Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Worker (DFVS)

Taree NSW

• Permanent Part Time
• Taree Office
• 9 day fortnight, negotiable
• Salary range: SCHCADS L4
• Flexible working conditions, salary packing available, plus leave loading

We are seeking a Domestic and Family Violence Specialist worker to join the Mid Coast Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy (WDVCAS) team. 

We provide a best practice, specialist, trauma informed model of service delivery response to women and their children affected by domestic and family violence to improve their immediate safety and other needs. The DFVS provides information, safety assessments, referrals, and case coordination. They attend Port Macquarie local court on list day to support women and their children to obtain Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (AVOs) for their protection.

This position is open to female applicants only. 

Being a woman is a genuine occupational qualification for this position under s.31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)

Aboriginal and Torres Islander women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key responsibilities of this role 

• Using the DFV connect online client and case management system to process referrals and manage their client case load.
• Contacting electronic referrals from the CRP and non-electronic referrals direct from government agencies and non-government services within the nominated time frames
• Conducting a threat assessment to ascertain their current risk status and undertaking safety planning to address a client’s immediate safety needs. 
• Providing relevant information and making warm referrals to a range of service providers to assist clients with their ongoing needs.
• Attending court on AVO list days and other days as required to provide information, assistance, and court advocacy for WDVCAS clients, 
• Ensure the safety of WDVCAS clients at court by advocating on their behalf with court staff and sheriffs’ officers to assist them in and out of court.
• Ensure women have access to appropriate legal representation for AVO matters if required and referrals for other legal advice.
• Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with key WDVCAS partners including the NSW Police Force, Local Courts, legal representatives and referral agencies, in order to facilitate client access to those agencies and services.

Essential Criteria, 

• Understanding of domestic and family violence, its complexities, and consequences, 
• Knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice response to domestic and family violence including ADVO applications and criminal prosecutions and related legal matters such as family law, care and protection, migration, and victim’s compensation issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work alongside other professionals within the Policing and Legal System. Including Domestic Violence Officers, Prosecutors, Local Police, Sheriff Officers and court staff. 
• Knowledge of local services and agencies
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with clients in crisis and provide appropriate, trauma-informed support.
• Proficient information technology and data entry skills, and the ability to use word processing software including Outlook, Word, Excel, databases, and master online platforms easily.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly in negotiation, advocacy and conflict resolution, excellent networking skills.
• Knowledge of and an ability to work effectively with an interpreter service.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills 
• Excellent file note recording, report writing and file management skills
• Current driver’s license, reliable insured vehicle, and capacity to use your own vehicle for work purposes. All work kilometres will be reimbursed. 

The preferred applicant will be required to undergo a Working with Children Check and a National Police Record Check.

How to Apply:

Do not forward you application via Seek as it will not be considered.

1. You must email your Resume, a Cover letter, and provide your answers to each of the essential criteria listed above.
2.  Applications that do not address the essential criteria will not be considered.
3.  Submit your application by emailing to

      [email protected]

Applications will close when the position is filled