Receptionist / Accommodation Officer

Position Details

• 30.4 hours per week, 12 month temporary contract
• Classification: SCHADS Level 1 + Salary Packaging + Superannuation
• Based Mon-Tues (15.2hrs days) at our Lower North Shore office and Thurs-Fri (15.2hrs) at our Northern Beaches office, Sydney NSW

About Women & Children First

Women & Children First (WACF) is a community-based organisation providing crisis accommodation and wraparound care for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence and abuse as well as parenting and relationship education and prevention programs.

Our two women and children’s refuges and specialist support services are based on Sydney's Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore.

Our Programs Prioritise

• Safety - Providing immediate and ongoing safety through crisis housing and trauma-informed case management and wraparound care.
• Empowerment - Empowering survivors to heal and rebuild through psycho-education programs on healthy relationships, parenting, and wellbeing.
• Prevention - Advocating for change and breaking the cycle of abuse through community and political engagement and education.

About The Role

Reporting directly to the Administration Manager, this role is designed to support the smooth running of our Lane Cove refuge and Dee Why office.

As the Receptionist/Accommodation Officer at our Lane Cove refuge, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of high-quality accommodation and creating a safe environment for women and children escaping domestic violence and abuse. A key part of your role will include, providing administrative support to caseworkers and ensuring the smooth, efficient and sound operation of the refuge.

As the Receptionist/Accommodation Officer at our Dee Why office, a key part of your role will include, providing administrative support to our Specialist Homeless Services & Family Support teams ensuring the smooth, efficient and sound operation of both the office and accommodation.

This is a dynamic role where you will be working with a small, experienced team to provide vital accommodation and services to women and children fleeing domestic violence and abuse. This includes welcoming visitors, clients, and volunteers, with warmth and care. Assisting with accommodation room set up and restock as needed, receiving donations and relocating to storage area, processing rent and keeping accurate records.

The work carried out by Women & Children First is at times very challenging. All staff at the Centre endeavour to always provide high quality services to clients and especially at times of crisis and distress. The position requires empathy and the ability to manage and meet competing demands.

Responsibilities of Role

• Manage office reception and be the first point of contact via phone, email and in person
• Welcome all visitors and callers with warmth and care
• Process caseworker brokerage requests and gift card distribution as required
• Record keeping – ensure information is recorded correctly and completed in a timely manner
• Observe client behaviour and report anything unusual to client’s caseworker
• Adhere to WACF policies and procedures including WHS requirements and Code of Conduct
• Assist with refuge setup and restock as needed
• Ensure house maintenance is carried out in a timely way
• Receive donations and relocate to storage area to keep reception neat and tidy
• Assist Caseworkers, Office Manager and CEO with ad hoc administration projects and duties
• Support and assistance to clients settling into the refuge.
• Support to clients, for example, transport, childcare as necessary, support in managing perceived crisis as advised
• WHS officer for the lower north shore refuge

Skills And Experience Required

• Demonstrated experience in office administration
• Demonstrated intermediate level of proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, balance multiple tasks and manage competing demands
• The ability to identify sensitive information and maintain appropriate levels of privacy and confidentiality
• Knowledge and understanding of the delivery of welfare/community services within a trauma-informed care and client centre framework
• Commitment to providing an accessible, welcoming respectful environment
• Commitment to professional integrity and accountability

Other Requirements

• Must be able to easily travel to Lower North Shore and Northern Beaches areas.
• Current driver's licence.
• Current Working with Children Check and National Police check.

Benefits Of Working At WACF

• Inclusive culture.
• Safe, supportive, and strengths-based work environment.
• Salary packaging benefits.
• Access to learning and development opportunities.
• Additional Birthday and Well-being day.
• Social events and regular team connection time.
• Employee assistance program.

How To Apply

• If your skills meet the requirements of the role please click "Apply Now" to submit your CV and cover letter.
• Your cover letter must include your relevant experience, and why you want to work at WACF. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
• To apply you must have permission to reside and work in Australia.
• Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.