We have an exciting opportunity for a FDVA Assessment Specialist to join our residential Breathing Space Men’s Behaviour Change Program, working to make a positive change in the FDVA sector.

Breathing Space Program

The Breathing Space program is specifically designed for men who choose to use violence and abuse in their relationships with partners or family members. Delivered in a secure and supportive therapeutic setting, the program offers a combination of educational group work, informal counselling, individual case management, and advocacy.

By taking this approach, Breathing Space helps ensure that victim-survivors, including children, can remain in their homes and stay connected to their support networks, prioritizing their safety and well-being.

The Role

The FDVA Assessment Specialist conducts comprehensive screening, triage, and risk and needs assessments for all incoming referrals to the Communicare Breathing Space (CBS) program. This role proactively engages with internal and external stakeholders to ensure referral and information management systems are maintained to a high standard of accuracy and quality.

This position will be offered located in Calista on a permanent full-time basis working 76 hours per fortnight. Occasional travel may be required to conduct face to face assessments in prisons.

Who Are We?

Since opening our doors in 1977, our passion for delivering high quality, people-focused support services has continued to flourish. In May 2020, we became the new custodian of White Ribbon Australia, establishing a national footprint for the organisation.

We remain committed to growing a workforce that celebrates diversity and seeks to inspire and empower the people we serve.

While we’ve changed a lot over the past 45 years, our values – Everyone is welcome, Doing what we say, Above and beyond, and Stronger together– remain at the very heart of everything we do.

If you would like to find out more about Communicare and this program, please visit our website via https://www.communicare.org.au/

Selection Criteria

• Tertiary qualification in a Social Work, Counselling or Psychology with a specialisation in Family Violence, and/or significant experience working in the Family and Domestic Violence and Abuse Sector.
• Advanced intake, family violence risk assessment and safety planning, case planning and referrals, and client advocacy skills.
• Intermediate administrative skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Advanced organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing tasks.
• Advanced communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with individuals, groups and service providers.
• Intermediate negotiation and influencing skills.
• Intermediate skills in managing crisis and emotional distress.
• Ability to manage self-care, reflective practice and resilience with quality and responsive service provision
• Ability to respond to challenging behaviours and an understanding of the origins of these behaviours when working with clients.
• Cultural competency to engage effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and people with disabilities.
• Knowledge and understanding of Family and Domestic Violence and Abuse and working with Family Safety.
• Knowledge in developmental and psychosocial issues.
• Awareness of risk management and case management principles, particularly in relation to Family and Domestic Violence and Abuse.
• Unrestricted drivers’ licence.
• Satisfactory Police clearance (not older than 6 months from the issue date).
• Working With Children Check.
• Willingness to obtain a Department of Justice Clearance if required.

What we can offer you

• Generous NFP salary packaging opportunities (option to package up to $15,900 for general living expenses and an additional $2,650 for entertainment benefits per annum).
• Extra Leave - 5 days of extra paid leave per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Paid parental leave policy.
• Family Domestic Violence and Abuse (FDVA) leave, financial assistance and structured support for any employees who have experienced FDVA incidents.
• Discounted Health Insurance with HBF.
• Free, confidential counselling services through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Annual Flu Vaccination Program.

How to apply
Please submit a resume and a cover letter that addresses our Selection Criteria. Applications close 13th April 2025.

Communicare encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and people living with disabilities.

Short listing will commence immediately. We reserve the right to close the position without notice. Unsolicited resumes and contact from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.