Family Advocacy and Support Service Worker - Wollongong

POSITION DESCRIPTION

• Hours per week: Part-time 
• Pay Rate: SCHADS Award Level 6.1
• Reports to: Illawarra Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (IWDVCAS) Manager
• Location: Wollongong

About us

Women Illawarra has been at the forefront of many campaigns for women’s issues. Previously Wollongong Women’s Information Service, our organisation was instrumental in the foundation of many women’s services in the Illawarra, including women’s health, housing and domestic violence services. Since opening our doors in 1979, we have provided continuous support and services to the women of the Illawarra.

The Role

The FASS worker provides trauma informed and high quality social support to women affected by family violence.

The FASS worker conducts risk assessment and safety planning for victims of family violence, and works closely with the court in implementing the Court’s Safety Plan for clients in relation to each Court event, as required.

The FASS worker does not provide legal advice or assistance.

Duties

• Comprehensive assessment of a client’s social needs
• Help clients engage with Family Law Court processes safely including through:
  • Completing a Domestic Violence Safety Assessment Tool (DVSAT) for clients who have experienced family violence where appropriate;
  • engaging in a safety planning process with the clients as needed; and
  • liaising with the registry and security staff about the implementation of the Courts’ safety plan for the client in relation to each court event, as needed.
• Provide information, advocacy and court support for clients before, during and after court, as needed
• Referral of clients in relation to their social needs and case coordination in relation to those services
• Liaison with the court to obtain copies of court orders and other notices from the registry on behalf of clients
• Advocacy on behalf of the client with organisations such as NSW Police in relation to an application for an ADVO, Housing NSW, Centrelink and Victim Services
• Assist families to transition between, and manage matters across, the Commonwealth Family Law, State Family Violence and State Child Protection jurisdictions
• Maintain client files and enter information into the WDVCAP database as directed by Legal Aid NSW
• Adhere to the FASS Policy Statement at all times
• Work collaboratively with the duty lawyers, the WDVCAS in each registry, the FASS Project Officer, WDVCAP, Domestic Violence Unit and Early Intervention Unit.

The following Essential Criteria MUST be addressed in your application:

Essential Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated understanding of the dynamics of Family Violence and its disproportionate impact on women and children
• Demonstrated experience in client management skills including an ability to work with clients in a trauma informed way
• Demonstrated understanding of the legal process as it relates to Commonwealth family law, State Family Violence and State Child Protection jurisdictions as well as related social welfare needs
• A demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• A demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with key partners, particularly Legal Aid NSW duty lawyers, FASS – Support Service for men, Family Courts Registry, security and child dispute services staff as well as judicial officers, other service providers in each registry, NSW Police Force, Legal Aid NSW Family Dispute Resolution Unit and appropriate local support services
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Computer literacy including an understanding of database systems

Desirable

• Experience working within a Justice framework and familiarity with Court processes.

The successful applicant will be required to undertake checks and a probationary period.

Being a woman is a genuine occupational qualification under Section 31 of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act.

Applications should be submitted via Ethical Jobs via the "Apply Now" button.

For further information about this position, please contact us via the Women Illawarra website here: www.womenillawarra.org.au/contact