Women and Children's Advocate

MSS has an opportunity for Women and Children’s Advocate to join our Connected Families team in a permanent part-time capacity, working in our Taree office. 

Permanent Part-time Contract 24 hours per week

About the Role

The Women and Children’s Advocate will work with and support the partners and ex-partners of the male participants of the MSS domestic violence intervention program called ‘Taking Responsibility’. This role will also include providing support to other Women and children experiencing domestic violence and facilitating support groups. This role is currently funded by the Department of Communities and Justice.

Tasks and responsibilities 

The role includes:

• Supporting Women and children encountering domestic and family violence
• Taking a blended focus to case management, group work, and the facilitation of domestic violence programs
• Applying person-centred, trauma informed practice and strength-based approaches to working with clients
• Maintaining accurate client records
• Assessing the risks to victims, and the needs of children and other family members
• Providing family members with relevant services
• Working closely with the ‘Taking Responsibility’ facilitators
• Engaging in community-related Domestic Violence meetings and events 

What do we offer?

MSS offers a supportive and inclusive work environment which includes:

• Flexible work environment with a positive work culture
• Secure employment in a growing organisation with excellent remuneration
• Salary Packaging up to $15,899 p.a. as well as a Meal and Entertainment card up to $2650 pa
• Bonus Annual Leave (3 days p.a. pro rata)

Selection Criteria

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Tertiary qualification in social work, psychology or related social science disciplines, or other related tertiary qualification; and/or minimum three years’ experience in the domestic and family violence field (DFV)
• Demonstrated understanding of, and experience in, responding within a trauma-informed framework
• At least two years' experience in the provision of group work
• Skills in intake assessment and risk and safety assessment for women who have experienced family violence
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with a proven track record in developing effective working relationships with Women and children, government and non-government agencies, external stakeholders and other staff
• Ability to manage caseload, including clearly assigned responsibility for tasks and decisions, setting clear objectives and measures, and monitoring processes and safety
• Highly developed administrative, organisational, and time management skills
• Current WWCC and criminal record checks 
• Current First Aid and CPR
• Current NSW driver's license

How to Apply

All candidates must send through a cover letter and resume. Your application must address each of the selection criteria. Candidates that do not follow these steps will not be considered. Applications close 2nd May 2024 

About MSS

MSS is a well-established, growing, community service organisation, that has been operating on the Mid North coast for more than 40 years. MSS is a multi-service not-for-profit with a mission to enhance the quality of people's lives by providing services which enable them to live with dignity and respect.

Further information and position description

For a full position description for this role please email: hr@mssinc.org.au

Please contact Tenille Harris on 02 6551 1800  if you have any questions about the role.

We encourage and welcome applications from First Nations Australians, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities.