Students and graduates

"I’d heard a lot about the department and wanted to see what it was all about for myself. I loved it. I love all aspects of being a caseworker and am proud to say my job is to protect children".

Kristie, DCJ

As Australia’s largest child protection agency, we’re constantly on the lookout for bright and resilient caseworker candidates. If you’ve just finished your degree in social work, social science or welfare, or still studying, we have some exciting opportunities to kick start your career.

Jobs.dcj.nsw.gov.au provides you with a direct link to all DCJ positions. Type in the name of the position or keyword you are interested in, for example, 'caseworker', and under 'Agency' select 'Communities and Justice'. This will return a list of our latest job vacancies for you to review.

Student placements for university students

If you’re required to undertake a compulsory student placement as part of your degree in social work, social science or welfare, join our student placement program. Many students who complete their placement with us then go on to work here later.

Placements offer you a unique opportunity to:

  • apply your theory to practice in real life situations under the supervision of industry-leading staff
  • grow confidence in yourself and your abilities
  • explore and expand your knowledge and skills
  • develop an understanding of the work we do

If you are a tertiary student interested in a child protection casework, project or policy placement, your request must be made through the student placement officer at your university or college.

TAFE or school work experience

If you’re looking for work experience (paid or unpaid) or want to undertake voluntary work, you should explore opportunities in the non-government sector or visit The Centre for Volunteering.

We work collaboratively with many non-government agencies to help children and families and to improve the wellbeing of our community. Many of these agencies offer volunteer programs.

All related work experience will be well regarded if you later apply for a position with us.

If you think you have what it takes to have one of the most important jobs in the community then we want to hear from you.

We’re now recruiting for a broad range of applicants, including graduates with experience in child and family welfare, social work or psychology.

If you have any queries at all, please email us at caseworker.screenings@facs.nsw.gov.au.

Interns, students and graduates

Various Divisions within the Department of Justice offers opportunities for interns, students and graduates. Select a link below to explore the opportunity:


NSW Government Graduate Program: One choice, endless opportunities

NSW Government Graduate Program

Open to recent graduates ​of three-year undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.

Last updated:

29 Nov 2022

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We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the First Nations Peoples of NSW and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and future. 

Informed by lessons of the past, Department of Communities and Justice is improving how we work with Aboriginal people and communities. We listen and learn from the knowledge, strength and resilience of Stolen Generations Survivors, Aboriginal Elders and Aboriginal communities.

You can access our apology to the Stolen Generations.

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