Refuge Support Worker

• Location: Western Suburbs
• Part-time employment basis, two roles available
• Generous salary packaging and novated leasing
• Career progression opportunities
• Ongoing training & development

ABOUT US

Refuge Victoria is a not-for-profit Specialist Family Violence Organisation that provides refuge/crisis accommodation and support to women and children as they begin their journeys to a safer and happier future. We have been responding to family violence and changing people’s stories for over 40 years. Refuge Victoria is the largest provider of refuge/crisis accommodation in Victoria with three core refuges, 15 refuge properties and nomination rights to 35 Transitional Houses.

Refuge Victoria is committed to the principles of cultural safety and inclusion of all people from diverse backgrounds and to the safety and inclusion of those with a disability. We support women and children experiencing homelessness from family violence, providing not only crisis accommodation but also risk assessment, case management support and outreach case management support to clients in transitional properties and/or private rental.

THE ROLE

Working as part of a dynamic team, the family violence support worker assists the work of Case Managers and Children and Young People’s Practitioners to implement goals and meet needs identified in client plans.

The support worker has the primary responsibility to assist in the co-ordination and delivery of practical supports and linking to community resources for Refuge Victoria clients. The role supports the day-to-day operation of the refuge sites including property readiness for clients, managing queries and general support tasks as directed by Team Leader or Refuge Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Completing comprehensive intake and induction to clients on arrival and orientation to local area and available services
• Assist with the coordination and access to a range of community services and supports to meet needs identified in client case plans, e.g. Childcare, relocations, shopping
• General practical and emotional support to clients, inclusive of client transport to appointments i.e. dental, medical, Centrelink, childcare, bank, maternal health
• Provide an after-hours response to the women and children onsite when required
• Update and maintain client information and other relevant support material
• Attending client meetings with woman’s case worker and children’s worker to assist with implementation of case plan goals, to prioritise tasks and to share and escalate safety or risk concerns identified or reported
• Preparation of accommodation and maintenance jobs/reporting for refuges, this can include cleaning, laundry, sorting of donations and ordering/managing supplies in office and pantry
• Manage office calendars for room hire and vehicle/equipment use and email inbox
• Liaise and develop effective working relationships with agencies and key stakeholders

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

The successful candidate will have the following:

• Experience working in the Family Violence sector
• Diploma in Community Services or equivalent would be well regarded
• Case or support work experience with skills working with families, mental health, disability and/or alcohol and drug issues
• Working towards a Bachelor of Social Work or other equivalent qualification as per mandatory minimum education requirements – Recommendation 209
• Experience in delivery of services responding to women and children facing Family Violence
• Knowledge of the MARAM (Multi Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework)
• This role will be rostered for a variety of shifts including weekdays, weekends, nights and sleepovers as per the SCHADS award.
• Highly developed organisational skills and ability to prioritise competing demands

WHAT’S ON OFFER

Combine your qualifications and experience with your personal passions and values, in a role that changes the lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable people and work alongside a supportive and compassionate team who are committed to creating a safe and free life for people escaping family violence.

This role also offers:

• Level 4 of the SCHADS award
• Salary packaging
• EAP service
• Learning and development opportunities
• Quarterly training days

The successful applicant will need to undertake a national police check, referee checks, be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and have a Working with Children Check.

At Refuge Victoria, we celebrate diversity in ethnicity, social experience, genders, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, religious beliefs, ages and abilities and welcome talent from all backgrounds. Help us continue to build our unique, inclusive and diverse team!

Please submit a cover letter (optional) and resume addressing your experience against the responsibilities and key selection criteria listed in this advertisement.