• Great Lakes Womens Shelter

ABOUT US

Make a difference in the lives of women and children escaping domestic and family violence and homelessness in the mid North Coast Area. The Great Lakes Womens Shelter (GLWS) is a not-for-profit charity established to provide crisis accommodation for women and children and is part of the Women’s Community Shelter Network.  

Location: Forster NSW

Work type: Maximum Term Full Time, 2 years maximum term

Reporting to: Great Lakes Manager

Salary type: Competitive salary plus superannuation 

Award Classification:  Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010(SCHADS)  

Social and Community Services Employee Level 5, Pay Point 1.   

ROLE PURPOSE 

The Specialist Caseworker (DFSV) (Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence) will support and further strengthen the work undertaken by Great Lakes Womens Shelter site to support both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women and children who are experiencing DFSV in community. This role will provide intensive specialist DFSV case management supports through outreach services to women with or without accompanying children. The role will provide case coordination with the case management framework. 

Through a strong outreach model that engages directly with women, children and support services in the Mid North Coast, clients will be actively supported to address their needs to meet their planned goals.  

The role will have a focus on outreach and community engagement and utilising new and established access points in the broader community.  The GLWS staff have a strong and well-established connection with a wide range of health, welfare and other support services including Aboriginal specific employment and education partnerships. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FOR THE ROLE

This position is not Aboriginal identified. We welcome Aboriginal identified and/or the attributes to work closely with First Nation communities.

Aboriginal women experience many barriers to accessing DFSV support services including feelings of shame, complicated social and familial relationships, limited knowledge of legal protections and a deep-rooted mistrust and fear of authorities due to historical trauma and ongoing racism.  

• relevant tertiary qualifications with at least 2 years’ experience in a domestic and family violence and/or disability related role.
• demonstrated understanding of client-centred and trauma-informed practice.
• knowledge and application of relevant legislation and regulations.
• A demonstrated understanding of the varying needs of women and children who come from diverse backgrounds and present with multiple and complex needs.
• strong interpersonal and organisational skills, demonstrated understanding of the dynamics, complexities and legal and social welfare consequences of DFV and experience supporting people impacted by domestic abuse.
• strong case management skills and tenacious and confident networking and referral skills.
• commitment to professional integrity and accountability.
• proficiency in the operation of computer software systems, including the MS Office 365 Suite.
• current unrestricted Australian drivers’ licence as position may be located in a range of areas across the Mid Coast Council area.
• Current Senior First Aid certificate or capacity to acquire one before commencement
• Current Working with Children Check
• the right to live and work in Australia; and
• immunisation requirements: it is a condition of employment for this role for the incumbent to be, and to remain during employment, vaccinated against COVID-19.

GLWS’s services are provided only to women and their children. GLWS considers being a woman is a genuine occupational qualification for this position under section 31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) and section 30 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth).

WHAT’S ON OFFER

• Purpose with a mission to help shape and lead a positive impact for homeless women and children and women and children experiencing family and domestic violence. 
• Opportunity to collaboratively lead the business across a traditional shelter and a core and cluster space. 
• A flexible workplace.
• Salary Sacrifice Fringe Benefit –Package up to $15,900 pa of your pre-tax salary before income tax is calculated. Individual Financial advice is recommended for your individual circumstances
• Feminist organisation embedded in strong foundational practice frameworks.
• Supportive learning culture with career development and training opportunities.

Employment is subject to satisfactory background checks, which include National Police Checks, Working with Children Checks and Reference Checks, Proof of Covid-19 medical certification.

We seek a workforce that is as diverse as our society, race, gender, religious background, age, ethnic background, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, family, or carer responsibilities, that will reflect the communities we work in. 

To be female is a genuine requirement for the position under Section 31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

If you do not hear back from us within 2 weeks after the closing date, please do consider your application as unsuccessful.