Caseworker - family
A massive recruitment program is underway in NSW to find 350 specialist caseworkers to help families before they reach crisis point. As part of a $1.2 billion early intervention program, the NSW Department of Community Services (DoCs) is looking to recruit an additional 350 caseworkers by 2008.
According to DoCs, focusing on early intervention can keep families together and avoid the need for further contact with the child protection system. It also saves the government money of crisis services.
Michelle Grant, 34, has worked for DoCs in Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast since 2004 after completing a degree in social science. Initially employed as a child protection caseworker, Grant transferred across to early intervention 18 months ago.
"I liked the frame work of early intervention - you are working with families that choose to work with you. If people recognise that they need some help... well, you're half way there," Michelle said.
Social work is a second career for Michelle. She completed her degree part time over eight years while also juggling family and a flower farm. Once she graduated, she decided to throw in the gardening gloves. "It was both a financial decision and a calling for me," Grant said.
Walking every morning to clear her head and prepare for the day is how Grant remains positive in a role that can sometimes be mentally challenging.
"If you genuinely believe in people and have that positive outlook, I think it rubs off on the work you do," she said. "How you gain that is probably different for every individual."
"You work long term with families so you have to be prepared to go the long haul and sometimes that can be a bit up and down." Grant also believes that to succeed in any DoCs role you need to like children.
"If you don't like children, you wouldn't like this job. I know it's fairly obvious but the focus is always on what's best for the children, which has got to be central to your own values," she said.
For more information on the early intervention positions with DoCs go to http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/index_a.htm
