Housing Plus is a leading community services provider with a 40 year history, delivering a range of affordable accommodation, domestic violence, homelessness and other community services in regional NSW. Our purpose is to achieve healthy, engaged and vibrant communities in which individuals enjoy opportunities to thrive and build a promising future for their families. 

We are looking for an experienced Domestic and Family Violence Specialist to assist clients regarding defended hearings in the Local Court. This position works closely with the existing Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) and in partnership with Legal Aid NSW. The aim of the role is to empower clients to safely participate in the court process and attend hearings.

This is a full-time contract role until 31st October 2024. Position can be based in Orange or Bathurst.

The Hearing Support Worker will:  

• Conduct risk assessments and safety planning
• Provide information on the court process and accompany clients to court for hearings
• Liaise with Police, Sheriff’s officers and court staff to support clients’ safety at court 
• Develop strong relations with key partners and other services
• Assess needs and make appropriate referrals to services that can assist 
• Provide advocacy on behalf of the client with other services and agencies as needed 

To be successful, you will require: 

• Strong experience in Community Services, ideally within the DFV Sector;  
• Understanding of domestic and family violence, its complexities and consequences; 
• Understanding of the intersections between domestic and family violence and the family law system; 
• Ability to work autonomously with limited supervision; 
• Experience in maintaining boundaries with vulnerable clients in complex situations; 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly in advocacy and conflict resolution; 
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with clients in crisis and provide appropriate, trauma-informed support; 
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills; and 
• Current clearance in relation to Working with Children and ability to obtain a National Police Check. 

In return, we can offer you the chance to make a significant contribution to our organisation and community and be part of a passionate and skilled team. We can also offer learning and development opportunities, health and well-being program, reward and recognition and salary packaging. 

Being a woman is a genuine occupational qualification for these roles under s.31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Applicants identifying as Aboriginal are encouraged to apply. 

 Please include in your application a cover letter outlining which role interests you and how you meet the above requirements.

Applications close 14 November 2023 however we will start screening and interviewing any suitable candidates prior to this time so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.