Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Worker (DFVS)

Taree NSW

Full Time

Taree Office

Salary range: SCHCADS L5

Flexible working conditions, salary packing available, plus leave loading

We are seeking a Domestic and Family Violence Specialist worker to join the Taree office Mid Coast Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy (WDVCAS).

At Mid Coast WDVCAS, we are committed to supporting women and children experiencing domestic and family violence through trauma-informed, client-centred advocacy. Our values underpin our work, ensuring safety, respect, collaboration, empowerment and accountability in every aspect of service delivery.

The DFV Specialist Worker provides specialist support to WDVCAS clients who are experiencing domestic and family violence. This role is integral to enhancing client safety and wellbeing ensuring effective coordination with stakeholders and ensuring compliance with WDVCAP policies and procedures.

This position is open to female applicants only.

Being a woman is a genuine occupational qualification for this position under s.31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)

Aboriginal and Torres Islander women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key responsibilities of this role

Client Support and Risk Assessment

Accept electronic referrals from DFV Connect and non-electronic referrals from government and non-government agencies.

Contact clients referred to the WDVCAS in a timely manner conducting threat assessments to determine risk status and undertaking safety planning to address immediate safety needs.

Provide relevant information and make warm referrals to service providers to assist clients with their ongoing needs.

Address the safety and wellbeing of children and young people through child-aware practices during intake risk assessment and safety planning including making referrals as required.

Liaise with the Safety Action Meeting (SAM) Coordinator to ensure all clients assessed as ‘at serious threat’ are placed on the agenda for the next SAM as necessary.

Liaise with clients regarding Safety Action Plans developed at SAMs and ensure follow-up of support services provided by the WDVCAS.

Court Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

Attend court on AVO list days and as required to provide information, assistance, and court advocacy for WDVCAS clients as directed by the WDVCAS Manager

Ensure the safety of WDVCAS clients at court by advocating on their behalf with court staff and sheriffs’ officers to assist them in and out of court.

Ensure women have access to appropriate legal representation for AVO matters if required and referrals for other legal advice.

Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key WDVCAS partners including the NSW Police Force, Local Courts, legal representatives and referral agencies to facilitate client access to support.

Compliance and Service Coordination

Comply with the SAM Manual and the Domestic Violence Information Sharing Protocol.

Fulfil reporting requirements for DFV Connect and performance reports in line with the WDVCAP Service Agreement the WDVCAP Policy and Procedure Manual and the SAM Manual.

Contribute to the preparation of appropriate resources and referral materials for the service.

Professional Development and Representation

Attend relevant professional development activities training and team meetings which may require travel at times.

Attend regular supervision and contribute to reflective practice.

Represent the WDVCAS service in a professional and positive manner at all times.

Essential Criteria,

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field such as Social Work/ Social Science/Counselling.

A minimum of 1 years’ experience working with women and their children in domestic violence i.e. domestic and family violence specialist role.

Strong understanding of domestic and family violence, its complexities and consequences.

Understanding of intersectionality between social issues and domestic and family violence, in particular the barriers that women may face when seeking assistance.

Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with clients in crisis and work from a trauma informed approach that is person-centred and non-judgemental.

Knowledge of related legal matters such as family law, care and protection, migration, and victim’s compensation issues.

Knowledge of relevant local services to ensure appropriate referrals are made to address clients’ ongoing social welfare and legal needs.

Ability to work well independently, including good time management and task prioritisation skills.

Proficient information technology and data entry skills, and the ability to use word processing software including Outlook, Word, Excel, databases, and master online platforms easily.

Current driver’s license, reliable insured vehicle, and capacity to use your own vehicle for work purposes. All work kilometres will be reimbursed.

The preferred applicant will be required to undergo a Working with Children Check and a National Police Record Check.

How to Apply:

Do not forward you application via Seek as it will not be considered.

You must email your Resume, a Cover letter, and provide your answers to each of the essential criteria listed above.

Applications that do not address the essential criteria will not be considered.

Submit your application by emailing to

[email protected]

Applications will close when the position is filled