Nova for Women and Children is seeking a passionate and motivated Practice Lead to join our Leadership Team on a permanent part time or full time basis. 

This role is suitable for an experienced case work practitioner and presents the opportunity to relocate to the sought after Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions. 

Why work at Nova for Women and Children?

Nova for Women and Children offers a friendly, diverse culture with a range of generous employment conditions. We are a passionate team, looking for likeminded individuals who want to make a positive difference to the outcomes for women and children.   

We value our staff and their contribution and offer: 

• Competitive remuneration;
• Dedicated weekly “Wellbeing Hour”;
• One week of preventative leave per year after 12 months service;
• Salary packaging benefits;
• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working;
• Access to an EAP; and
• A workplace culture encouraging autonomy and teamwork where you are empowered to use and develop your skills every day.

About the role

As the Practice Lead you will be responsible for providing expert advice, leadership and training to our team leaders and case workers, to help improve our capability to deliver excellent client-centred service in line with best practice, funding requirements and our values.  

This role will report to the CEO and Board of Management, and work closely with the Operations Manager to systematically review case management practices and systems, ensuring Nova keeps up to date with innovative practices, while driving a continuous improvement culture and strong professional development of our team.  

Key responsibilities of the Practice Lead include:

• Act as a subject matter expert and provide expert advice across our whole team on case work practice, techniques and methods;
• Assist the Operations Manager with team support, providing feedback, mentoring, and coaching;
• Act as a point of escalation for complex and challenging cases;
• Provide debriefing support to our team as required; and
• Lead Nova’s implementation and adherence to the Australian Excellence Standards (ASES), to achieve and maintain accreditation.

About you

Our ideal candidate will meet the following selection criteria:

• A minimum of five years in a practice and/or clinical role.
• Experience and skills in leadership and practice development, at an individual and team level, relating to highly vulnerable women and children. 
• Excellent understanding of the issues facing women and children who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and/or escaping domestic or family violence and a sound understanding of the Child Protection system. 
• Knowledge of, and experience in the application of relevant theoretical approaches and a range of appropriate service responses, relevant to this client group. 
• Ability to make decisions regarding case direction and risk management, including experience in mediating and negotiating appropriate outcomes in complex work situations. 
• Understanding of program objectives, ASES and the requirement for these to be met.
• Advanced skills in supporting case worker skill development in the areas of practice and compliance. 
• Demonstrated effective communication skills (verbal and written) including report writing, data collection and making presentations. 

Being female is a genuine occupational qualification as per section 31(2) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). 

Prior to an offer of employment, you will be required to have a current drivers license, Working With Children Clearance and a National Police Check.

About the organisation

Nova for Women and Children is a leading community services organisation that provides interim, transitional and outreach support and crisis accommodation options to women and children across the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness or who are escaping family and domestic violence. 

Nova for Women and Children is the amalgamation of Eva’s Project, Lower Hunter Women’s Housing and Eastlake’s Women’s and Children’s Refuge, and has been operating in Newcastle for approximately 38 years. In 2018, Nova for Women and Children were awarded the Australia Day Community Group of the Year Award from Newcastle City Council.

How to apply

Confidential enquiries can be made to Skildare on (02) 4940 8743. Alternatively you can request an information pack by emailing [email protected]u.  

Applications must include a CV and cover letter addressing the selection criteria can be submitted by clicking APPLY. 

Applications will be accepted until COB Wednesday 30 October 2022. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.