Refuge Case Worker
Multiple Part-time Positions Available| Katanning

This role involves some after-hours and shift work, with exact times and hours negotiable to suit both the team and the successful applicant

Make a Real Impact at Palmerston Association

Since 1980, Palmerston has been a leader in AOD support across WA, helping people improve their wellbeing. We offer specialised services in alcohol and other drug treatment, mental health, and wellbeing, through counselling, group support, residential rehabilitation, and education—reaching communities across the Perth metro, Peel, South West, and Great Southern regions.

About the Role

Here’s your opportunity to be part of a passionate, purpose-driven team that’s making a genuine difference every day.

The Refuge Case Worker will play a central role in delivering family and domestic violence (FDV) accommodation and support services in Katanning and the Central Great Southern region. The service will provide safe refuge and holistic support to up to five women at a time—along with any accompanying children—who are at risk of or experiencing family and domestic violence.

Working within a trauma-informed, client-centred framework, the Case Worker will support women and children through crisis, recovery, and transition, facilitating case management, advocacy, therapeutic support, and group programs. The role involves close collaboration with Palmerston staff and Kadadjiny Aboriginal Corporation, whose cultural leadership will ensure service delivery reflects local context. The Refuge Case Worker will also work in partnership with a range of external agencies to promote integrated, culturally safe, and sustainable outcomes for clients.

📌 This role is classified at Level 1 under the Social and Community Services and Crisis Accommodation Services Industry Award 2010.

This role requires confidence, compassion, and a steady presence. Working alongside vulnerable individuals means facing complex situations, high emotions, and occasional setbacks. That’s why we’re looking for someone who embodies compassion, connection, acceptance, and respect—someone who can offer unwavering support while maintaining the ability to navigate difficult moments with confidence and care. With a commitment to excellence in service, you’ll provide the stability and encouragement that empowers individuals on their journey toward change.

What We’re Looking For

You’re more than your qualifications—you’re someone who brings heart, empathy, professionalism and a strong commitment to supporting clients in improving their wellbeing. The ideal candidate will meet the following selection criteria:

Relevant education or qualifications in social, behavioural or health sciences, or significant experience at an equivalent level.

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the issues affecting women and children who have experienced domestic/family violence.

Sound understanding of trauma-informed practice, including the impact of complex trauma on individuals and families.

Proven capacity to navigate interagency systems (e.g. housing, legal aid, health, Centrelink) to support clients' goals.

Strong crisis response skills, including risk assessment, safety planning, and de-escalation techniques.

Cultural competence and the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including documentation of case notes, reports, and care plans.

This position is open to female applicants only, in accordance with Section 27 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), as the occupant’s gender is a genuine occupational qualification.

Why Join Us?

At Palmerston, we value people—our clients, our communities, and our staff. Here’s what you can look forward to:

✨ Great Benefits:

Salary packaging up to $15,900 + $2,650 for meals/entertainment

5 days of life & wellness leave (pro rata)

9 weeks paid parental leave for the primary carer

2 weeks paid partner leave for non-primary carers

Option to purchase an additional week of leave each year

Partial access to long service leave after 5 years

Flexible, family-friendly work arrangements

17.5% annual leave loading (award-based staff)

5 days paid gender affirmation leave

🌏 Inclusive Culture:

Cultural leave (2 paid + 8 unpaid days) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff

Staff-led working groups (RAP, Rainbow, Environmental, Disability Access & Inclusion)

Aboriginal Staff Forum to connect and collaborate

Our annual Big Day Out brings staff together from all sites to relax, connect and celebrate our work

We’re Rainbow Tick accredited—the first and only AOD provider in WA to achieve this!

How to Apply

Ready to bring your passion to Palmerston? We’d love to hear from you.

Click “Apply” on Seek! Or, if its more convenient for you, drop off your application at one of our sites.
Be sure to include:

Your resume

A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

Answers to all application questions

⏳ Applications close: 20 June 2025
We’re reviewing applications as they come in—so don’t wait!

A Few Final Details

You’ll need a valid WA Working with Children Check and a National Police Clearance (issued within the last 3 months) or willing to obtain.

📞 Got questions? Contact Tina Edwards-Pope at 08 9892 2100 or email [email protected]

Diversity makes us stronger. We seek and welcome diversity and a breadth of experience and backgrounds in our teams. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and people who identify as LGBTIQ+ are encouraged to apply.

We are committed to creating and maintaining a child-safe environment. We uphold the highest standards of child safety, report concerns, and act in the best interests of children and young people at all times.

If you would like to have a yarn on what it’s like to work at Palmerston as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander employee at Palmerston please contact Wayne Ryder on 08 9399 5344 or [email protected].