Domestic and Family Violence Caseworker

**THE ORGANISATION**:
The Family Co. is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to support and strengthen the capacity of families within our community by providing programs and services designed to contribute to the promotion and maintenance of safety and well-being amongst all family members.

**THE PROGRAM**:
The Family Co. provides auspice for Southern Sydney Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, providing services the Sutherland Shire and St. George regions in Sydney. The program provides information, advocacy and referrals for women and families attending Sutherland Court for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.

**THE POSITION**:
The caseworker works with women who have experienced violence developing person-centred case plans with each client that identifies their key safety issues, needs and goals, and options for addressing these. It also involves engaging with clients regarding their experience of violence to empower them to make safer choices for themselves and their children. Case management is undertaken within a trauma-informed, strengths-based framework that aims to respect and support clients’ autonomy.

The Domestic and Family Violence Caseworker is required to maintain accurate client records and work within The Family Co’s Policy and Procedures. The Domestic Violence Caseworker is also required to contribute to the ongoing evidence-based program enhancement.

**RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ROLE**:
Case Management Worker duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Case management of WDVCAS clients, including development, implementation, assessment and review of case plans with clients
- Intake meetings with the Manager who is responsible for referral of WDVCAS clients into case management
- Risk assessment, using the DVSAT, and safety planning with clients
- Provision of relevant information to clients and making warm referrals on their behalf to a range of service providers to assist with their ongoing needs
- Liaison with other members of the team in relation to Safety Action Meetings and plans
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key WDVCAS partners, including the NSW Police Force, Local Courts, legal representatives and referral agencies, in order to facilitate client access to those agencies and services
- Compliance with the WDVCAP Service Agreement, WDVCAP Policy and Procedure Manual, WDVCAP Case Management Policy and all other designated WDVCAS documents

**SELECTION CRITERIA**:
**_ Essential:_**
- Relevant qualifications and/or experience in community services or social work
- Demonstrated experience in case management
- Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with clients in crisis and provide appropriate, trauma-informed support
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multifunctional team
- Understanding of domestic and family violence, its complexities and consequences
- Understanding of intersectionality between social issues and domestic and family violence, in particular the barriers that women may face when leaving violence
- Knowledge of the criminal justice response to domestic and family violence including Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders
- Ability to deliver services in accordance with the WDVCAP Service Agreement, WDVCAP Policy and Procedure Manual, WDVCAS Case Management Policy and other operational documents
- Ability to work with local communities and services to promote awareness of domestic and family violence and WDVCAS services
- Excellent communication skills, particularly in negotiation, advocacy and conflict resolution
- Knowledge of and an ability to work effectively with interpreter services
- Ability to meet with clients away from the WDVCAS office in accordance with safety assessments and processes
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills
- Current Working with Children Check and NSW Police Force criminal record check.

**_Desirable:_**
- Drivers licence

The successful applicant will benefit from working for a supportive organisation. Remuneration will be SCHADS award level 5.1, with excellent ongoing professional development opportunities and availability of salary sacrifice options.