As Australia's first Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre (the 'Centre') offering long term support to women who have experienced domestic family and sexual violence, we intend to continually refine and improve our services to ensure we are supporting women to live independent, secure lives with hope and optimism. We're looking for a dedicated and passionate Domestic Family Sexual Violence (DFSV) Caseworker who is committed to our vision and values and ready to make a tangible impact in our clients’ lives.

As a Caseworker with us, you'll be at the heart of transformative change, working directly with women who need support and guidance on their journey to recovery.

About us:

The Centre is a community-led initiative, codesigned with women with lived expertise, professional experts and service providers to offer free comprehensive and long-term support to women recovering and healing from the trauma of domestic, family and sexual violence.

The Centre is a project of the Illawarra Women's Health Centre. Established in 1986, we are nationally accredited and provide a safe place for women to access specialised high-quality women's medical and health care services.

Where you will channel your energy:

• Build and nurture effective relationships with external service providers and government agencies, focusing on primary health care and holistic recovery within the DFSV sector.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate individualised, client-centered case plans in collaboration with women impacted by DFSV, ensuring their needs and aspirations are met.
• Support clients in taking ownership of their case plans, providing guidance and encouragement to help them take actionable steps towards their recovery.
• Oversee daily tasks associated with the provision of case plans, from client intake to exit planning, ensuring smooth and effective service delivery.
• Deliver compassionate and recovery-focused support to individuals and families based on trauma-informed principles, helping them navigate their healing journey.
• Work closely with a diverse team of multidisciplinary professionals, including program managers and individuals with lived experience, to advocate for and support women impacted by DFSV.
• Contribute to the development of internal policies, service planning, and evaluation, ensuring our services continually evolve to meet the needs of our clients.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records and reports in line with the Centre’s policies and legal obligations, upholding the highest standards of client care.
• Comply with all relevant legal requirements and maintain up-to-date registration as required by professional associations and legislation.
• Contribute to advocacy efforts on issues related to domestic, family, and sexual violence, women's mental health, and trauma recovery, in alignment with the Centre’s Advocacy Strategy.

About YOU:

• A genuine enthusiasm for and alignment with Illawarra Women’s Health Centre’s vision, mission, and core values.
• Tertiary qualifications in Community Work, Social Work, Welfare, Counselling, or a related field.
• Practical experience working with families affected by Domestic Family Sexual Violence, showcasing your understanding of their unique challenges and needs.
• Proven ability to deliver flexible, trauma-informed, and client-centered services, tailored to support each woman’s individual journey.
• Skilled in managing complex and challenging situations with sensitivity and professionalism.
• Ability to work autonomously, efficiently plan and prioritize tasks, and take proactive steps in your role.
• Commitment to critical self-reflection on issues of race, privilege, and power, ensuring an inclusive and equitable approach in your work.
• Demonstrated capability to develop, implement, and evaluate individualised care plans in collaboration with women impacted by DFSV, ensuring their needs are met with empathy and precision.
• Solid knowledge and experience in applying trauma and violence-informed strategies in casework.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a meticulous attention to detail, enabling clear and effective interactions.
• Proven ability to confidently engage with a range of stakeholders, building strong and supportive relationships.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work harmoniously with staff at all levels, contributing to a collaborative and positive team environment.

The nice to haves (desirable knowledge and experience):

• Background in working with diverse communities or lived experience of diversity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, migrant, culturally and linguistically diverse, neurodivergent individuals, and those with disabilities.
• Demonstrated experience in advocating for gender equality and women’s rights.
• Fluency in a community language other than English is a plus.
• In-depth knowledge of contemporary family, domestic, and sexual violence, including the trauma impacts of gender-based violence and abuse.

What we do for you:

• Work with Purpose: Be part of a passionate and highly regarded not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making a real difference in the community.
• Flexible Salary Packaging: Take advantage of our flexible salary packaging options to maximise your take-home pay.
• Extra Leave: Enjoy additional leave during the festive season, on top of standard leave entitlements, giving you more time to relax and recharge.
• Wellness Leave: Prioritise your physical and mental well-being with four days of dedicated wellness leave each year.
• Professional Development: Access a wealth of ongoing learning opportunities and career development programs to help you grow and excel in your role.

next steps

At the Centre we truly value our people. We are committed to offering more than just a job; we offer benefits to enhance your career, help you grow, and celebrate your achievements.

The Centre welcomes all women to come exactly as they are. As a women's only organisation under Section 30 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, being female is a genuine occupational requirement for this position. Specifically, The Centre encourages and supports women living with a disability to apply and welcomes discussions about any reasonable adjustments that may be needed. Although this is an open recruitment process, The Centre strongly encourages, supports, and welcomes applications from woman who identify as First Nations people/Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

Please note that having a criminal record will not automatically exclude your application. We recognise that women can have experiences with the criminal justice system that are discriminatory and unjust. We know, for example, that women can, and often are, misidentified as a primary offender in domestic and family violence situations. We will require, a Working with Children Check and adherence to The Centre’s workplace policies, including our Covid Policy.

To submit your application, please click ‘Apply Now’.

Illawarra Women's Trauma Recovery Centre is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

For further information about The Centre please visit Illawarra Women's Health Centre (womenshealthcentre.com.au).