• 60 hours per fortnight, maximum-term position until 30 June 2023.
• Geelong or Warrnambool. Travel to other locations will be required.

Take the next step in your career with CatholicCare Victoria.

About the Position

The Victims Assistance Program (VAP) is funded by the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) as Victoria’s case management service for victims who have experienced or witnessed a violent crime against the person including related victims of homicide and for those affected by major motor vehicle collisions.

The VAP is provided by a statewide network of community-based organisations. CatholicCare Victoria is the provider of the VAP in two DJCS regions: Grampians and Barwon Southwest. The VAP is a free service that provides practical and emotional support and assistance for victims of crime to navigate the criminal justice system for both reported and unreported crimes.

Practical assistance is wide-ranging and can include:

• Criminal justice information, including liaising with police, and providing support in making statements with police.
• Referral to other services, such as solicitors, specialist supports, medical and mental health services.
• Support at Court and access to the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT).
• Assistance with preparing Victim Impact Statements and submissions to the Adult Parole Board.
• Counselling and other therapeutic interventions.

The three core responsibilities of this role include:

• Upskilling and assisting VAP workers in supporting family violence victims.
• Direct client support of high-risk family violence victims.
• Community engagement which includes developing relationships with other community providers and working with the Victims of Crime Helpline to continuously improve service to victims of family violence.

To be considered for this position, you will require:

• Hold a Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent qualification, or
• Be working towards meeting the new mandatory minimum qualification policy requirement, via one of the available employment pathways.
• Significant experience working in specialist family violence services.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of MARAM frameworks and tools, in particular risk assessments and risk management strategies.

About CatholicCare Victoria

CatholicCare Victoria is a leading and influential provider of charitable and social services in Victoria. The Mission of CatholicCare Victoria is to build communities that recognise and nurture the dignity of each person. Our employees share our Mission for a stronger, more inclusive society through supporting individuals, families and communities in times of need, especially those who are most disadvantaged, vulnerable and/or marginalised.

We deliver excellence in a broad range of child, family and youth services, family relationship services, school counselling and pastoral care services, social housing, employment and advocacy services across various office locations and delivery sites in Victoria.

We draw on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching to inspire and direct our endeavours. We value and respect human dignity, and embrace diversity in an inclusive work environment.

Working for CatholicCare Victoria

At CatholicCare Victoria we offer:

• A family friendly working environment.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Salary packaging for eligible staff.

We embrace, value and respect an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.

We are committed to the safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

How to Apply

For further information, visit our website www.catholiccarevic.org.au.

Enquiries to: Jacinta Wainwright, Manager, Victims Assistance Program, on 0439 289 973.

Applications are required to be submitted via our website for your application to be considered, via the apply now button.

Please ensure your application includes your resume and a cover letter detailing a summary of your experience relevant to the position as per the position description which is attached to the advertisement on our website.

The successful applicant must have right to work in Australia.

Should you require cultural or other support in submitting your application, please contact our People and Culture Department on 03 5337 8999.

Should you require information in alternative formats, please contact our People and Culture Department on 03 5337 8999.

Directions from Victoria’s Chief Health Officer require all CatholicCare Victoria workers to be fully vaccinated, unless they are an Excepted Person as defined by the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination (Workers) Directions. All applicants must therefore be able to comply with this requirement.