ABOUT STARICK

Starick is an innovative, client focused organisation providing crisis accommodation, outreach services and holistic support to women and children escaping from family and domestic violence.

Starick’s operating frameworks are:

• family/domestic violence informed
• child centred
• trauma informed
• response based
• strengths based
• culturally sensitive
• client focused

The purpose of the Child Advocate role is to:

• support children to settle into the refuge
• reduce the impact of family and domestic violence on children and young people’s development and wellbeing,
• support positive relationships between mothers/carers and children
• coordinate services for children on site and off site
• serve as a link between families and other community systems addressing children’s needs including childcare, schools and child protective services
• ensure quality service provision for children in line with the expected outcomes incorporated in the service agreement with the funding body and Starick Services Strategic Plan
• promote community awareness and understanding of family and domestic violence
• break the cycle of violence

We are looking for someone with:

• comprehensive knowledge and understanding of child development and experience in working with children,
• experience in planning child centred programs for children,
• well-developed knowledge of family and domestic violence and the gendered drivers of violence,
• knowledge of the impact of violence on family functioning,
• knowledge of the impacts of violence and trauma on children,
• knowledge and experience in case planning

Skills and Abilities:

• ability to implement developmentally appropriate programs to children and youth,
• well-developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills,
• high level conflict resolution skills and the ability to model effective and positive communication,
• time management skills and ability to set priorities and monitor workflow in the areas of responsibility,
• ability to multi-task and to organise others,
• computer literacy including proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and experience in writing notes and data recording.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills:

• tertiary qualifications in Education/Children’s Studies or Diploma/Certificate III or IV Human Services, Youth Work, Social Work, Early Childhood Education and Care,
• minimum of two years’ experience in an FDV service or child centred service,
• knowledge of child development and experience in working with children and/or development of child-centred programs,
• understanding of FDV and impacts of trauma on children,
• high level interpersonal and verbal communication skills to advocate, liaise, co-operate and negotiate with children, work colleagues, others service providers and government agencies,
• excellent written communication skills to prepare reports, correspondence and collect statistical data.Desirable:
• knowledge of government and community service resources for women and children,
• knowledge of the relevant legislation and services available from both government and non-government sectors for people affected by FDV,
• demonstrated experience in taking initiative and working with minimal supervision.

HOURS OF WORK

This is a two day a week position, the ability to work Fridays and Saturdays each week is critical to the appointment to this role.

Friday 10am-6pm | Saturday 9am-2pm

Salary range is between Levels 4 and 5 of the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award and includes Saturday penalty rates.

A position description is attached.

Enquiries can be directed to Sue Glasson, Early Intervention Program Project Manager, by email to [email protected] and [email protected] using the subject line: Child Advocate enquiry via EthicalJobs or by phoning 9478 5300.

PLEASE NOTE

• Starick policy requires that all employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• Applicants must be an Australian citizen/permanent resident or have a suitable visa in place that allows ongoing work in Australia
• A current National Police Clearance is required on commencement
• A Working with Children certificate will be applied for on commencement, if not currently held
• A current WA Drivers Licence is required