Domestic and Family Violence Practitioner – Fraser Coast

Centacare Specialist Family Support Services (SFSS) is a non-profit community organisation that supports the strengthening of family and community relationships, particularly where there is vulnerability and disadvantage. Our services are available to the entire community regardless of religion, circumstance, ethnicity, economic situation, age, gender or ability. We strive to deliver professional and accountable services whilst empowering our clients to find solutions and achieve their goals.

The role

We are currently seeking a Practitioner to join our team based in Fraser Coast and working from our Maryborough and Hervey Bay locations on a full-time permanent basis. Please note that some flexibility is needed in order to meet operational requirements. This is a multi-faceted role providing support in a high volume and high complex risk environment to our clients.

Key Duties

• Making initial contact with families who have experienced domestic and family violence following receipt of a referral. Completing client intakes, including initial risk assessment/s and safety planning.
• Supporting the family to identify their goals and immediate needs in order to assist them increase safety, agency and autonomy.
• Working within the Trauma Informed and Brief Solution Focused frameworks: this may include, but is not limited to, advocating on behalf of the client, making additional referrals, providing psychoeducation and counselling, as well as other practical assistance.
• Participating in meetings and liaising with other local stakeholders, e.g., Child Safety, Corrections, Housing and QPS.

Skills and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Social or Behavioural Science from a recognised institution (including eligibility for membership of APS, AASW, PACFA or ACA).
• Well-developed understanding of the Domestic and Family Violence Act, Child Protection Act and Family Law Act, as well as the issues and the impacts on families engaged in these systems
• Demonstrated articulation of a well-developed practice framework for domestic and family violence and its nexus with child safety, family law, mental health
• Experience in intake, risk assessment, case management and referral pathways crisis intervention, DVO assistance and safety planning
• Well-developed written work including report writing, case notes, data collection, data entry and computer literacy skills
• Highly effective communication, with strong interpersonal skills and an ability to advocate for our clients’ needs with other statutory organisations/ departments.
• Have a high degree of professionalism and integrity in working with clients, colleagues, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to support and work with diverse families with complex needs.
• Availability for some after-hours work.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience of working within the housing sector with regard to domestic and family violence.
• Demonstrated substantial knowledge and experience in working with complex family systems, in high acrimony environments, family distress and trauma, mental health problems, drug and alcohol and family law issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills and experience in supporting families from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Essential requirements for the role

• Relevant Tertiary Qualifications
• Have a current Blue Card – or be eligible to apply.
• Have a current driver’s licence.
• Provide a current Australian Federal Police Criminal History Check or successfully pass one.
• Have working rights in Australia.

Why Work for us?

We offer a competitive remuneration on the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award Level 5. Salary packaging options are available to increase your take home pay by up to $15,900.