The Role

The role of the SORT Social Worker is to provide support to all vulnerable witnesses engaging in an investigation process. The Social Worker provides an opening for the victim to discuss any concerns they may have regarding the investigative process, as well as conducting needs assessment that may be related to their psychosocial or health needs. The social worker also identifies risks and provides short-term therapeutic interventions.  

The Social Worker’s role is to empower the victim to make informed choices and decisions that in return will have a significant impact on their recovery, while prioritising their safety and wellbeing.

The Social Worker delivers specialised advice to and works collaboratively with investigators conducting sexual offences investigations, to achieve best evidence from people impacted by trauma and highly vulnerable victims.  

The Social Worker provides specialised training for the unit; conducts stakeholder engagement and debriefing of investigators; contributes towards policy development, quality assurance, and to internal research projects.

About our Team

The Sexual Offence Response Team (SORT) was established in November 2019 within the Joint Military Police Force (JMPF). The SORT is a multi-disciplinary investigation capability comprising of an Australian Defence Force Investigators (ADFI) and Social Workers.  

The SORT is implementing the principles of Trauma Informed Care Framework and victim centric approach when conducting sexual offence investigations. This method is expected to improve outcomes for the victims of sexual offences, the investigative process and to preserve the capability of the Australian Defence Organisation.   

The SORT approach in dealing with sexual offences investigations is to incorporate best practices that relate to victims care and recovery, as well as achieving best evidence from people impacted by trauma or highly vulnerable people.   

The SORT team provides support directly to all Joint Military Police Stations (JMPS) around Australia, or any other areas of operations where the ADF exists.

Our Ideal Candidate

Implementing the trauma informed care framework and the principle of victim centricity is critical to Defence’s harm minimisation efforts. Trauma can have physical, psychological, and emotional impacts on daily life and in the workplace.   

SORT is focused on supporting the victim, minimising harm, and mitigating additional secondary trauma during an investigation.  

We are looking for candidate with a well-developed understanding of the impacts of trauma; your practice is trauma informed, victim centric and strengths based. The candidate must possess the ability to work within the constraints of prescribed policies and guidelines.      

The work requires frequent travel and the candidate must be willing and able to travel interstate and at times internationally. Two positions are available and are based in: 

• Canberra, ACT – Duntroon and     
• Rockingham, WA – HMAS Stirling.

In the application form, please indicate for which location you are applying.      

For applicants applying outside of these locations, a relocation assistance will be provided in accordance with policy.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 13 November 2022

For further information please review the job information pack, reference JCG/06438/22 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=CC00CF25-41DA-1D8F-613E-C8ED34987344.