Teamwork and support help deliver vital services to children

 

‘Investing in caseworkers helps improve the outcomes for DoCS number one priority—children and families—as well as benefiting staff careers.’

For Michael, a caseworker with the NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS) in western NSW, casework is a challenging job that’s made easier by the training and support DoCS provides.

’For me it’s all about the teamwork and support that’s provided,’ explains Michael.

Michael deals daily with difficult and challenging situations involving vulnerable children and families in crisis, providing much needed assistance. And as the number of child protection reports increases, so does the importance of providing Michael and his colleagues with high quality professional support and development.

Investing in caseworkers helps improve the outcomes for DoCS number one priority—children and families—as well as benefiting staff careers.

With services and programs developed in line with international research and best practice, DoCS implements a number of innovative strategies to provide effective professional development to support staff. Some of these strategies include:

  • initial induction and an eight-week caseworker development course
  • ongoing specialist training in aspects of best case management practice
  • regular professional supervision providing an opportunity for debriefing and reflection on practice
  • Research to Practice Seminars where caseworkers learn about the latest developments in their field
  • mentoring and buddying programs
  • specialist positions to provide coaching, briefing, case review and consultancy for caseworkers.
Michael Wakefield, Caseworker, and members of the Dubbo team

’I enjoy the teamwork here, everybody pitches in—people are here for me,’ explains Michael.

‘I also have access to all the training I need, whether it’s in a local area, a regional centre or in Sydney. I am continually expanding my skills and experience.’

 

Induction training is provided to new recruits to help get them off to a flying start. The Caseworker Development Course—an eight-week extensive training program for all new DoCS caseworkers—is interspersed with work in a caseworker’s local office, allowing for immediate implementation and consolidation of learnings.

Professional training and supervision smooth the journey for staff working in a variety of caseworker roles from the innovative Brighter Futures Early Intervention program, to Out-of-Home Care supporting children who can’t live safely at home, Child Protection and other specialist roles such as the Joint Investigation Response Team (JIRT) caseworker.

Michelle Grant, Early Intervention Caseworker, DoCS, Coffs Harbour

Michelle Grant, an Early Intervention Caseworker based at DoCS Coffs Harbour, enjoys working with families before they reach crisis point. ‘I like the framework of early intervention where you work with families who choose to work with you,’ explains Michelle.

At a recent Research to Practice Seminar in Coffs Harbour visiting professors discussed new brain research highlighting the importance of positive human interactions in the first few years of life. These seminars give staff the opportunity to hear directly from national and international experts, as well as collaborate with colleagues from around the state.

Having access to the latest research helps inform day-to-day casework practice and ensures caseworkers are up to date with national and international best practice.

Other caseworkers receive additional training to support them in their roles. The Joint Investigation Response Teams investigate serious child protection reports, which usually involve criminal conduct. DoCS JIRT caseworkers receive specialist training to equip them to work with members of NSW Health and NSW Police in an intense forensic environment.

Specialist roles, such as casework specialist, also play an important part in training and supporting front line caseworkers with consultation on complex cases, as well as practical and theoretical assistance. There are 44 casework specialists who support staff in 80 Community Services Centres giving support that includes practice coaching, briefing, training on best practice standards and case review sessions.

With vulnerable children as its highest priority, DoCS is committed to supporting and developing its staff to deliver vital and innovative services.

FIND OUT MORE
Find out more about the DoCS graduate program , or visit www.community.nsw.gov.au/careers .

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