Specialist Family Violence Practitioner

Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that is dedicated to delivering quality specialist Alcohol and Drug Treatment, Housing and Homeless and other services to meet the needs of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People and their families. Our services operate across Victoria

The Job

Specialist Family Violence Practitioners work with victim survivors and their children to identify both immediate and medium-term goals with the focus on reducing risk, regaining control, and setting a course for healing and recovery. The practitioner is to develop case plans that document the plan and goals for the support period are developed with victim survivors. This role is critical in providing direct support to victim survivors.

Responsibilities include:

• To treat and support clients with Family Violence related issues
• Liaise with the community and various agencies and provide referrals
• Provide referrals to culturally appropriate agencies, resources and funds and accommodation assistance.
• Assist and co-ordinate the client intake and reporting process using the Ngwala SHS Assessment Tool
• Assist clients to make and review their individual treatment plans (ITPs) and support clients to achieve set goals
• Advocate on behalf of clients where appropriate (this may include attending court, etc.)
• Regularly contact client regarding treatment, care and discharge planning
• Co-ordinate casework plans, to include initial contact, assessment, case plans, reviews and exit plans.

• Undertake a comprehensive risk assessment during the initial assessment, and periodically as necessary.
• Provide individual assessments and therapeutic counselling and group work (as per the Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP) guidelines).
• Support the delivery of clinical services and any group-work (as required) for survivors and their children involved in Family Violence.
• Inform clients about crime-victim rights, Domestic Violence Protection Orders and civil-law options.
• Provide regular and ongoing face-to-face contact with clients at locations they feel most safe and comfortable.
• Complete the Safety Plan Form and review it as needed (including immediate needs and threats) with clients (and their dependents) following a Family Violence incident.
• Correspond with and assist Victorian Police and clients in Family Violence matters where necessary.
• Perform other duties, which are incidental and peripheral to the main duties

About the Perks

• Full time position
• Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Level 4
• NFP Salary Packaging Benefits up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment
• Work for a dynamic, family-friendly and inclusive NFP organisation
• Opportunity to perform work that impacts the quality of lives in the community

Your Skills and Experience

• Appropriate tertiary qualifications in Social Work or other relevant discipline at certificate level or above.
• Relevant experience working in the community services sector in Family Violence services
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal history and/or culture and commitment to the Aboriginal community
• Good organisation and time management skills
• Skills in working independently, generally within defined guidelines, and as a team member
• Willingness and ability to work within and contribute to the vision, purpose and core values of the organisation.
• Able to develop positive relationships with clients and work within a fast paced environment
• A high level of organization skills and attention to details
• First Aid (desirable)

Mandatory Certifications

• Satisfactory National Police Check (International if applicable)
• Victorian Employment Working With Children's Check
• Driver's License

If this sounds like you, please provide the following:

• A cover letter outlining why you would be a great fit for this role
• A resume which outlines your educational and employment background

*Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit pre-employment checks including a Police Check (no older than 3 months), Victorian Employment Working with Children Check, Health Declaration and/or a medical check as well as right to work in Australia Check.

Employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People at Ngwala is integral to keeping our services culturally aligned so we strongly encourage Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander People to apply for this role and others as they become available