Are you interested in an opportunity to…

• Work for an employer that helps women and children from diverse backgrounds within our community.
• Be part of an inclusive and diverse workforce that places a high value on cultural capability.
• Be rewarded for your efforts with great working conditions that offer salary packaging, flexible working arrangements, learning opportunities and professional development all within a safe and healthy work environment. 
• Work for an employer that works in creating safe communities for women and children impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence.  

About IWSS 

The Immigrant Women’s Support Service (IWSS) is a specialist service providing culturally sensitive and confidential advocacy, counselling and support to immigrant and refugee women and their children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds that are affected by domestic and/or sexual violence.

IWSS works from a feminist and rights/advocacy framework which values cultural diversity and recognises the disadvantages faced by women and children of CALD backgrounds that arise from the structural inequalities existing in society.

Due to the nature of the services provided including counselling and practical support to women who have experienced domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as supporting women to access women’s shelters, we have adopted Section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991, which enables the employment of women only for this position on the basis of “genuine occupational requirements”.  

Key duties and responsibilities 

1. Respond promptly and sensitively to initial contact from clients by phone, online platforms, or in person. 
2. Conduct preliminary risk screening and initial safety assessments in line with the Domestic and Family Violence Common Risk and Safety Framework (CRASF).
3. Provide short-term, trauma-informed crisis intervention and de-escalation support.
4. Prioritise and triage clients based on urgency and safety risk and escalate critical cases appropriately.
5. Deliver support that is respectful, culturally responsive, and appropriate to the client’s background and circumstances.
6. Engage qualified interpreters where needed and ensure clients clearly understand their rights, options, and next steps.
7. Provide support in a manner that is inclusive, non-discriminatory, and reflective of intersectional practice.
8. Promote early recognition of abuse and coercive control through client education during the first contact.
9. Contribute to preventative strategies, community awareness efforts, and resource development for early intervention.
10. Assist in promoting service accessibility and visibility within multicultural and faith-based communities.
11. Facilitate referrals to internal practitioners, counselling, legal, housing, or specialist support services.
12. Liaise with emergency services or relevant authorities in high-risk situations while upholding organisational procedures and duty of care obligations.
13. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of sector networks and multicultural service providers.
14. Maintain accurate records of all client contact, assessments, referrals, and actions in line with confidentiality, privacy, and data security requirements. 
15. Participate in case discussions, team meetings, supervision, and debriefing processes.
16. Contribute to service quality and continuous improvement initiatives by identifying systemic barriers or service gaps at the point of intake.
17. Collaborate with other staff and stakeholders to support a coordinated, responsive service environment. 

Please note that the responsibilities outlined in this position description are not exhaustive and are only an indication of the work of the role. Immigrant Women’s Support Service can direct you to carry out duties that it considers to be within your skill level, competence, and training.

Key Selection Criteria 

1. Certificate IV, Diploma or higher in Community Services, Counselling, Social Work, or related field.
2. Experience in DFV, sexual assault, or crisis support roles (can include phone support, community service triage, or refugee support).
3. Knowledge of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld), including mandatory reporting and confidentiality obligations. 
4. Understanding the effects of domestic, family, and sexual violence on vulnerable populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, LGBTIQ+ communities, and individuals with disabilities.
5. Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills, particularly in high-stress or crisis situations. 
6. High emotional resilience and a calm, respectful approach in high-pressure situations.
7. Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams while managing workload independently.
8. Strong time management and the ability to handle sensitive information professionally.
9. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and case management systems.

Essential Requirements 

1. Certificate IV, Diploma or higher in Community Services, Counselling, Social Work, or related field.
2. Minimum one year experience in a domestic and family violence or sexual assault support role.
3. Strong understanding of the issues faced by DFV and sexual abuse survivors, particularly from immigrant and refugee backgrounds.
4. Commitment to professional boundaries, ethical practice, and client confidentiality.
5. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment. 
6. Excellent written and verbal communication, reporting, and documentation skills.
7. High-level organisational and time management skills.

Desirable Criteria:

1. Lived experience or language proficiency relevant to the communities supported. 
2. Fluency in a language other than English. 
3. Completion of DFV-specific training (e.g. CRASF, trauma-informed practice, de-escalation).
4. Familiarity with referral networks within Queensland’s multicultural and DFV sector.

Conditions and benefits of working with IWSS

IWSS provides access to an employee assistance program and a range of learning and development opportunities. Your employment conditions include work-life balance with competitive salary and benefits, generous leave entitlements, access to salary sacrifice option. 

IWSS is committed to inclusive culture that respects and promotes human rights and diversity. 

How to apply

Click "Apply Now". To enable us to assess your application, please include:

• a statement not more than two pages that summarises your skills, experience and achievements against the key criteria and duties/responsibilities
• a current resume containing details of 2 referees. At least one referee should have a thorough knowledge of your work over the past two years as your manager or supervisor
• For further information contact [email protected] using the subject line: First Responder enquiry via EthicalJobs. We intend to respond to questions about the position within 24 hours.

A position description is attached.