SHS Caseworker

About Women & Children First

Women & Children First (W&CF) is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation supporting women, children and families. We provide crisis accommodation, transitional housing, outreach support and specialist casework for those at imminent risk of homelessness — particularly women and children escaping domestic and family violence. Our two refuges and specialist support services are based on Sydney's Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore.

Our work also extends beyond crisis response, offering family support programs that help carers navigate parenting challenges and other big life events such as separation and grief. Through our education and prevention initiatives, we also empower communities to recognise, prevent and respond to domestic and family violence.

As a child-safe organisation, W&CF is committed to the safety, wellbeing, and rights of children, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are always prioritised.

About the role

As a Caseworker, you would work within the Specialist Homelessness Service team, providing direct support to women and children at imminent risk of homelessness, many of whom are survivors of domestic and family violence. Working from trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, you will undertake assessments, develop tailored case plans, and coordinate services that promote safety, stability, and pathways toward independence.

You will work collaboratively with other caseworkers, the wider W&CF team, partner services, and the community sector to uphold the rights of women, children, and families to safety, housing, and support. Through your role, you will ensure equitable access to essential services, and advocate for systemic change. You will walk alongside clients as they navigate crisis, assert their rights, and rebuild their lives with dignity and safety.

This position is offered as a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover parental leave.

About you

• You are passionate about supporting women, children, and families who are survivors of domestic and family violence and/or experienced homelessness.
• You have a strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, family-inclusive approaches, and the impacts of systemic inequality on the people you work with.
• You are skilled at building trusting relationships, listening to clients' voices, and advocating for their rights and access to safe housing, services, and opportunities to rebuild their lives
• You can work collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies, and the community to deliver holistic support, while maintaining a commitment to safety, dignity, and empowerment for all clients.
• You thrive in a dynamic, complex environment and are committed to continuous learning, reflective practice, and contributing to positive change at both the individual and systemic level.
• You are skilled at working across diverse cultural and social contexts, and you are deeply committed to creating and maintaining a child-safe environment in everything you do.

Essential skills and experience

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Social Sciences or a related field.
• Minimum two years' (desired) experience in a similar role within Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS), including crisis accommodation, transitional housing or outreach.
• Demonstrated experience supporting women and families impacted by trauma, domestic and family violence, and/or homelessness.
• Strong capability in assessment, case planning and delivering client-centred support in crisis or high-risk situations.
• Sound knowledge of child development, trauma-informed and family-inclusive approaches, and the impacts of systemic inequality.
• Understanding of intersectional practice, including work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and LGBTQIA+ young people.
• Familiarity with legal and justice systems affecting people experiencing violence.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including clear, accurate case documentation and reporting.

Other requirements for this role

• Willing to travel to/between Sydney's North Shore and Northern Beaches.
• Current driver's licence and capacity to travel as required.
• Current Working with Children Check (WWCC) 
• Police Check 
• First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain).  

Why join us?:

• The chance to create meaningful impact on the lives of women and children.
• Inclusive culture, flexibility and work-life balance.
• Safe, supportive, and strengths-based work environment.
• Salary packaging benefits (up to $15,900 in everyday expenses annually, and $2,650 for meal and entertainment expenses).
• Access to learning and development opportunities.
• External group and individual supervision.
• Additional annual leave day to celebrate your birthday and a day to look after your mental health.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program.

How to apply:

• If your skills meet the requirements of the role please click Apply Now to submit your CV and cover letter.
• Your cover letter must include your relevant experience, and why you want to work at WACF. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
• To apply you must have permission to reside and work in Australia.
• Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• No Deadline – please apply as soon as possible.