Family Domestic Violence Advocate

ABOUT OVIS COMMUNITY SERVICES

For more than three decades our organisation has been the primary provider of family and Domestic Violence services in the Peel region.

We strive to empower people to live safer lives by approaching family and Domestic Violence services from a holistic, person-centred perspective.  Using knowledge, proven expertise and a values-driven approach we support people to create a better tomorrow for themselves and their family.

We are deeply connected to our community and collaborate with partners to sustainably provide programs that empower people to live a life free of violence and abuse. 

POSITION IDENTIFICATION

TITLE:                       Family and Domestic Violence Advocate 

AWARD:                    Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services 

                                   Industry Award

CONTRACT:             Full Time 12 month contract

RATE OF PAY:          Level 4

HOURS OF WORK 

FDV Advocate will work 38 hours a week.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Team Leader
• Operations Manager 
• Chief Executive Officer

ROLE OF THE POSITION

• Provide comprehensive trauma informed, client focused support, advocacy and assistance for women with or without accompanying children who have experienced family and Domestic Violence and are experiencing complex needs including mental illness or harm from alcohol or other drugs. 
• Provide a safe and secure Case Management for all clients living in all of the Peel region.
• There will be travel within the Peel Region.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES

General Responsibilities

• Provide a client focused case management for women with or without children who have experienced family and Domestic Violence with complex needs issues including mental illness or harm from alcohol or other drugs.  
• To provide support, advocacy and referrals with a therapeutic, trauma informed client focus.
• Provide clients with advocacy support with their appointments in line with their case management.
• To provide outreach to all areas within the Peel region.
• Provide family and Domestic Violence education to clients.
• Network and link with other service providers to provide a client focused collaborative support.
• Provide therapeutic and practical programs and activities to clients and their children at Pinjarra Womens Centre.
• Represent OVIS on committees or relevant community groups as required.
• Work alongside clients to ensure a positive journey through client empowerment, education and independence.
• Maintain a safe and secure environment for clients in accordance with WHS policies as outlined in Policies and Procedures
• Operate within OVIS’ ethics, policy, procedures and guidelines.
• Participate in agency meetings, training and team building
• Participate in service development and planning
• Other duties as directed

Professional Development

• Maintain own professional development through participation in supervision and relevant education and training
• Participate in the support of students on placement
• Provide input into workplace development planning 

Administration

• Respond to telephone and onsite inquiries
• Attend regular staff meetings 
• Maintain relevant case notes
• Document clearly all details required for emergency relief, petty cash and other monies
• Liaise with trade people in the maintenance and upkeep of the Refuge premises when requested

Comply with legislative requirements and procedures in relation to:

• Workplace Health and Safety and Risk Management
• Code of Professional Behaviour
• Domestic Violence best practice
• Equal Opportunity Act
• Work in a team with shared case management responsibilities.
• Other duties as directed by Management.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential Criteria

• Bachelors qualified in a Social Work, Psychology or Counselling or relevant degree. 
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the issues affecting women and children who have experienced family and Domestic Violence.
• Demonstrated experience working with clients with complex issues such as mental health and drugs and alcohol.
• Understanding of trauma informed practice and client centred ways of working. 
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and work autonomously within a team environment.
• Well-developed communication, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Knowledge and understanding of issues facing first nations people. 
• Knowledge and understanding of issues facing culturally and linguistically diverse people.
• Demonstrated knowledge and practice of confidentiality.
• Computer literacy

APPOINTMENT FACTORS

• National Police Clearance.
• Working with Children Check
• Australian working rights 
• Current “C” Class Driver’s License
• Current First Aid

Please apply as soon as possible. OVIS reserves the right to fill the roles prior to the closing date. 

Please submit application via the Seek website. 

For further information, contact Katrina at ***************@ovis.org.au