Domestic Violence Support Worker 

Part-time  – 30 hours per week 

Applications are invited for the position of Domestic Violence Support Worker with Innisfail Youth and Family Care Inc. The position will be located in Innisfail, Qld.

The position is required to provide support to victims of domestic and family violence. The position may be required to assist in other area of the organisation when necessary.

ESSENTIAL SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Drivers Licence 
• A Criminal History Check will be required for the successful applicant.  
• The successful applicant will also be required to obtain a Working with Children ‘Blue Card’
• Tertiary Qualification in the area of Behavioural Sciences or relevant 
  industry experience is preferred

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

1. Developed interpersonal and communication skills with particular 
   emphasis on dealing with persons in crisis and ability to deal with 
   aggressive clients.  A high level of skill in providing advocacy and crisis 
   intervention.
2. Demonstrated high level of written and spoken communication skills, 
   including the ability to work cooperatively within a team environment and 
   provide input into team discussion.   Ability to liaise with government and 
   non-government agencies.
3. Demonstrated sound knowledge of legislation impacting on situations of 
   domestic violence.  
4. Demonstrated experience of working within the court process. Experience in managing client work
5. Demonstrated ability in the use of computers, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel.  Ability to implement and maintain systematic records and 
   systems, and knowledge in administration and collation of statistical data.
6. Sound knowledge and understanding of confidentiality and the effects and 
   causes of domestic violence, including knowledge of cultural differences 
   and needs.

POSITION DUTIES:

To provide crisis intervention:

• Assisting clients with Domestic Violence Protection Order applications
• Providing crisis assistance including crisis counseling, information, referral and assistance with protection order applications to victims of domestic violence, exercising initiative and judgement whilst working within the guidelines of relevant legislation.
• Providing appropriate support as required to ensure victims of domestic and family violence receive a timely service.
• Assist at Domestic Violence Court by providing information and general assistance to aggrieved and respondent spouses in relation to protection orders and assist the judicial officers, court staff and police officers with domestic violence court duties.

To provide emotional support and care for clients:

• Supporting clients by listening to them particularly during this difficult 
  time in their life.
• Promoting the services of the Domestic Violence Support Service to 
  community members and agencies to alleviate negative assumptions, 
  fears, anger etc.

To provide a case management services to clients:

• Interviewing clients to determine their eligibility for a Domestic Violence Protection order 
• Assisting clients to complete appropriate documentation for a DV Application.
• Assisting clients to identify goals for their future and working with 
  them towards this.
• Practical support including transport and moral support when the client 
  is accessing outside services.
• Exiting a client from records when the client ceases use of our service.
• Identifying with the client the need for follow up visits.
• Providing the client an opportunity to provide feedback about services 
  received.
• To assist in referral to other services or agencies where necessary.
• Providing clients in the DV Crisis Housing with a case management 
  service to assist them to address various issues affecting their lives and 
  in turn their current situation.
• Providing clients in the housing with appropriate information about 
  alternate housing options and advocating on their behalf in relation to 
  this.

Previous experience in Domestic Violence Support work is preferred.

Applicants must have a Social Work, Psychology or Behavioural Sciences qualification or similar.

For more information and an application package, please call Anita on 40438700