Eastern Domestic Violence Service (EDVOS) is a leading specialist Family Violence service in Victoria. Our work is focused across a number of Local Government Areas in the Eastern region of Melbourne, with some of our training, education and primary prevention programs being national. EDVOS is predominantly funded to work with women and children.

This role is part of the 2022 Family Violence and Sexual Assault Graduate Program, where together with Family Safety Victoria, EDVOS is committed to providing graduates of social work the strong foundation of training and support required for them to become capable Specialist Family Violence Advocates, and to develop a career in the family violence sector.

About the opportunity:

Graduates will have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of family violence from assessment and response to case management, with an opportunity to hold and manage their own caseload. Graduates will also be introduced to a number of EDVOS’ complimentary programs including the Risk Assessment and Management Panel, the Personal Safety Initiative and have an opportunity to partake in a primary prevention project.

Over 12 months the graduate will acquire, develop and utilise a broad range of skills whilst working with Victim Survivors and their children, including:

• Risk assessment and risk management, including the use of MARAM tools
• Provision of needs assessments and high quality safety planning
• Use of information sharing (FVISS & CISS) to support risk assessment and management planning
• Case Management skills, including writing clear and accurate case notes
• Collaborative and coordinated practice with internal and external stakeholders

EDVOS graduates will have a dedicated mentor assigned to them and will develop a well-rounded understanding of family violence and build skills in multiple areas, including further learning opportunities through the Family Safety Victoria Community of Practice.

Essential to your success:

• Bachelors and/or Masters of Social Work is essential along with evidence of interest in developing a career in the Family Violence sector.
• Knowledge of relevant theories and practice frameworks that relate to Family Violence, including knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice, case management, strengths based and feminist theory.
• Foundational knowledge of risk assessment, client centred family violence case management, safety planning, and client advocacy.
• Demonstrable understanding of diversity and intersectionality in family violence, accompanying a foundational knowledge of the role of family violence advocates in supporting ATSI women, children, young women, CALD clients, older persons and women who identify as LGBTIQ+
• Demonstrated understanding and respect for Child Safe Standards and Child Safety Principles
• Ability to establish strong working relationships with peers, managers and stakeholders with exceptional communication skills.

Please review the Position Description for a full list of accountabilities and criteria.

What We Offer:

• Excellent professional development opportunities including external training and workshops as well as EDVOS staff training
• Option of a monthly accrued day off for full time staff
• Generous salary packaging benefits resulting in tax savings
• Regular supervision and management support including access to the Employee Assistance Program
• Paid parental leave for eligible staff
• A rewarding opportunity to be part of an organisation that is committed to improving quality of life for women and children experiencing family violence

For further information regarding the Graduate Specialist Family Violence Advocate please contact Alyson La’Brooy, Practice Development Lead on (03) 9259 4200.

A position description is attached.