The Opportunity

CatholicCare is seeking a compassionate Case Manager to join our Supported Independent Living (SIL) team in a temporary part-time position until June 2029, working 0.6 FTE (three days per week). Based in Taree, this role will involve occasional travel across the Diocesan footprint.

The Supported Independent Living (SIL) program provides transitional support to young people aged 16–18 as they move from statutory care towards independent living and adulthood. As a Case Manager, you will play a pivotal role in empowering young people to build the skills, confidence and support networks they need to achieve their goals and thrive independently.

Working with a high degree of autonomy in the Taree region, you will provide practical and emotional support, develop and review individual Leaving Care and Aftercare Plans, and advocate for young people to access education, employment, health and community services. While you will be the dedicated SIL presence in Taree, you will be supported through regular collaboration with the Senior Caseworker and SIL colleagues across the Diocese, as well as the broader team of CatholicCare professionals within the local office.

This rewarding opportunity combines meaningful, relationship-based practice with strong case management and administrative responsibilities, ensuring each young person receives high-quality, person-centred support as they transition into adulthood.

If you are passionate about empowering young people to achieve independence and reach their full potential, we encourage you to apply.

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

The Support Independent Living (SIL) program provides a transitional service for young people moving from statutory care into independent living and adulthood. The Case Manager position is responsible for providing practical and emotional support for young people aged 16 – 20. The role ensures that 2-year plans are formulated (and regularly reviewed) in consultation with the young person and their community of supports while also meeting all statutory requirements. There is a focus on supporting and encouraging young people to participate in daily living skills activities and competency-based programs which will empower them to live independently and assist them to identify and move closer towards their aspirations. The role involves developing strong working relationships with young people, strong working relationships within community and expanding the network of supports via different strategies including family finding and family group conferencing. There is a major administrative aspect to this role requiring completion of accurate, timely and well written Case Notes, Leaving Care Plans and Aftercare Plans. The position requires well developed communication and computer skills.

EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA

• A commitment to the Vision, Mission and Values of CatholicCare
• An understanding of the impact of disadvantage on individuals, families and communities
• A demonstrated understanding of the NSW Permanency Support Program and the findings of the Tune Report that lead to its introduction
• A thorough understanding of the aims of the SIL program and how it can support the Permanency Support Program
• Ability to support, empower and enable young people to become independent and the best version of themselves
• Very well-developed verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills
• Computer literacy with the ability to use and reference internal computer systems (e.g. hub, intranet) and manage multiple data platforms
• A commitment to teamwork approaches and the ability to work independently and proactively
• Demonstrated time management skills
• A demonstrated ability to self-reflect and to engage in and grow from reflective practices sessions
• Excellent skills in implementing strategies that promote emotional and developmental well-being in young people who have experienced complex trauma
• Willingness to be available for on call roster and rotated weekend or after-hours work
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and development theory and the impacts this has on young people in their adolescent years and beyond (Desirable)
• Experience working with people from a Culturally & Linguistically Diverse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background (Desirable)
• Ability to establish and maintain links with external service providers (Desirable)
• Experience working with youth who demonstrate challenging behaviour (Desirable)
• Experience in working from a strengths-based perspective (Desirable)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Qualification in Social Welfare, Social Work, Psychology or a related field, preferably at degree level (working towards) or extensive experience working with young people. 
• Current NSW Driver Licence
• Current Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
• National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014
• This role is subject to a NSW Office of the Children's Guardian Residential Care Workers Register check.

To Apply

Please provide a copy of your CV and answers to the following selection criteria:

• Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable young people, particularly those with complex trauma, placement instability, mental health concerns or challenging behaviours.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive and professional relationships with young people, families, carers, community supports and external stakeholders.
• Well-developed verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to advocate effectively for young people and engage collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Commitment to reflective practice, professional learning and working within a strengths-based, trauma-informed and child-focused framework.
• Demonstrated understanding of child safety, safeguarding practices and professional boundaries when working with vulnerable young people. Please provide an example of how you have supported the safety, wellbeing and best interests of a young person, including how you identified and responded to any risks or concerns.

To know more about this opportunity, please reach out to David Wilson, Senior Caseworker: dav•••••••••@catholiccare.org.au

Applications for this position will only be considered if submitted through the following platforms: our careers page on our website, mnpeople, Indeed, Seek, or LinkedIn.

Applications close 11.59pm Thursday 25th 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.