• Purpose driven, dynamic and growing organisation
• Salary packaging and competitive remuneration
• Full time position – 12 month contract

What we are looking for

Experienced and capable professionals able to provide specialist services to children and young people who have experienced domestic violence and/or homelessness by:

• Applying strengths-based and trauma-informed case management principles to the identification, assessment and support of individual clients;
• Provide specialist mental health, experiential and/or counselling services to children and young people
• Provide continuity of service through effective networking with appropriate local services & advocate for their needs
• Facilitate group and one-on-one sessions with parents, children and young people to assist in overcoming barriers and addressing needs.

Organisation Overview

From the time of our establishment in October 1977 as the second women’s shelter to be founded in NSW, the Women’s Shelter Armidale has had a strong tradition of innovation, ingenuity and commitment to community.

We are an independent and industry leading provider of services to people who are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness and/or who are responding to domestic and family violence. Clients are at the centre of everything we do and are actively involved in the development, delivery and evaluation of our interventions. The Women’s Shelter Armidale strives to pioneer innovative solutions and challenge conventional wisdoms on domestic violence and homelessness in Armidale.

Why this Role Matters

Domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness in NSW. Homelessness, and particularly chronic long-term homelessness, has significant impacts on the ability of children and young people to access education, maintain physical and mental health and fully participate in society.

Children and young people need to be recognised as victim survivors in their own right and require specialist support to help them recover from the trauma of violence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a safe and nurturing environment 
• Identify, assess and develop support plans, for accompanied children and young people staying in our refuge, that addresses their needs and enables them to achieve their goals by building on their strengths and focusing on solutions
• Employ effective, evidence-based engagement practices to encourage accompanied children and young people engaged with our services to participate in programs and case management.
• Provide specialist mental health supports including counselling, safety planning, experiential learning and/or therapy.
• Assist clients to develop strategies to renew or maintain engagement with education, community, and cultural activities.
• Develop and facilitate group and one-on-one sessions with parents and their accompanied children and young people in our Shelter
• Coordinate services required by the client, advocate for their needs in community and monitor their ongoing effectiveness
• Provide ongoing capacity building to support staff at the Women’s Shelter Armidale for working with accompanied children and young people.
• Develop extensive networks in the local service environment that assists the Women’s Shelter Armidale to meet the needs of our clients.
• Maintain accurate record keeping that meets legislative standards and are completed within a timely manner
• Participate in regular supervision in which a reflective approach is taken in relation to service objectives and casework issues.

Personal Specifications

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Social Work, Community services, Education or related qualification in family welfare, with post-grad study or interest in therapeutic services

Experience

• Demonstrated ability and experience in the child, youth and family welfare sector
• Experience or strong interest in, providing therapeutic services to children and young people
• A sound understanding of family and parenting issues, especially in the context of protective concerns
• Commitment to, and understanding of working with marginalised groups including indigenous and CALD clients

Technical Competencies

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the drivers of homelessness and domestic violence.
• Case management or support experience with at risk cohorts with a trauma background
• Highly developed written and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated experience in report writing and case notes
• Good understanding of Occupational Health & Safety requirements
• Excellent organisational and problem solving skills
• Ability to use and operate a personal computer and a range of software packages

Professional Attributes

• Client service focused: committed to providing exceptional client service– written, phone and face to face. Responsive to the unique circumstances, backgrounds and needs of individual clients.
• Attention to detail: excellent attention to detail and written skills when communicating with others, both internally and externally.
• Strength base approach: work from a strength-based approach with both team members and clients.
• Practicality: ability to apply knowledge in a practical way that leads to positive client outcomes.
• Cultural competence: must have experience working with Aboriginal communities and clients and clients from diverse background, building effective relationships and achieving positive outcomes. 
• Time management/organisation: accomplish objectives effectively within time frame given and carry out administrative duties within portfolio in an efficient and timely manner.

Offers of employment will be subject to successful completion of relevant background checks including a Criminal History and Working with Children Check.

Would you like to know more about this position? For a confidential discussion, please reach out to Penny Lamaro, Manager, on 0407 821 777.

How to Apply

If this position sounds like your next move, find out more or apply today.

Please include the following as part of your application:

• Cover letter outlining your suitability according to the Qualifications, Experience and Competencies outlined above
• Current resume including contact details for 2 recent referees

Diversity Statement 

The Women’s Shelter Armidale is committed to promoting social inclusion and productive diversity, by seeking diversity within our workforce. We encourage and welcome applications from diverse community groups and ages. The Women’s Shelter Armidale adheres to the principles of equal employment opportunity.

Applications will close 5pm October 7th, 2022.