Organisational Context

Established in 2011, Survivors & Mates Support Network (SAMSN) is Australia’s leading organisation for male survivors of child sexual abuse and their supporters.

SAMSN is a not-for-profit charity that evolved through collaboration between survivors and professionals to provide services to male survivors, their families, and supporters.

SAMSN employs qualified staff to provide a trauma informed and culturally safe approach in its groupwork programs, individual support and counselling, community engagement and peer support. We believe male survivors can recover from child sexual abuse, support others to thrive and be leaders for change.

Our work is grounded in principles of trauma-informed care and the following values:

Hope: The courage to believe in what’s possible

Dignity: We honour each other’s inherent worth

Connection: Together we achieve

Community: Engaging the power of networks for growth

SAMSN is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage individuals of diverse backgrounds including, but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse peoples, the LGBTIQA+ community and those living with disability to apply.

About the role

We are looking for a passionate and dynamic individual with the right mix of qualifications, skills and experience to join the SAMSN team as a Planned Support Worker. In addition to providing individual support, this position will be part of an exciting endeavour to make SAMSN services more accessible and applicable for men with disability and their supporters.

This position is full-time (part-time can be negotiated) and is for a fixed term of 12 months, starting as soon as practicable. Work from home/office hybrid model.

You will make a real difference in the lives of men and their families, supporting them in addressing their ongoing needs. With a specific focus on supporting men with complex trauma, including men who are/have been in prison, and men with living with a disability, this will include responding to new referrals, conducting assessments of client needs in collaboration with the client and facilitating internal and external referrals, including warm referrals to other services/professionals (e.g. government departments, GP’s, mental health professionals, lawyers, and legal services). As part of a Redress Support Service, the role will provide information, support, and guidance to male survivors to assist them to access the National Redress Scheme.

Whilst the role includes ongoing individual co-advocacy and support to male survivors and their families, SAMSN values the voice of the survivor and aims to encourage and promote self-advocacy and independence in those we support.

Individual supervision, training and professional development will be provided as part of the role.

Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Tertiary qualification (bachelor’s degree minimum) in social work, counselling, social welfare, psychology, or related discipline
• Demonstrated experience of working with trauma informed principles
• Knowledge and understanding of the dynamics and impacts of child sexual abuse across the lifespan, including mental health issues, drug and alcohol issues, and relational difficulties
• Experience in providing case management and/or counselling to survivors of childhood trauma
• Experience with responding to people in distress
• Knowledge of and experience of dealing with organisations and systems that provide key services and referrals such as Centrelink, housing, health services and victim services
• Excellent verbal, written and cross-cultural communication skills
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage your own caseload including prioritising competing demands

Desirable:

• Experience working with male survivors and understanding of the specific impacts of Child Sexual Abuse for men
• Eligible for related association membership (eg. AASW, ACA/PACFA, APS/APHRA)
• Experience in supporting people currently in prison and/or with a criminal history
• Experience working with people who have experienced childhood trauma and are living with disability, including psychosocial disabilities
• Experience and knowledge of supporting survivors access the National Redress Scheme and relevant support services/organisations

Classification and remuneration

• SCHCADS Award, Level 4.1 – 5.1
• Remuneration may be negotiated and commensurate with qualifications and experience
• This position is eligible for generous salary packaging benefits

Successful applicants will be required to have a current National Police Check and a Working with Children Check.

Please note: To apply for this position, you must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Australia.

What we offer

We offer a small, diverse, inclusive and flexible environment, and a team of hardworking and committed colleagues. You’ll be joining an organisation where you will be supported to grow, learn and develop your skills.

How to apply

If you have any queries about this role please contact, either by email [email protected] using the subject line: Planned Support Worker enquiry via EthicalJobs or telephone 02 8355 3711.

Please note: Your application will only be considered if you address the selection criteria.

Click Apply Now to submit your application. 

A position description is attached.