Team Leader

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 and cluster 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 refuge and crisis accommodation, risk assessment and case management support and outreach case management support to clients in transitional properties and/or private rental.

THE ROLE

The Team Leader has responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the refuge sites as well as being involved in and establishing operational procedures. The role is expected to meet a range of outcomes and deliverables which align with the Refuge Victoria Strategic Plan and assist the organisation to achieve its business goals and build a strong and sustainable organisation.

The Team Leader is responsible for the formal and informal supervision, as well as general wellbeing of a team of Support Workers who provide case management support. The Team Leader will also support the Refuge Manager in recruitment and induction of all new staff.

The Team Leader will hold a small case load of clients and be responsible for the delivery of case management support to people accessing Refuge Victoria services including management of referrals, comprehensive risk assessment and safety plans using the MARAM (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework), needs assessments, case plans and reviews, exit plans, advocacy and referral to other relevant services.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• In collaboration with Refuge Manager manage referrals and coordinate client intakes and exits
• Formal supervision of Support Workers including probation and annual reviews
• Coaching, supporting and live supervision of all staff (Support Workers, Case Managers and Children and Young People’s Practitioners) by providing expert and specialist consultation
• Hold a case load of clients and be responsible for delivery of case management and implementation of case plans
• Develop working relationships with key agencies including DFFH, community agencies and Child Protection
• Participate in on-call roster
• Support Refuge Manager in the selection and appointment of refuge staff, including the shortlisting of candidates, completion of interviews and reference checks
• Provision of advocacy and support for clients linking to community-based services including justice and legal, housing, health and wellbeing including mental health, cultural, employment and education, financial, access to material aid and court support to meet immediate needs

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

The successful candidate will need to have the following:

• Hold a Bachelor of Social Work or other equivalent qualification
• Minimum 5 years relevant professional experience
• Specialist industry knowledge obtained through work experience, training of formal education
• Natural leadership qualities and proven experience supervising and overseeing a team of direct reports
• Demonstrated decision-making and communication skills
• A sound knowledge of the resources and services available in the community sector, with respect to family violence, crisis interventions, health, mental health, drug and alcohol, legal, income security, immigration policy, disability and education

WHAT’S ON OFFER

Refuge Victoria staff combine their qualifications and experience with their personal passions and values, in roles that change the lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable people.

This role also offers:

• Salary at Level 7 of the SCHADS award
• Fixed-term contract until January 2025
• Generous salary packaging including novated leasing, and meals and entertainment card
• Excellent Professional Development opportunities
• Regular supervision, reflective practice and management support including access to EAP
• Eligible for Accrued Day Off

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 listed in this advertisement.