaged groups A current Working with Children Check that provides clearance to work with children Current driver s licence Capabilities for the role The NSW Public Sector Capability Framework applies to all NSW public sector employees. The Capability Framework is available at Capability summary Below is the full list of capabilities and the level required for this role. The capabilities in bold are the focus capabilities for this role. Refer to the next section for further information about the focus capabilities. NSW Public Sector Capability Framework Capability Group Capability Name Level Display Resilience and Courage Act with Integrity Manage Self Value Diversity Role Description Caseworker 3

4 NSW Public Sector Capability Framework Capability Group Capability Name Level Communicate Effectively Commit to Customer Service Work Collaboratively Influence and Negotiate Deliver Results Plan and Prioritise Think and Solve Problems Demonstrate Accountability Finance Technology Procurement and Contract Management Project Management Manage and Develop People Inspire Direction and Purpose Optimise Business Outcomes Manage Reform and Change Focus capabilities The focus capabilities for the role are the capabilities in which occupants must demonstrate immediate competence. The behavioural indicators provide examples of the types of behaviours that would be expected at that level and should be reviewed in conjunction with the role s key accountabilities. NSW Public Sector Capability Framework Group and Capability Level Behavioural Indicators Display Resilience and Courage Act with Integrity Be flexible and adaptable and respond quickly when situations change Offer own opinion and raise challenging issues Listen when ideas are challenged and respond in a reasonable way Work through challenges Stay calm and focused in the face of challenging situations Represent the organisation in an honest, ethical and professional way Support a culture of integrity and professionalism Understand and follow legislation, rules, policies, guidelines and codes of conduct Help others to understand their obligations to comply with legislation, rules, policies, guidelines and codes of conduct Recognise and report misconduct, illegal or inappropriate Role Description Caseworker 4

5 NSW Public Sector Capability Framework Group and Capability Level Behavioural Indicators Manage Self Value Diversity Relationships Communicate Effectively Relationships Work Collaboratively Relationships Influence and Negotiate Results Think and Solve Problems Business Enablers Technology behaviour Report and manage apparent conflicts of interest Adapt existing skills to new situations Show commitment to achieving work goals Show awareness of own strengths and areas for growth and develop and apply new skills Seek feedback from colleagues and stakeholders Maintain own motivation when tasks become difficult Be responsive to diverse experiences, perspectives, values and beliefs and listen to others individual viewpoints Seek input from others who may have different perspectives and needs Adapt well in diverse environments Focus on key points and speak in Plain English Clearly explain and present ideas and arguments Listen to others when they are speaking and ask appropriate, respectful questions Monitor own and others non-verbal cues and adapt where necessary Prepare written material that is well structured and easy to follow by the intended audience Communicate routine technical information clearly Work as a supportive and co-operative team member, share information and acknowledge others efforts Respond to others who need clarification or guidance on the job Step in to help others when workloads are high Keep team and supervisor informed of work tasks Utilise facts, knowledge and experience to support recommendations Work towards positive and mutually satisfactory outcomes Identify and resolve issues in discussion with other staff and stakeholders Identify others concerns and expectations Respond constructively to conflict and disagreements Keep discussion focused on the key issues Research and analyse information and make recommendations based on relevant evidence Identify issues that may hinder completion of tasks and find appropriate solutions Be willing to seek out input from others and share own ideas to achieve best outcomes Identify ways to improve systems or processes which are used by the team/unit Display familiarity and confidence in the use of core office software applications or other technology used in role Understand the use of computers, telecommunications, Role Description Caseworker 5

6 NSW Public Sector Capability Framework Group and Capability Level Behavioural Indicators audio-visual equipment or other technologies used by the organisation Understand information, communication and document control policies and systems, and security protocols Comply with policies on acceptable use of technology Role Description Caseworker 6