Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia (WoSSCA) is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation that operates on a feminist framework and is committed to assisting and enabling women and children experiencing domestic and family violence. WoSSCA provides several services which include; 24-hour Crisis Accommodation, Urban and Remote Outreach services, Court Support, Men’s Behaviour Change Partner Contact and Community Development and Training.
Function:
The Case Worker – will provide comprehensive and proactive risk assessment, individual safety planning and case management to women and their children experiencing domestic and family violence and sexual violence. This will include the provision of a range of client, operational and administrative support to ensure the effective daily functioning of the relevant service and high-quality responses to women’s needs. You may be employed as an Outreach Case Worker, Women’s Safety Worker or Court Support & Advocacy Worker.
This position will work in accordance with the philosophy, mission, values and policies of Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide assertive outreach to women experiencing domestic and family violence, including home visits in community and town camps
- Provide support and information about domestic, family and sexual violence and work towards women meeting their safety needs.
- Alongside clients, develop safety and case management plans to address women’s immediate and long-term support needs that aims to reduce their risk of domestic and family violence and sexual violence.
- If allocated the Men’s Behaviour Change (MBCP) Women’s Safety Worker role – Contact female partners of men attending the Men’s Behaviour Change Program as per the Minimum Standards and liaise with Tangentyere and Jesuits as needed
- Work closely with the Court Support Worker (Victim Support and Advocacy Service) and the Women’s Safety Workers (Men’s Behaviour Change) team to achieve best outcomes for women accessing WoSSCA services
- If allocated the Court Support & Advocacy Worker role – provide court support and advocacy to women giving evidence in the Alice Springs Local court in line with funding guidelines, and liaise with the Department of Public Prosecutions as required
- Work collaboratively with other government and non-government organisations to prioritise the safety of women and children
- Provide timely advocacy and referrals to services identified in the safety and case management plans.
- Provide risk assessment and safety planning for women and children
- Provide timely advocacy and referrals to services identified in the safety and case management plans
- Maintain accurate and thorough written records including case notes, meeting and supervision notes, inter-agency communications
- Collect accurate statistical client data
- Participate in staff meetings, skills development and training opportunities and performance appraisal activities as directed by the Manager.
- Prepare for and participate in regular internal supervision and actively seek supervisory support.
- Participate in a range of practical tasks that facilitate an effective a safe provision of WoSSCA services.
- Perform other reasonable duties as directed by the Manager or CEO.
Selection Criteria:
- Have, or be working towards the completion of, a formal qualification in Social Work, Social Welfare, or related discipline and / or extensive prior experience in working within the community sector
- Prior experience in providing support services to the relevant target groups, including young people, women who have experienced domestic and family violence, or people experiencing homelessness, will be a significant advantage
- A working understanding of client confidentiality and privacy as well as demonstrated experience of working cross-culturally, with an understanding of cultural safety and its application in service delivery.
- Understanding of issues affecting women and children in Central Australia that contribute to their experience of domestic, family and sexual violence
- Ability to work collaboratively with other support services, as well as ability to work autonomously with limited supervision
- Good level of computer literacy
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strong organisational, time management and multi-tasking skills
- Ability to adhere to all WoSSCA policy and procedures, as well as working in accordance with the ethics, mission and vision of our organisation.
Desirable
- Experience in case management
- Understanding of mandatory reporting legislation in the Northern Territory
Mandatory requirements:
- A National Police Criminal History check (less than 3 months Old) with acceptable outcome.
- Northern Territory Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card).
- Current NT Driver’s Licence.
- Current First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain one
Compliance/Policies/Procedures:
This position will work under the policies and procedures of WoSSCA and in accordance with ethics, mission statement and vision of the organisation as the employer. It will also meet the relevant policy and legislative requirements of the funding body and the government.
WoSSCA programs are largely funded through government grants and a close relationship exists between the organisation and relevant government departments. Therefore, an appreciation and understanding of relevant government policies, initiatives and their applications is necessary to the success of the organisation.