POSITION DESCRIPTION –Domestic Violence Specialist Support Worker Specialist Homelessness Services

REPORTS TO: / Coordinator; Domestic Violence After hours Response.
GRADE/AWARD/LEVEL: / SCHADS Industry Award 2010 Level 4
WORK LOCATION: / Waitara
PROGRAM: / Specialist Homeless Services
WORKING WITH CHILDREN: / Clearance Required

PURPOSE

Join our Specialist Homelessness Service (SHS) to work in an innovative service which responds to women (with or without children) experiencing domestic/family violence. This is a unique opportunity for a person who is driven by an objective to enhance and improve outcomes for women and children experiencing domestic/family violence.

This new role presents an excellent opportunity for individuals to work in this rewarding field. This role will sit within a team which has been established to deliver an after-hours response to women experiencing domestic/family violence (the target client group). The domestic violence specialist support worker will provide a prompt follow up the following day with the women after they have presented to the afterhours team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide direct support services to individuals and families impacted by domestic and family violence and ensure the delivery of comprehensive and strength based services. This will be achieved through:

  1. Deliver Services to the clients of the Domestic Violence After hours Response
  • Screening suitability for internal individual and family support services, and making referrals to other services where appropriate;
  • Ensuring a safe, supportive and stable living environment is provided for clients accessing CBB’s accommodation services
  • Providing ongoing case management and case coordination services to clients that focuses on responding to the needs of clients, including domestic violence assistance and the sustainability of their housing;
  • Undertake risk assessments and safety planning for women experiencing domestic violence
  • Work closely with other agencies that play a key role in responding to women experiencing domestic/family violence including Police, emergency departments, Link2home, other domestic/family violence specialist services and relevant NGO’s
  • In collaboration with the Coordinator, conducting timely reviews assessing progress for clients within the program;
  • Providing ongoing case management services to clients residing in the community who are homeless due to domestic violence
  • Applying evidence based practice and drawing on theoretical frameworks appropriate for the needs of the clients;
  • Responding to complex cases using professional judgment and initiative in a timely manner
  • Recording and file maintenance in the relevant system in accordance with principles of confidentiality and Specialist Homelessness Services;
  • Be available to participate in an after-hours on-call telephone roster as required;
  • Occasional weekend work will be required to network with funders.

2. Provide leadership through:

  • Participating actively in regular supervision sessions (minimum 2 hours monthly);
  • Promoting collaborative teamwork;
  • Participating in professional development opportunities and mandatory training;
  • Promoting the application of the agency’s policies and procedures;
  • Representing the agency at external meetings.
  1. Comply with all government and internal reporting requirements for program adherence, including data collection
  • Ensure sound feedback and monitoring processes are utilised
  • Complete compulsory reporting requirements, including gathering of statistical data on a regular basis
  • Ensure effective mechanisms are utilised to assist in reviewing program performance
  • Participate in regular program, team meetings and practice reviews with program personnel
  • Ensure safety standards are maintained for self and others and report all hazards and incidents to the Coordinator within the organisational and legislative timeframes as directed
  • Ensure protocols are followed in relation to shift responsibilities
  1. Actively participate in community development
  • Facilitate appropriate networking within the broader community to ensure client access to relevant services that meet their needs
  • Participating on relevant local committees and working groups to ensure interagency collaboration and coordination in the planning and development of local services
  • Participating in community education by identifying community need, liaising with other agency staff, planning, implementing and evaluating community education programs & awareness raising through presentations to the community and parishes in the Northern Sydney LGAs
  1. Promote and uphold the Mission, Vision and Values of CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay as a Catholic Social Services Agency by:
  • Effectively modelling the CatholicCare values to staff, clients and others
  • Ensuring key stakeholders understand and positively work within the Values and Mission of CatholicCare
  • Upholding all CatholicCare policies including the Code of Conduct and Ethics
  • Promoting WHS standards for a safe workplace

ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Leadership – taking responsibility for your performance with integrity and diligence;
  • Respect – accepting individual differences and treating others with dignity and respect; demonstrating support for the organisation and its mission and goals;
  • Building collaborative relationships – developing, maintaining and strengthening partnerships with others internally and external to the organisation and to work collaboratively to enhance the circumstances of homeless individuals and those with complex needs;
  • Client focus – supporting excellence in CatholicCare programs and delivering services that are based on evidence and best practice, encouraging all CatholicCare clients to achieve their goals

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE

Essential:

  • Tertiary qualifications in an appropriate area e.g. social work or related discipline or equivalent experience
  • Demonstrated understanding of domestic/family violence and working in the field of domestic/family violence including knowledge and familiarity with legal and other aspects of DV and child protection
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals in a case management process, undertaking assessments; developing & reviewing case plans; and provide strength based support to assist individuals, families, and children.
  • Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and community networking
  • Detailed knowledge understanding and experience with housing issues, effective individual case management, undertaking assessments, developing & reviewing case plans and strength based support
  • Counselling experience and skills
  • Knowledge of current Child Protection and other relevant legislation
  • Availability for out of business hours shifts
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of government and non-government organisations
  • Demonstrated assessment and advocacy skills
  • Current NSW driver’s licence
  • Competent computer skills.

Position Title: Support Worker Domestic Violence After hours Response TeamPage 1 of 3

Revised: 16 May 2017