Nova for Women and Children is seeking a passionate and dedicated Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Case Worker to work within the DVRE Project funded by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) on a fixed term basis ending June 2026.

About us and what we offer

Nova for Women and Children is a leading community services organisation that provides interim, transitional and outreach support and crisis accommodation options to women and children across the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness or who are escaping family and domestic violence.

Nova for Women and Children is the amalgamation of Eva's Project, Lower Hunter Women's Housing and Eastlake's Women's and Children's Refuge and has been operating in Newcastle for approximately 38 years. In 2018, Nova for Women and Children were awarded the Australia Day Community Group of the Year Award from Newcastle City Council.

Nova for Women and Children offers a supportive culture and attractive conditions of employment, including:

• above Award salary and conditions;
• 9 day per fortnight working patter;
• weekly wellbeing hour;
• ongoing professional development opportunities;
• thank you days;
• preventative leave;
• salary packaging benefits; and
• Employee Assistance Program.

About the role

This is a contracted position, ending June 2026.

In the role of DFV Case Worker, you will work within the DVRE Project as the initial point of contact for women, with or without children, who require an immediate response to a domestic violence incident. This role will also provide case management support outside the DVRE Project. Reporting to a Team leader, your day-to-day tasks and responsibilities will include:

• act as the first point of contact for women and children who access the DVRE project, including but not limited to phone support counselling while a referral is being sourced in immediate response to a domestic violence;
• Use the Domestic Violence Safety Assessment Tool (DVSAT) to assess the level of threat to the woman and her children and provide the most appropriate response, including the development and implementation of safety plans.
• undertaking person-centred care, strength-based case management for housing goals, wellbeing, community participation and family support;
• Prepare for and participate in fortnightly Safety Action Meetings facilitated by WDVCAS.
• case work such as provided tailored tenancy information, appropriate referrals, and guidance to facilitate self-advocacy and positive outcomes for clients;
• applying your case work expertise with other team members on complex matters;
• develop and implement support plans for participants and their children that support independent living skills and support networks; and
• developing and maintaining relationships with external and external stakeholders including government departments, real estate agents and private accommodation providers.

About you

• Experience providing high-quality, holistic and woman focused case management.
• Experience and understanding of domestic violence with families and relationships.
• Experience working with vulnerable woman and children and maintain strong skills in the assessment of risk and safety.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Ability to work from Nova sites located in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
• Participate in the on-call roster as required from time to time.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology and/or related behavioural sciences, or equivalent experience.
• National Police Check.
• Current NSW Driver’s Licence.
• Working With Children Check.

Being female is a genuine occupational qualification as per section 31(2) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). Prior to an offer of employment, you will be required to have a current driver’s licence and Working with Children Check.

COVID-19 Vaccination is a condition of employment in accordance with Nova's COVID-19 Management Plan.

How to apply

You must request an information pack by emailing [email protected] with DFV Case Worker in the subject line.

Applications can be submitted by emailing [email protected] including DFV Case Worker Application in the subject line. In order to progress your application, it must include:

• Cover Letter addressing the General Position Requirements outlined in the information pack
• Resume

Confidential enquiries can be made to Nova on 4023 5620 or by emailing [email protected].

Applications via SEEK will not be accepted.

Interviews will be taking place as applications are received.

Nova welcomes and encourages women of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and Culturally and Linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply.