Refuge Worker Position (32 hours / Week)

Casual Refuge Worker Position

Weekend Refuge Worker Position (34 hours / Fortnight)

It is a requirement that this position is filled by a woman, as under s113 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991, gender is a genuine occupational requirement.

Aim of the Service

Sera’s Women’s Shelter is a feminist organisation, based on feminist values and principles of practice. The aim of the service is the provision of safe, secure, appropriate accommodation for all women and children escaping domestic violence. The provision of support and resources to empower women to move towards independent living.

Purpose of the Position

Recognising the effects of domestic violence on women and children, provide culturally appropriate support, and enable the woman to meet her needs for safety and long-term goal setting. This position consists of both on the premises and on call work.

Accountabilities

The Refuge worker is accountable to the Co-ordinator, and through her, to the Management Committee. The worker has a responsibility to work collaboratively with other team members and participate in supervision and annual staff appraisal with the Co-ordinator or Team Leader.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Within the parameters of best practice in case management and crisis support: manage the day-to-day effective running of Sera’s Crisis Accommodation Service, undertaking the daily tasks required in a residential and crisis accommodation setting, and prioritise the needs of the residents in terms of safety and meeting their goals;
• Provide crisis counselling and appropriate referrals to link women into relevant community resources available to meet their practical needs and resolve their concerns;
• Participate when required in Sera’s Mobile Outreach program, providing emotional and practical support to women and children who have been placed in Motels or other temporary accommodation after escaping domestic violence. Referrals for this come predominantly from DV Connect, but may also be made by other organisations;
• Establish an effective working relationship with relevant agencies in the community. Undertake advocacy with these agencies and be an advocate for women when necessary;
• Monitor appropriate internal and external communication (e.g. Phone calls, emails, TEAMS messages);
• Undertake day to day tasks required in a residential setting: clearing units after departures, ensuring unit is ready for intake including re-stocking and basic cleaning/washing of linen, and general maintenance around the shelter as needed in between housekeeper’s shifts;
• Liaise with the housekeeper, residents and staff to ensure overall presentation of the shelter is maintained;
• Sensitively provide support and education for women about the effects of domestic violence on children;
• Maintain up to date and confidential records for all residents, and complete and collate individual statistics as required by the Department of Justice & Attorney General;
• As required, administer Emergency Relief Funding and Petty Cash whilst maintaining all relevant records pertaining to these in line with the Service’s policies and procedures; 
• Participate in an on-call roster in order to provide a 24-hour service; 
• Work with the Coordinator in implementing new ideas and strategies which are within Sera’s Policy guidelines to enhance and improve the overall service to women and children coming from domestic violence;
• When appropriate, to represent Sera’s Philosophies and Policies pertaining to domestic violence issues within the community. Attend community meetings – and when required – co-facilitate community education and training on domestic violence, and co-facilitate DV support groups for women;
• Attend Staff Meetings, regular supervision and planning days when required;
• Within the staff team, and in particular at Staff Meetings and Planning days, share relevant information in order to contribute to a dynamic and professional service;
• Take responsibility for familiarisation with Sera’s Policies and Procedures and observe same;
• Encourage women to self-organise and provide feedback, both positive and negative;
• Undertake other tasks as requested by the Coordinator or Team Leader to ensure the smooth running of the Service;
• Where appropriate, undertake professional supervision of Social Work and Community Welfare students from the University and TAFE. 

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Possession of, or working towards, a degree in Behavioural Sciences, and/or relevant experience;
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the effects of domestic violence on women and children, from a feminist perspective;
• Demonstrated crisis intervention skills;
• Experience in working with women from Indigenous and other cultural backgrounds;
• Ability to work both independently and co-operatively within a team environment;
• Sound knowledge, or ability to acquire knowledge, of local community organisations, and demonstrated networking skills;
• Good written and oral communication skills;
• Possession of a current driver’s licence;
• Positive Notice or ability to acquire Positive Notice of a Working with Children Check (Blue Card).

Applicants MUST address the SELECTION CRITERIA and JOB DESCRIPTION.

Please forward this with a current resume and two (2) current professional references to [email protected] 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and women from a CALD background are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be accepted until close of business Monday, 9th October 2023.