The South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS) is a non-Government Health Service based in Bunbury which provides a variety of health services to Aboriginal people in the South West of Western Australia. SWAMS delivers a wide range of community programs and has a strong growth strategy through partnership opportunities and future community development.

Our Family and Domestic Violence team supports families across the South West and are looking for a Community Support Officer to join their team. This role is based in Bunbury but may require some travel to our outreach clinics. The aim of this team is to provide quality, culturally secure case-management, advocacy, support and capacity building services to Aboriginal people. This position can be worked either full time or part time (.08 hours).

About the Role:

• Work closely with the SWAMS Maternal Child Health Team, The Social & Emotional Wellbeing Team, General Practitioners and Mental Health Team to identify, screen and assess the needs of women and families who are subjected to or at risk of being subjected to Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence.
• Work with identified women to plan intervention, provide information and refer to other support services as required.
• Attend safety planning meetings with Child Protection Services as an advocate and support for women and children.
• Initiate community awareness around Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence and promote equal and respectful relationships.
• Ensure the Aboriginal community are aware of crisis support services and helplines available to them and remain connected to service providers through technology –based service delivery methods.
• Provide a culturally secure and holistic response to FDSV including case management and wrap around support to families affected by FDSV.
• Work collaboratively to provide a coordinated service delivery to provide wrap around intervention to keep women and children safe and manage risks associated with FDSV.
• Provide education and opportunity to reduce the harmful effects of FDSV and improve resilience and wellbeing.

Desirable Criteria:

• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent are strongly encouraged to apply
• A certificate or tertiary qualification in Community Services, or Mental Health, or Social Work, or similar field.
• Demonstrated experience or understanding of working with Aboriginal people.
• Demonstrated understanding of the inter-generational impacts of family domestic violence.
• Demonstrated experience of providing culturally appropriate advocacy and support services to families, children and individuals, specifically in relation to family domestic violence.

About SWAMS

Along with a supportive and passionate team to work with you will also have access to other benefits at SWAMS which includes:

• Up to $18,550 salary packaging options
• 17.5% leave loading - more money for your holidays
• Uniforms provided
• Cars provided for any work trips required (not personal use)
• Generous leave allowances

To apply please either submit your cover letter and resume via this platform or email to [email protected]. If you have any questions please call (08) 9797 8111.