Wandiyali is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, established in Newcastle in 1997. We are the largest accredited Aboriginal provider of PSP OOHC within Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Region, and Port Stephens. Wandiyali also has a number of Preservation Programs and support services that work closely with children, young people and families.
Wandiyali is a Child Safe organisation committed to the safety, wellbeing and Cultural safety of all children and young people. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to creating safe, inclusive and Culturally responsive environments where children and young people are respected, heard and empowered. All employees are expected to share and actively uphold Wandiyali’s commitment to child safety and safeguarding.
The Opportunity
Please note we are recruiting for a 12-month fixed-term position.
The aim of Wandiyali and its services is to ‘Keep our Culture Strong’. As a Wandi Carer Unit Caseworker, you will be responsible for assisting with the assessments of potential Foster Care Carers as well as evaluating whether children and young people are suitably placed when entering care or transitioning to alternate care.
The primary function of the Carer Unit Caseworker is to provide assessment, training, and support to carer households to;
• Ensure a quality service which promotes the welfare, Cultural connection, and interests of children, young people in Out of Home Care and their families, and:
• Provide safe, stable, and suitable permanency options for children and young people and:
The Wandiyali PSP Foster Care team has the following key responsibilities;
• Support children and young people in care
• Support carers to maintain Culturally rich placements for children and young people in care
• Promote and implement the most appropriate permanency care options
• Ensure that Wandiyali PSP OOHC service provision aligns with:
o Aboriginal Placement Principles
o Aboriginal Case Management Policy
o Legislated hierarchy of care models
o Children’s Guardian accreditation requirements
o Business planning and industry best practices
o Wandiyali funding contracts, as well as
o The Cultural, social, and emotional wellbeing of employees, carers, children and young people as well as their families.
The Benefits
As a Wandiyali Carer Unit Caseworker you also benefit with additional career development supports including,
· 12 weeks induction.
· Ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement.
You will be supported to maintain family connections and wellbeing through,
· 5 weeks of annual leave.
· Option to take 1 day of accrued day off leave per month, and
· Time off in lieu arrangements
· After the initial induction period you will also have access to a hybrid home / office work environment.
You will have the options to reduce tax and cost of living expenses through,
· Salary Sacrifice packaging of up to $15,900 each FBT year
· Meal and Entertainment Salary Sacrifice of up to $2,650 each FBT year
· Employee Benefits programs providing discounts on a large variety of consumer services and products.
If you are looking for a career that is dedicated to truly making positive change and you have experience working with Aboriginal children, young people, families, or communities we would like to hear from you.
How to Apply
For this position please attach:
· A current resume,
· A cover letter introducing yourself, and an overview of your experience working in the PSP OOHC sector or Community Services sector and your experience in assessment and report writing.
Closing date: Monday, 26 October 2026
Please note applications may close earlier than the stated date, if a suitable applicant is found.
For further information please contact;
Talana Kilroy
Senior People and Culture Officer 49575900 or talana@wandiyali.com.au
An applicant’s race is a genuine occupational qualification and authorised by Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977
Essential Criteria
• A commitment to the Vision, Mission, and Values of our Organisation
• Aboriginal or/and Torres Strait Islander
• Relevant qualifications and experience working with Children. Young People and Carers in the statutory care system.
• Understanding of the developmental needs of children and young people, families and parents and a comprehensive understanding of key risk factors of trauma on childhood development.
• Demonstrated ability to liaise, advocate with and maintain positive working relationships with relevant government and non- government professionals, community groups, services, and agencies.
• Demonstrated time management, reflective practice skills and maintaining a high level of compliance in a busy environment with competing priorities
• Demonstrate effective communication including active listening and negotiation skills to manage conflicts and maintain positive working relationships
• Demonstrated experience in written communication that is appropriate to the audience and report writing skills.
• Demonstrated capacity for self-management, which includes accepting responsibility for own actions; focuses on the most important goals; has a realistic and balanced view of own strengths and development opportunities; recognises own feelings and personal prejudices and understands why they occur.
• Intermediate level of computer skills
• Demonstrated ability to participate positively in teamwork, training, and supervision processes
• Assessment and Training skills in desirable.
