Victim Support Worker

Posted: 25/09/2024

Closing Date: 23/10/2024

Salary: $97,000.00 - $99,000.00

Job Type: Contract - Full Time

Location: Narre Warren

Job Category: Community Services and Development

Windermere is a community services organisation working for those with varied and complex needs, and we truly believe that **everyone is someone in our community**.

Join us at Windermere, where we make the effort to understand every individual employee, what matters to them and recognise the value that each person contributes. Empowering them to grow and work in ways that bring out their whole and best self.
**We celebrate our diverse range of perspectives, people and ideas and there has never been a better time to join**

**THE TEAM**
Our dedicated Victims Assistance Program assists individuals with their management of the impact of crime. Through the provision of consumer focussed case management services, we promote recovery and minimise secondary victimisation sometimes experienced in the criminal justice systems. We are experts in this space and on the verge of expansion - we currently support 3,000 consumers each year and this will grow as we expand into new regions.

**THE OPPORTUNITY**
This role includes responding directly to victim survivors, building FV capacity across the Victims Assistance program, and undertaking community engagement and education activities. It aims to support best practice, and you will provide consultation and support to VAP team members as required, building their confidence and capability through your excellent practice skills.

You will provide information and advice to victim survivors, assist them to navigate the justice system, and refer to specialist services as required. You will also liaise with other victim services including Family Violence and Sexual Assault Services. Success will be achieved when victim survivors **feel empowered, receive a tailored service according to their goals and focused on their individual safety and recovery.**

A Driver Licence is essential as you’ll provide both outreach and remote services to your consumers. You will also require a minimum of 3 years' experience working in family violence.

**STAFF BENEFITS GALORE**
This is where we stand out from the crowd Windermere offers staff a wide range of unique benefits beyond the salary.
- Work from home, in the office and on location
- Gifted days off (between Christmas and New Year)
- Above Award Personal Leave and 17.5% annual leave loading
- Employee Referral Program of $500
- Flexible Leave Scheme (50/52)
- Opportunities for professional development
- Generous salary packaging up to $15,800 per year (+ additional $2,650 meals and entertainment)
- Staff discount program for everyday items
- Rostered Days Off and 9 Day Fortnight Available

Many organisations talk about work-life balance and employee wellbeing, but at Windermere we deliver

**WORKPLACE CULTURE AT OUR CORE**
We aim to build diverse and inclusive services and work environments where all individuals from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, CALD, LGBTIQ+ communities and those living with disability will know and feel accepted, affirmed, safe and celebrated.

Windermere care about staff and strive for continuous improvement, which is why we regularly ask our staff and consumers about what we can do better. In our latest staff survey 95% of respondents said they are _"happy to tell their family and friends they work at Windermere"_ and 95% agree_ "staff are welcome regardless of age, cultural background, race, religion, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation"._

**Desired Skills and Experience**:
**KEY SELECTION CRITERIA**
- Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent qualification in Social Work, Social Welfare or relevant equivalent (meeting the minimum requirements for working as a Family Violence specialist)
- Minimum 3 years’ experience within the community sector, preferably in a trauma related field.
- Case management, intake and assessment experience, with a particular focus on Family Violence
- Risk identification and management capability, including experience and expertise with the MARAM framework.
- Capability to engage in community engagement and secondary consultation.
- Ability to provide tailored support to victims of crime from diverse backgrounds and communities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Willingness to promote and support practices that are inclusive, culturally responsive, safe and accessible.
- Current Victorian Drivers’ Licence.
- Willingness to undertake relevant pre-employment screening and checks.

Personal attributes:

- Motivated, enthusiastic, and passionate about social justice.
- Self-discipline - able to maintain a consistent and appropriate pattern of behavior under pressure. Is able to recognise own limitations and works with others to ensure plans are achieved.
- Self-confidence - trusting of own abilities. Seeks feedback as appropriate.
- Relationship Building - estab