Fixed Term Contract until June 30 2023

Full Time 

The Organisation:

Sutherland Shire Family Services, trading as The Family Co. is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to support and strengthen the capacity of families within our community by providing programs and services designed to contribute to the promotion and maintenance of safety and well-being amongst all family members.

The Program:

The Family Co. provides auspice for SSWDVCAS and is the Court Advocacy Service for Sutherland Shire and St. George regions in Sydney our Southern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service provides information, advocacy and referrals for women and families attending Sutherland Court for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.

The Position:

The Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Specialist Worker provides support to women who are experiencing Domestic and Family Violence, including assessments, referrals, safety planning and court support. This role will also provide Hearing Support to clients providing support at the local court through safety planning liaising with police and court staff and being present during hearings.  

Responsibilities of this Role:

The work of the DFV Specialist Worker includes, but is not limited to, the following duties:

• Accepting referrals
• Contacting clients, completing a threat assessment and safety planning
• Liaising with team members in regards to clients referred to the Safety Action Meeting (SAM)
• Providing relevant information and making warm referrals to a range of service providers to assist clients with their ongoing needs;
• Liaising with clients in relation to Safety Action Plans developed at SAMs and/or support provided, or arranged, by the WDVCASs;
• Attending court on AVO list days and other days to support clients;
• Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with key WDVCAS partners
• Complying with policies and procedures
• Participating in activities to promote the services of the WDVCAS

Hearing Support Responsibilities 

• 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) 
• Assisting with the organisation of Police Prosecutor Clinics and attending the clinics each month 
• 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
• Ongoing Coordination of court related work and training  

Essential Knowledge and Skills

1. Knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice response to domestic and family violence including AVO applications and criminal prosecutions and related legal matters such as family law, care and protection, migration and victim’s compensation issues; 
2. Ability to deliver services in accordance with the WDVCAP best practice model of service delivery outlined in the WDVCAP Service Agreement, this Policy and Procedure Manual, the SAM Manual and operational documents; 
3. Ability to work with the local community to promote awareness of domestic and family violence and WDVCAS services; 
4. Excellent communication skills, particularly in negotiation, advocacy and conflict resolution; 
5. Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with clients in crisis and provide appropriate, trauma-informed support; 
6. Knowledge of related legal matters such as family law, care and protection, migration, and victim’s compensation issues;  
7. Excellent organisational and administrative skills; 
8. Excellent Networking Skills and 
9. Current WWCC, evidence of COVID-19 vaccination and satisfactory Police Check 
10. The successful applicant will be required to complete a NSWPF Baseline National Security Clearance to participate in a Co-location Pilot at local Police Station.

The successful applicant will benefit from working for a supportive organisation. Remuneration will be SCHADS award level 5.1, with excellent ongoing professional development opportunities and availability of salary sacrifice options. 

To be eligible to apply Sutherland Shire Family Services considers being a woman is a genuine occupational qualification for this position under s.31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act. You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or on a visa with appropriate work rights. 

To apply for this position you need to:

1. Provide a written response addressing the Selection Criteria and Current Resume.
2. Send applications to Michelle Fairweather, Operations Manager at [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed as received. 

If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Michelle on 9528 2933.