Details
Category: Social Work
Field: Domestic Violence, Advocacy, Community Welfare
Employment basis: 2x Full-time until 30 September 2023
Job Location: Inner West
About us
The Burwood Community Welfare Services Inc. is a non-profit, collective organisation which operates on feminist principles and is committed to the empowerment of women and children through the provision of information, resources, referral and advocacy. Burwood Community Welfare Services Inc. holds the auspice for the Burwood Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (Burwood WDVCAS) with Legal Aid NSW as the funding body. The Burwood WDVCAS assists women who are experiencing domestic and family violence by providing support through advocacy, risk and safety assessment and referrals. We service the area between Burwood and Campsie Police Area Commands (PAC), including Burwood and Bankstown courts.
There are 2 Full-time positions available.
Employment conditions
Being a woman is a genuine qualification for this position and is exempted under s.31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
Employment is under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award and is subject to a Working with Children and Criminal Record Check.
Responsibilities of the Role
The work of the Hearing Support Worker includes, but is not limited to:
- Contacting clients in a timely manner, assessing risk and undertaking safety planning in relation to clients’ attendance at court for hearing
- Explaining the court process and accompanying clients to court for hearing
- Liaising with Police and court staff to ensure clients have access to remote witness facilities/AVL, safe rooms, qualified interpreters and other supports as needed
- Liaising with Police, Sheriff’s officers and court staff to support clients’ safety at court (e.g., to prevent harassment or intimidation by defendants)
- Where the accused is self-represented, working with Police and court staff to arrange a Court Appointed Questioner where available to ask questions on behalf of the accused
- Arranging assistance with transport and childcare for clients to enable attendance at hearing
- Assisting with the organisation of Police Prosecutor Clinics and attending the clinics each month
- Liaising with the SAM Coordinator about clients at ‘serious threat’
- Providing relevant information and making referrals to assist clients with their ongoing needs
- Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with key partners including Police, Local Courts, legal representatives and referral agencies, in order to facilitate client access to those agencies and services
- Complying with the WDVCAP Policy and Procedure Manual, the Domestic Violence Information Sharing Protocol and other relevant documents
- Fulfilling reporting requirements as needed.
Administration
- General administrative support, including file management, photocopying, organising meetings, organising incoming/outgoing mail and other administrative duties as required.
- Using WDVCAS database to generate statistics.
- Contribution to reports as required.
- Contribute to the preparation of appropriate resource and referral materials for the service.
Teamwork
- Comply with Burwood Community Welfare Services Inc. and Burwood WDVCAS Policies and Procedures.
- Attend team meetings as required.
- Always represent organisation in a positive and professional way.
- Contribute to a positive and cooperative work environment.
Essential Selection Criteria:
- Being a woman
- Excellent organisational skills
- Excellent networking skills
- Excellent communication skills, particularly in negotiation, advocacy, and conflict resolution
- Knowledge of the dynamics, complexities, and legal and social welfare consequences of domestic and family violence
- Understanding of the criminal justice response to domestic and family violence including ADVOs and criminal prosecutions
- Knowledge of related legal matters such as family law, care and protection, migration, and victim’s compensation issues
- Ability to deliver services in accordance with the WDVCAP model of service delivery outlined in the WDVCAP Policy and Procedure Manual and other relevant documents
- Current clearance in relation to Working with Children and relevant NSW Police Force checks.
- Knowledge of and an ability to work effectively with interpreter services;
- NSW Driver’s License and access to a car;
- Demonstrated administrative and computer skills.
Accountability:
The position is accountable to the WDVCAS Manager or Assistant Manager.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please email [email protected] with essential information below.
Your application must include:
- Cover letter
- Current resume
- Document containing your responses to the Essential Selection Criteria
Applications that do not address the full Essential Selection Criteria addressed will not be considered.
Progressive interviews will be offered as suitable applications are received.