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: Haven Team Leader

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 5, Pay Point 1.

ROLE PURPOSE

Aboriginality - This position is Aboriginal identified. To perform this role, it is essential that the person who holds the role be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. It is a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 that applicants are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.

The Haven has strong connections with the local Dharug community.

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 intensive specialist DFSV case management supports through outreach services to women with or without accompanying children. The role will provide case coordination with the case management framework and clinical disability support.

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 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 a disability. The Haven has a Disability Inclusion Plan established as part of this work.

The Specialist Caseworker (Aboriginal & Disability DFSV) will also be rostered onto the DV Court Assistance Scheme roster to support victim-survivors attending court.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FOR THE ROLE

• Aboriginality - This position is Aboriginal identified.

• 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.
• To perform this role, it is essential that the person who holds the role be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. It is a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 that applicants are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders
• Relevant tertiary qualifications with at least 2 years’ experience in a domestic and family violence and/or disability related role;
• Demonstrated understanding of client-centred and trauma-informed practice;
• Knowledge and application of relevant legislation and regulations;
• A demonstrated understanding of the varying needs of women and children who come from diverse backgrounds and present with multiple and complex needs;

• Strong interpersonal and organisational skills, demonstrated understanding of the dynamics, complexities and legal and social welfare consequences of DFV and experience supporting people impacted by domestic abuse;
• Strong case management skills and tenacious and confident networking and referral skills in the local community and/or DFV sector;
• 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

To be female is a genuine requirement for the position under Section 31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.