MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said today that the appointment by the NSW Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) of new Casework Support positions in Inverell and Moree would help reduce the burden of administrative tasks placed on frontline caseworkers.
Mr Marshall said the two new positions would free up caseworkers so they could spend less time on administrative duties and more time on the frontline, working with children and families at risk of harm.
“The state government has invested $26 million over four years for the recruiting, training and employment of candidates for these essential positions,” Mr Marshall said.
“The Hunter New England region will see 12 full-time positions and one part-time position created to ease the burden on our caseworkers, who are out there on the frontline making serious decisions for families.
“What this means for our children and families is that we can give them more time, more assistance and more help – we need positive outcomes for children, vulnerable young people and families.”
Mr Marshall said the current group of Casework Support Workers had a variety of backgrounds and experience and that they would be required to assist with case planning and documentation, referrals and appointments, case visits and day-to-day team priorities.
Candidates undertake a learning program, consisting of online modules, workplace based activities and face-to-face workshops, ensuring a varied learning experience which will set them up for supporting the day-to-day work of caseworkers.
Mr Marshall said the initiative supported the government’s efforts to fill caseworker vacancies, which stood at five per cent for the June 2015 quarter – a significant drop on the same period last year.