ABOUT US

Make a difference in the lives of women and children escaping domestic and family violence and homelessness in the Nepean. The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter is a not-for-profit charity established to provide crisis accommodation for women and children and is part of the Women’s Community Shelter Network.

• Location: Penrith LGA
• Work type: Maximum Term Full Time, 2 years maximum term
• Reporting to: Specialist Case Worker (Aboriginal & Disability DFSV) 
• Salary type: Competitive salary plus superannuation
• Award Classification: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS) Social and Community Services Employee Level 3, Pay Point 1.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Case Support (DFSV) Worker, working closely with the Specialist Caseworker (Aboriginal & Disability DFSV) will support and further strengthen the work undertaken by The Haven through their Penrith Core and Cluster and shelter sites to support both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women and children who are experiencing DFSV in community. This role will provide generalist case management supports to women with or without accompanying children with a focus on outreach. The role will be supported by other caseworkers and Team Leader. The role will be expected to establish referral pathways with other service providers, create case plan goals, link clients in with other services and complete administrative tasks.

Through a strong outreach model that engages directly with women, children and support services in the Penrith LGA, clients will be actively supported to address their needs to meet their planned goals.

The role will support the Specialist Caseworker (Aboriginal & Disability DFSV) to have a focus on outreach and community engagement and utilising new and established access points in the broader community. The Haven staff have a strong and well-established connection with a wide range of health, welfare and other support services including Aboriginal specific employment and education partnerships.

The Haven participated in a WCS project with People With Disability Australia that worked to strengthen the service response available for women and children with disability. The Haven has a Disability Inclusion Plan established as part of this work.

The Case Support (DFSV) Worker will at times be rostered onto the DV Court Assistance Scheme roster to support victim-survivors attending court.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FOR THE ROLE

• This position is not Aboriginal identified. We welcome Aboriginal identified and/or the attributes to work closely with the Aboriginal Disability Worker and First Nation communities.
• Aboriginal women experience many barriers to accessing DFV support services including feelings of shame, complicated social and familial relationships, access to legal protections and a deep-rooted mistrust and fear of authorities due to historical trauma and ongoing racism.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Community Services;
• Understanding of domestic and family violence;
• Understanding of client-centred and trauma-informed practice;
• Understanding of relevant legislation and regulations;
• Understanding of the varying needs of women and children who come from diverse backgrounds and present with multiple and complex needs;
• Good interpersonal and organisational skills;
• Understanding of the dynamics, complexities and legal and social welfare consequences of DFV and experience supporting people impacted by domestic abuse;
• Demonstrated ability to support with case management for clients;
• Understanding of local and/or sector networks and referrals;
• Commitment to professional integrity and accountability;
• Proficiency in the operation of computer software systems, including the MS Office Suite;
• Current unrestricted Australian drivers’ licence;
• Current Senior First Aid certificate or capacity to acquire one before commencement
• The right to live and work in Australia; and
• Immunisation requirements: it is a condition of employment for this role for the incumbent to be, and to remain during employment, vaccinated against COVID-19.

WHAT’S ON OFFER

• Purpose with a mission to help shape and lead a positive impact for homeless women and children and women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.
• Opportunity to collaboratively lead the business across a traditional shelter and a core and cluster space.
• A flexible workplace.
• Salary Sacrifice Fringe Benefit – meaning you can package up to $15,900 pa of your pre-tax salary before income tax is calculated, you take home even more pay!
• Feminist organisation embedded in strong foundational practice frameworks.
• Supportive learning culture with career development and training opportunities.
• An inclusive organisation, member of ACON’s Welcome Here Project
• Disability inclusion, in part through our Disability Inclusion Action Plan