Victim Support Worker

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, currently supporting over 4,000 consumers each year.

Why work at Windermere?

Windermere is an independent community service organisation working across the Southeast of Victoria to help those who need it most. Our unique range of services include; Communities for Children, Family Health & Wellbeing, Childhood Development, Education & Support, Early Intervention & Therapy Services, NDIS Support Coordination and Plan Management, Homelessness Support, Counselling Services, assistance to support victims of trauma, assault and violent crimes and Recovery Support Services.   We are committed to outcome-focused care for children, families and individuals and to making a positive difference in the community. As well as tailored support services for individuals and families, Windermere provides a varied scope of services to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people. Windermere offers a culture of flexibility, support and wellbeing.

Staff Benefits - this is where we stand out from the crowd  Windermere offers staff a wide range of unique benefits beyond the salary.

• Flexible Ways of Working – a combination of office, home and outreach

• Above Award Personal Leave and 17.5% annual leave loading

• Gifted days off (between Christmas and New Year)

• Employee Referral Program - $500 per referral

• Flexible Leave Scheme (50/52, 51/52)

• Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year + additional $2,650 meals and entertainment)

• Structured performance and 1-on-1 development check-ins

• Secondment and career growth opportunities

• Staff discount program for everyday items

• Opportunities for professional development

• Study Leave provisions

• Rostered Days Off

• 9 Day Fortnight

• 6 Weeks Paid Parental Leave, in addition to Government Funded Parental Leave Pay (PLP)

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. n our staff survey from November 2024, 87% of respondents said they were "proud to work at Windermere" and 86.3% feel "we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion". Read more here

The Opportunity

This role includes responding directly to victim survivors, building Family Violence 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.

At least 3 years' experience with family violence is required

*As Windermere is a not-for-profit organisation, employees are able to claim everyday living expenses up to $15,900 against their annual Pre-Tax Salary.  Use the salary packaging calculator available here - Salary Packaging Calculator | Accesspay - )

Key Selection Criteria

• Minimum Bachelor qualifications 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.

• Willingness to undertake pre-employment screening - Working with Children, Police check and medical assessment.

• Current Victorian Drivers' Licence.

• Right to Work in Australia e.g. Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.

If this job excites you, then click the "Apply" button to view the detailed Position Description and submit your application. Please also ensure you address the Key Selection Criteria in your application letter.

If you require any specific access adjustments or support within the Windermere recruitment, interview or onboarding process please contact our Talent Acquisition Specialist via phone or email

Windermere is committed to creating equitable environments for consumers and employees.  We do this by building diverse and inclusive services and work spaces, where all peoples from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, CALD, LGBTIQ+ Communities and those living with disability will know and feel accepted, affirmed, safe and celebrated. Windermere is delivering this through the continued development and implementation of our Welcoming and Inclusion Strategy as we seek to provide a diverse workforce at all levels.