Are you hunting for blue card jobs in NSW? If yes, then you need to know about the essentials of the blue card system in New South Wales. This system is an initiative by the Australian government to prevent individuals who pose a risk to children from working in child-related fields.
The term ‘blue card’ is technically used in Queensland’s system. In New South Wales, the official term for this screening system is “Working with Children Check” or WWCC. This article will tackle the basics of the blue card services or WWCC in NSW, how to apply, and the specific blue card jobs.
What Is a Blue Card or WWCC?
The WWCC in NSW is a mandatory screening check for people who work or volunteer in regulated roles that involve significant contact with children under 18. This system helps safeguard children and young people by ensuring that people working with them have undergone police and other background checks.
Moreover, WWCC promotes child-safe environments across various sectors like schools, sports clubs, childcare, and more. Any person who is in a paid or volunteer position that primarily involves contact with children is required to get a WWCC. This includes teachers, coaches, childcare workers, foster carers, and others.
NSW’s WWCC entails an examination of reportable workplace misconduct and a National Police Check (criminal history record check). Upon completion of a check, one is either granted permission for regulated child related employment or prohibited from doing so. The check is valid for five years if it is cleared; nonetheless, candidates are continually being watched.
There is an AUD 80 cost for the WWCC if you are applying as a self-employed or a paid employee. However, you are exempt from paying the charge if you are a volunteer, a student participating in a professional placement, a prospective adoptive parent, or an authorised caregiver.
The Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) is responsible for the management of all WWCC processes including:
- Applications
- Renewals
- Compliance
- Risk Assessments
- Ongoing monitoring of check holders
This clearance lasts for five (5) years and the Office of the Children’s Guardian continuously monitors the holder even if he or she changes jobs.
Eligibility and Application for a Blue Card or WWCC
To be eligible for a blue card or WWCC in NSW, you must be 18 years of age or above and your role at work involves direct physical or face-to-face contact with children. You can apply for a WWCC using an online account here. Moreover, you must prepare the following documents before applying in the online applicant portal:
- Personal details, including date and place of birth.
- 4 proof of identity (POI) documents including:
- one commencement of identity document
- one primary use in the community document
- 2 secondary uses in the community documents.
- One of these documents must contain your photo and signature.
- These documents must be current and original.
Commencement of identity documents:
- Australian birth certificate
- Australian passport
- Australian visa
- Immi Card
- Certificate of identity issued by DFAT
- Document of identity issued by DFAT
- Australian naturalisation or citizenship document
Primary use of the community documents:
- Australian driver licence
- Overseas passport
- Proof of age or photo identity card
- Shooters or firearms licence
List of secondary use of the community documents:
- Security guard or crowd control photo licence
- Evidence of government benefit (Centrelink or Veterans Affairs)
- Consular photo ID card
- Medicare Card
- Police force ID card
- ADF photo ID card
- Australian secondary or tertiary student photo ID
- Academic transcript
- Credit or account card.
- Bank Statement
- Rates notice.
- Utility bill with postal address
What are the Blue Card Jobs in NSW?
There are several sectors that the authorities identify as regulated child-related business sectors or child related work:
- Adult household member
- Authorised carer
- Child development
- Child protection services
- Children’s health services
- Clubs or other bodies providing services to children.
- Disability services
- Early education and childcare
- Education
- Entertainment for children
- Justice centres
- Parent Volunteer – Disability
- Parent Volunteer – Mentoring
- Parent Volunteer – Others
- Prospective Adoptive Parents
- Prospective Guardians
- Religious services
- Residential services
- School Cleaner
- Transport services for children.
- Youth workers
Particularly, these are the blue card jobs or those jobs that require you to get a WWCC before they can employ you for that position:
- Childcare and education jobs:
- Early childhood educators and teachers
- School support staff (teacher aides, canteen workers, etc.)
- Out-of-school hours care workers.
- Tutors and coaches providing services directly to children
- Healthcare jobs:
- Doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals in pediatric settings
- Disability support workers
- Residential care workers in youth facilities
- Religious services jobs:
- Religious leaders
- Sunday school teachers
- Youth group leaders
- Sport and recreation jobs:
- Coaches and trainers of children’s teams
- Sports club volunteers
- Dance instructors.
- Camp counselors.
Here are some sources where you can find blue card jobs in New South Wales:
- Indeed (blue card jobs with salaries)
- Jora
- Seek
- Jobsearch
- Simplyhired
FAQs About WWCC or NSW Blue Cards
Eligibility FAQs
- Can I get a WWCC if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature and severity of the offense. Certain disqualifying offenses automatically exclude you. Other matters are assessed individually by the OCG.
- What if I have lived overseas?
You may need to provide additional background checks, such as international police checks, depending on where you lived.
- What if I work in another state that requires a similar check?
While there is a mutual recognition process, specific rules apply. You should check the OCG website for details.
Employer FAQs
- How do I verify a person’s WWCC?
Use the online verification service on the OCG website. You’ll need the individual’s WWCC number and other details.
- Are there penalties for not ensuring my workers have WWCCs?
Yes, there are significant fines for both individuals and organisations who fail to comply with WWCC requirements. Employing someone with a pending WWCC application or without clearance from the WWCC is illegal and can result in fines of up to $11,000 per non-compliant worker.
Employment Lawyers Can Assist You
Don’t risk your organisation’s reputation or the safety of children in your care. Ensure you make informed decisions and protect your business by consulting an experienced employment lawyer from JB Solicitors. We can provide expert guidance on:
- WWCC requirements for licenced care services or exemption card requirements (both online and paper form)
- Employee rights and potential disputes (for instance paid employees who were not compensated properly)
- Safeguarding your organisation and the children you serve
Contact us today for more information.
