Residential Support Practitioner

The Whitsunday Counselling and Support Inc has been providing support and advocacy to people impacted by domestic and family violence and sexual assault for over 30 years in the Whitsunday region.  We provide a range of programs to service users and the community aimed at reducing the impact and incidence of community, domestic, family, and sexual violence in the Whitsunday region. 

The services provided by Whitsunday Counselling & Support Inc include supported accommodation programs, a sexual violence program, a specialist counselling service, intensive family support and women’s health and wellbeing program, court support, and specialist family counselling. 

Whitsunday Counselling and Support Inc uses a respectful, developmentally appropriate, culturally appropriate and non-judgmental approach. 

Our services are primarily funded by the Department of Child, Youth and Multicultural Affairs, the Department of Housing & Public Works, and the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.

Position Objectives:

• This position involves the provision of practical support to individuals and their families that will advance the family’s goals and plans while they are being supported within the residential service environment. 
• Provide quality accommodation, court support and case management services to women and children experiencing or escaping domestic and family violence.
• Ensure the accommodation pre-arranged for individuals and families is fully equipped, welcoming and clean.
• Support case managers with family’s case plans where practical. 
• Assist in the day-to-day operations of the residential service delivery programs.

Position Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities of the position are inclusive of, but not limited to, the following: 

• Assist in the day-to-day operations of the residential service delivery programs.
• Collaborate with case managers to determine what practical tasks are required to be completed in advance for families exiting a unit, or entering a unit.
• Ensure required products/stock items are in supply and easily accessible 
• Complete regular maintenance checks of the residential units. 
• Ensure the residential units are clean and free from health and safety hazards.
• Report any health and safety hazards to the refuge coordinator.
• Promote continuous quality improvement and safety initiatives.
• Participate in professional development including training, appraisals, professional development plans. 
• Actively engage in supervision.
• Positively represent the Whitsunday Counselling & Support Inc when attending stakeholder meetings or representing WCS to the community.

Applicants must have a current Queensland Blue Card before commencing employment with Whitsunday Counselling and Support Inc. 

• Current drivers’ licence
• Current first aid certificate is desirable 

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Knowledge and understanding of the impact that domestic and family violence may have on women and children. 
• Knowledge and understanding of trauma informed practice.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to multi-task.
• Have knowledge and understanding of working with and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons, and appreciation that it may take time to develop and build rapport with Indigenous persons.
• Knowledge and understanding of LGTBIQ persons who may be supported within the residential service. 
• Experience providing support to individuals and family’s who may be experiencing mental health issues, drug and alcohol issues, or legal issues.

Organisational Responsibilities:

• Adhere to the Code of Conduct in a manner that is consistent with both its' spirit and intent..
• Adhere to all organisational policies, procedures, standards and practices.
• Act only in ways that advances WCS objectives, values and reputation.
• Participate in meetings, community events, networking opportunities. 
• Actively apply human right legislation and child safe practices in all activities undertaken.
• Perform other duties, consistent with skills and experience, as directed by the reporting manager.

Work Environment  

Outlined below are the periods of hours generally worked; however, the Refuge Co-Ordinator, the Manager of Counselling Services & WCS Management Committee reserve the right to vary these hours in order to meet the requirements of the business. 

• Office hours operate between 9 am- 5 pm, ordinary business hours; however, at times, you will be required to work outside of the ordinary hours, between 8 am and 6 pm to best meet your service user's needs. 
• Flexible working hours will be considered, and toil is available. 
• Salary sacrificing options are available which may greatly increase remuneration.
• WCS Inc is located in Cannonvale, with an additional office in Bowen. The regional centres which are covered the organisation include but are not limited to, Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Bowen and Collinsville. Travel to any of these locations may be required.
• Probation period is 6 months

It is a 0.6 FTE role 22.8 hours per week.