Family Violence Support Worker

REFUGE VICTORIA

• Location: Western Suburbs

• Permanent Part Time Employment Basis (0.7)

• Generous salary packaging and novated leasing

• Career progression opportunities

• Ongoing training & development

ABOUT US

Refuge Victoria is one of the state's largest independent not-for-profit providers of specialist family violence refuge accommodation. Every day, we support women and children facing serious risk, offering short term safe refuge, crisis accommodation, personalised safety planning, and pathways toward a safer, more hopeful future.

We operate three core and cluster refuges and 16 dispersed properties across Melbourne, with access to an additional 35 transitional homes through our community housing partners. Our dedicated teams work across sites in Melbourne's east and west, supported by our corporate office. Our work is proudly funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) and generous community donors.

In line with Sections 12 and 28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), our service delivery roles are held exclusively by women to ensure we best meet the needs of the women and children we have in service.

THE ROLE

Working as part of a dynamic team, the Family Violence Support Worker assists the work of Case Managers and Children and Young People's Practitioners to implement goals and meet needs identified in client plans. The Family Violence Support Worker has the primary responsibility to assist in the co-ordination and delivery of practical supports and linking to community resources for Refuge Victoria clients. The role supports the day-to-day operation of the refuge sites including property readiness for clients, managing queries and general support tasks as directed by Team Leader or Refuge Manager.

Refuge Victoria is committed to protecting children and young people from all forms of harm and abuse. As an employee you will be required to report any concerns raised by, or on behalf of, children and young people in accordance with mandatory reporting, reportable conduct, and incident management procedures. Everyone at Refuge Victoria has a role to play in keeping children and young people safe and your role will support and drive this commitment, ensuring individuals and teams always behave appropriately towards children and young people.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Completing comprehensive intake and induction to clients on arrival and orientation to local area and available services

• Assist with the coordination and access to a range of community services and supports to meet needs identified in client case plans, e.g. Childcare, relocations, shopping

• General practical and emotional support to clients, inclusive of client transport to appointments i.e. dental, medical, Centrelink, childcare, bank, maternal health

• Provide an after-hours response to the women and children onsite when required

• Update and maintain client information and other relevant support material

• Attending client meetings with woman's case worker and children's worker to assist with implementation of case plan goals, to prioritise tasks and to share and escalate safety or risk concerns identified or reported

• Preparation of accommodation and maintenance jobs/reporting for refuges, this can include cleaning, laundry, sorting of donations and ordering/managing supplies in office and pantry

• Manage office calendars for room hire and vehicle/equipment use and email inbox

• Liaise and develop effective working relationships with agencies and key stakeholders

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

The successful candidate will have the following:

• Experience in delivery of services responding to women and children facing Family Violence

• Diploma in Community Services or equivalent would be highly regarded

• Case or support work experience with skills working with families, mental health, disability and/or alcohol and drug issues

• Working towards a Bachelor of Social Work or other equivalent qualification as per mandatory minimum education requirements – Recommendation 209

• Knowledge of the MARAM (Multi Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework)

• This role will be rostered for a variety of shifts including weekdays, weekends, nights and sleepovers as per the SCHADS award.

• Victorian drivers licence and confident driving / ability to drive clients around.

• Highly developed organisational skills and ability to prioritize competing demands

WHAT'S ON OFFER

Combine your qualifications and experience with your personal passions and values, in a role that changes the lives of some of our community's most vulnerable people and work alongside a supportive and compassionate team who are committed to creating a safe and free life for people escaping family violence.

This role also offers:

• Level 4 of the SCHADS award

• Salary packaging

• EAP service

• Quarterly training days

The successful applicant will need to undertake a national police check, referee checks, be vaccinated for Covid-19, hold a victorian drivers licence and have a Working with Children Check.

At Refuge Victoria, we celebrate diversity in ethnicity, social experience, genders, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, religious beliefs, ages and abilities and welcome talent from all backgrounds. Help us continue to build our unique, inclusive and diverse team

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter detailing why you're interested in the role and resume.