POSITION DESCRIPTION – Support Worker - Domestic Violence After hours Response

REPORTS TO: Coordinator; Domestic Violence After hours Response.

GRADE/AWARD/LEVEL: SCHADS Industry Award 2010 Level 4

WORK LOCATION: Marsfield

PROGRAM: Specialist Homeless Services

WORKING WITH CHILDREN: Clearance Required

PURPOSE

This role exists to provide an after-hours crisis response to Women and Families escaping Domestic/ Family Violence within the 11 LGA’s in the Northern Sydney District. The service operates in the evening between 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, providing both telephone and face to face support to Women and their families escaping domestic and family violence.

Based in an accommodation service, staff will work in teams of two to providing assessment, crisis counselling, safety planning, immediate accommodation options and practical support to clients.

This program has a strong focus on engaging relevant stakeholders including Link2Home, Police, Family and Community Services (FaCS) and other external stakeholders and will require workers to be open to, and participate in, the development of approaches to service provision as the program grows to fit the needs of our client group.

The role will also oversee a caseload of clients in crisis, link clients to appropriate service providers, screen initial assessments into the CIMS database and support the existing functions of SHS service delivery by reducing access pressures for crisis clients.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide direct support services to individuals and families impacted by domestic and family violence and ensure the delivery of comprehensive and strength based services. This will be achieved through:

1. Deliver Services to the clients of the Domestic Violence After hours Response

Screening suitability of individuals and families accessing the service, and making referrals to other services where appropriate

Providing safety planning, case management and case coordination services to clients that focuses on responding to the needs of clients, including both physical and psychological

Providing ongoing case management services to clients residing in the community who are at risk

The ability to assist and engage with clients in crisis requiring emergency accommodation

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Applying evidence based practice and drawing on theoretical frameworks appropriate for the needs of the clients

Responding to complex cases using professional judgment and initiative in a timely manner

Working from an after business hours roster that includes evenings and weekends

Work offsite and from satellite offices based at the premises of other agencies such as Police, Health and other NGO’s

Recording and file maintenance in the relevant system in accordance with principles of confidentiality and Specialist Homelessness Services

Preparing CatholicCare crisis accommodation for client tenancy

Undertaking inspections of CatholicCare premises during and following departure of clients and prior to arrival of new clients

Maintaining and stocking emergency packs, including purchasing necessary living items.

Participate in an on call roster.

2. Provide leadership through:

Participating actively in regular supervision sessions (minimum 1 hour monthly);

Promoting collaborative teamwork;

Participating in professional development opportunities and mandatory training;

Promoting the application of the agency’s policies and procedures;

Representing the agency at external meetings.

2. Comply with all government and internal reporting requirements for program adherence, including data collection

Ensure sound feedback and monitoring processes are utilised

Complete compulsory reporting requirements, including gathering of statistical data on a regular basis

Ensure effective mechanisms are utilised to assist in reviewing program performance

Participate in regular program, team meetings and practice reviews with program personnel

Ensure safety standards are maintained for self and others and report all hazards and incidents to the Coordinator within the organisational and legislative timeframes as directed

Ensure protocols are followed in relation to shift responsibilities

3. Actively participate in community development

Facilitate appropriate networking within the broader community to ensure client access to relevant services that meet their needs

Work onsite and in the field with other service providers including Police, Health and other Agencies to provide a holistic response to Domestic and Family Violence.

Participate on relevant local committees and working groups to ensure interagency collaboration and coordination in the planning and development of local services

Participate in community education by identifying community need, liaising with other agency staff, planning, implementing and evaluating community education programs & awareness raising through presentations to the community and parishes in the Northern Sydney District.

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4. Promote and uphold the Mission, Vision and Values of CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay as a Catholic Social Services Agency by:

Effectively modelling the CatholicCare values to staff, clients and others

Ensuring key stakeholders understand and positively work within the Values and Mission of CatholicCare

Upholding all CatholicCare policies including the Code of Conduct and Ethics

Promoting WHS standards for a safe workplace

ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Building collaborative relationships – developing, maintaining and strengthening partnerships with others internally and external to the organisation and to work collaboratively to enhance the circumstances of homeless individuals and those with complex needs

Leadership – taking responsibility for your performance with integrity and diligence

Respect – accepting individual differences and treating others with dignity and respect demonstrating support for the organisation and its mission and goals

Client focus – supporting excellence in CatholicCare programs and delivering services that are based on evidence and best practice, encouraging all CatholicCare clients to achieve their goals and potential

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

To perform the job effectively, the position holder should demonstrate the following competencies:

Communication skills – the ability to express yourself clearly in business writing and in communication and interactions with others

Risk management – anticipation, mitigation and resolution of workplace events/issues

Professional skills/ in a technical/professional area – refer to position description under Education, Knowledge and Experience

Self-management – the ability to develop and maintain professional practices in a responsible manner and to be self-motivated where appropriate

Information management skills – the ability to maintain, provide and distribute information appropriately

Case management – Observe, assess, formulate & review person-centred case plans with individuals and families using the relevant client management resources and existing internal processes and procedures

Oversee implementation of case plans and participate in regular case reviews and case conferences with other agencies when required

Assist with organisation and facilitation of resident’s meetings and group programs for individual clients and where relevant for their children

Advocate for and on behalf of individual women and families with children

Develop a knowledge and understanding of relevant referral agencies for client families to ensure effective networking and referral procedures

Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation and the program/agency legal responsibilities in relation to reporting children at risk

Sound understanding of issues surrounding Domestic Violence and experience in crisis response

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Additional performance measures will be set up and agreed to at the annual performance review meeting. As part of this review process, a personal development plan will be prepared, identifying learning and development goals and objectives

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE

Essential:

Tertiary qualifications in an appropriate area e.g., Degree in Social Work, Degree Social Science/ Welfare, Degree in Psychology, or related discipline and/or demonstrated relevant industry experience

Demonstrated understanding of domestic violence and working in the field of domestic and family violence including demonstrated knowledge of and familiarity with legal and other aspects of domestic violence and child protection and custody issues

Demonstrated and detailed knowledge of and experience working with housing issues, and an understanding of the needs of homeless people

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals in a case management process, undertaking assessments; developing & reviewing case plans; and provide strength based support to assist individuals, families, and children

Counselling experience/skills

Knowledge of current Child Protection and other relevant legislation

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report writing

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of government and non-government organisations

Demonstrated assessment skills

Demonstrated advocacy skills

Current and valid NSW Driver’s Licence

Competent computer literacy, especially Microsoft Word and Excel, Outlook

Desirable:

Access to a comprehensively insured vehicle

Project management experience

Experience working within accommodation services

Community Language

Position Title: Support Worker Domestic Violence After hours Response Team Page 4 of 4Revised: 16 May 2017