Children’s and Young People’s Practitioner

• Western Suburbs of Melbourne
• Part time position available (0.8)
• 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

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

Working as part of a dynamic team the Childrens worker at Refuge Victoria has the primary responsibility to co-ordinate and deliver services for children with complex needs, experiencing family violence and are accessing Refuge Victoria crisis and transitional housing.

The children’s worker is required to complete comprehensive assessments and case plans and work closely with Women’s advocates to deliver an integrated approach to service delivery for families.

The role includes the provision of advocacy and support for children and co-ordination of specialist and community-based services to assist with trauma and developmental needs. The role will develop working relationships with key agencies including DHHS child protection and family services to ensure the safety of the children using the “best Interests” framework.

Refuge Victoria is committed to protecting children and young people from all forms of harm and abuse. As an employee you will be required to report any concerns raised by, or on behalf of, children and young people in accordance with mandatory reporting, reportable conduct, and incident management procedures. Everyone at Refuge Victoria has a role to play in keeping children and young people safe and your role will support and drive this commitment, ensuring individuals and teams behave appropriately towards children and young people at all time.

ABOUT YOU

• Undertake comprehensive and high-quality risk assessment and safety planning to meet immediate needs of children with complex needs experiencing family violence.
• Develop and monitor individualised case plans for children ensuring that children are encouraged to actively engage in the planning and decision-making process where appropriate.
• Model and support positive parenting interactions to encourage connection and attachment to meet the emotional and wellbeing needs of children that have experienced trauma.
• Provide education and support to mothers regarding the impact of family violence on child’s development.
• Work with women’s advocates and case managers to ensure an integrated approach to developing holistic family plans that support legal, financial health and wellbeing, educational and safety needs.
• Co-ordinate referrals and access to a range of specialist and community-based children’s services including maternal health, child care, education, social, recreational, disability, legal and family services.
• Provide secondary consultation to services regarding the impacts of family violence on children.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL NEED TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

• Bachelor of Social Work or other equivalent qualification.
• A minimum of 2 years specialist children’s worker experience, preferably within a family violence setting.
• An understanding of relevant theories and practice frameworks that relate to Child Development, Trauma Informed Practice, Family Violence, therapeutic interventions, case management and support services.
• Case Management Experience with particular skills in responding to children.
• Knowledge of the CRAF (Common Risk Assessment Framework).
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in, intake and assessment, case planning in relation to family violence, service provision, safety planning, managing a case load and client advocacy.
• Problem solving capabilities evidenced by seeking relevant information, liaising with stakeholders, analysing issues, seeking different perspectives, identifying and progressing workable solutions, and implements and evaluates outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Good 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 5 of the SCHADS award
• Salary packaging
• EAP service and regular, structured supervision
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities

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.