ABOUT US

Safe Futures Foundation is a not-for-profit Specialist Family Violence Organisation that provides refuge/crisis accommodation to women and children escaping family violence. We have been responding to family violence and changing people’s stories for over 40 years. Safe Futures is the largest provider of refuge/crisis accommodation in Victoria with three core and cluster refuges, 15 crisis properties and nomination rights to 35 Transitional Houses.

Safe Futures Foundation is committed to the principles of cultural safety and inclusion of all individuals from diverse backgrounds and to the safety and inclusion of individuals with a disability

The Foundation supports women and children experiencing homelessness from family violence, providing refuge and crisis accommodation, risk assessment and case management support and outreach case management support to clients in transitional properties and/or private rental.

The role

Working as part of a dynamic team the Children’s worker at SFF has the primary responsibility to co-ordinate and deliver services for children with complex needs, experiencing family violence and are accessing Safe Futures Foundation crisis and transitional housing.

The children’s worker is required to complete comprehensive assessments and case plans and work closely with Women’s advocates to deliver an integrated approach to service delivery for families.

The role includes the provision of advocacy and support for children and co-ordination of specialist and community based services to assist with trauma and developmental needs. The role will develop working relationships with key agencies including DHHS child protection and family services to ensure the safety of the children using the “best Interests” framework.

Key Accountabilities

• Undertake comprehensive and high quality risk assessment and safety planning to meet immediate needs of children with complex needs experiencing family violence
• Develop and monitor individualised case plans for children ensuring that children are encouraged to actively engage in the planning and decision-making process where appropriate.
• Model and support positive parenting interactions to encourage connection and attachment to meet the emotional and wellbeing needs of children that have experienced trauma
• Provide education and support to mothers regarding the impact of family violence on child’s development
• Work with women’s advocates and case managers to ensure an integrated approach to developing holistic family plans that support legal, financial health and wellbeing, educational and safety needs.
• Co-ordinate referrals and access to a range of specialist and community based children’s services including maternal health, child care, education, social, recreational, disability, legal and family services.
• Provide secondary consultation to services regarding the impacts of family violence on children.

Key Selection Criteria

• A tertiary degree in Social work, Psychology, Early Childhood development or education or equivalent
• Must have 2 years specialist children's worker experience, preferably within a family violence setting
• An understanding of relevant theories and practice frameworks that relate to Child Development, Trauma Informed Practice, Family Violence, therapeutic interventions, case management and support services
• Case Management Experience with particular skills in responding to children
• Knowledge of the CRAF (Common Risk Assessment Framework)
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in, intake and assessment, case planning in relation to family violence, service provision, safety planning, managing a case load and client advocacy
• Problem solving capabilities evidenced by seeking relevant information, liaising with stakeholders, analysing issues, seeking different perspectives, identifying and progressing workable solutions, and implements and evaluates outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills
• Good organisational skills and ability to prioritise competing demands
• Can start ASAP

Other info

• Wyndham based (Western Suburbs of Melbourne)
• Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
• Level 5.1 of the SCHADS Award
• Benefits - Salary packaging, mobile phone, ADO (accrued day off)

A position description is attached.