Women Illawarra has been at the forefront of many campaigns for women’s issues. Previously Wollongong Women’s Information Service, our organisation was instrumental in the foundation of many women’s services in the Illawarra, including women’s health, housing and domestic violence services. Since opening our doors in 1979, we have provided continuous support and services to the women of the Illawarra.

The Role

The Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Specialist Worker (Aboriginal Focus) assists the Manager in service delivery. The worker exercises a high degree of autonomy and provides high-level advice regarding how to ensure the WDVCAS is relevant, accessible and responsive to Aboriginal women and their children. The Aboriginal Focus Worker will engage in community engagement and/or outreach activities, on average two days per week.

This position will require the successful applicant to undertake community based work with vulnerable groups. It is a condition of employment in the Aboriginal Focus Workers role that the successful applicant will be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

POSITION CRITERIA

The following Essential Criteria MUST be addressed in your application:

Essentials:

• You must be an Aboriginal woman to apply for this position. Exemption is claimed under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) sections 14 and 31
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the dynamics, complexities, and legal and social consequences of domestic violence; particularly for Aboriginal women and children;
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities and people of same sex
• Demonstrated understanding of the criminal justice response to domestic violence including ADVO applications, criminal prosecutions and related legal matters such as family law, care and protection, migration and victim’s compensation issues;
• Demonstrated ability to implement service delivery strategies aimed at ensuring the relevance, accessibility and responsiveness of IWDVCAS services to Aboriginal women and their children.
• Demonstrated ability in building networks and partnerships.
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to working in a collaborative and cooperative manner

• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and prioritise
• Excellent time management and organisational and administrative skills
• Commitment to feminist principles, and access and equity principles
• Current driver’s license, vehicle and capacity to use own vehicle for work purposes
• Willingness to complete the ‘Working with Children Check’ Working with Children Check Clearance
• Please go to: https://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/child-safe-organisations/working-with-children-check 

Desirables:

• Knowledge and understanding of Legal Aid NSW policies in relation to grants of legal aid for people in domestic violence matters;
• Direct experience working in the legal system, courts.
• Local knowledge of the Illawarra region and its community services network
• Experience with Microsoft Office

The successful applicant will be required to undertake suitability checks and a probationary period.

Being a woman is a genuine occupational qualification under Section 31 of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act.

To apply for this position click "Apply Now" and follow the instructions.

For further information about this position, please contact us via the Women Illawarra website here: https://www.womenillawarra.org.au/contact

A full position description is attached.