Social Workers at Gladstone Women’s Health play a vital role in delivering trauma-informed, client-centered counselling and support to women experiencing domestic and family violence, sexual violence, and general wellbeing. This position provides professional counselling, case management, women’s advocacy, and referral services to empower and support women in crisis, ensuring they have access to the resources and assistance necessary for safety, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.

The role involves working collaboratively with internal teams, external agencies, and community services to provide holistic and comprehensive support. The Social Worker will facilitate individual counselling sessions, develop tailored support plans, and advocate for systemic change to improve outcomes for women in the Gladstone region.

Key Responsibilities

Service Delivery

• Undertake risk assessments and safety planning that promote the ongoing safety of women and children.

• Deliver crisis intervention and case management services to women impacted by domestic and family violence.

• Provide information and appropriate referrals for women about supports available within the broader community and service system.

• Provide advocacy for and with women to achieve positive outcomes for them with other service providers and systems stakeholders.

• Appropriately manage and respond to all referrals, which will come from internal and external stakeholders.

• Work with the men’s behaviour change program facilitators for the safety of victim-survivors.

• Actively engage in integrative/collaborative work practices. Maintain confidentiality and duty of care, including identification of family and domestic violence and suicidality.

• Maintain current knowledge of legislative, policy and operational matters related to domestic, family and sexual violence.

Team and Collaboration

• Commitment to evaluation and monitoring and contributing to evidence-based service improvement.

• Positive involvement and contribution in Centre team meetings.

• Contribute to the tone and culture of the Centre, model and promote team-based values and behaviours and continually seek to enhance the capability and qualitative aspects of the Centre.

• Proven ability to initiate, implement and complete continuous improvement and service delivery development activities.

• Ensure that individuals are valued and respected and that care initiatives aim to promote independence and client self-determination.

• Model behaviours that reinforce open, honest and professional communication with stakeholders and peers.

• Effectively communicate with all Centre employees and peers.

• Foster a positive workplace culture through exemplary practice and leadership behaviours.• Work independently and in collaboration with team members to provide support to participants and the GWHC team.

• Project and promote the image of the Centre as being efficient, courteous, and client/customer-based focus.

• All staff employed by the Centre will be privy to sensitive and confronting conversations regularly. In addition to the training and support provided by the employer, the incumbent will be supported to facilitate and engage in intentional self-care.

• Commit to authentic person-centred supervision and professional development related to practice.

• Ensure the integrity of data and information available to clients and centre staff while adhering to client confidentiality and privacy principles.

Reporting

• Ensure that all client files are completed to a high standard and that all relevant documentation is recorded and stored according to organisational policies and procedures.

• Advise on any identified risks and work toward mitigating them.

• Collate client feedback.

Selection Criteria/Skills and Knowledge

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work.

• At least 2 years experience working directly with women who have experienced complex domestic and family violence, including the skills to assess risk and safety and provide appropriate support, including the provision of crisis interventions.

• A thorough understanding of the complex issues affecting women, children and young people who have experienced domestic and family violence and an understanding of DFV dynamics and the impact on the individual and the family.

• Demonstrated aptitude in working with complex and important matters, sound judgement and ability to prioritise competing demands.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport and foster harmonious and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Knowledge and skills to ensure the provision of trauma-informed services to clients.

• Knowledge and skills to ensure the provision of culturally, gender and age-appropriate services to clients.

• Knowledge regarding feminist practice and its application in working against both domestic & family violence and perpetrator intervention programs.

• Working knowledge of the Domestic & Family Violence Protection Act 2012 and court and legislative proceedings related to the Act.

• Experience and skills in gender-based violence risk assessment, trauma-informed practice, safety planning, crisis support and system advocacy.

• Excellent communication skills, particularly in negotiation, advocacy, and conflict resolution. Understanding of the impact of violence on victims/survivors, its complexities, and consequences.

• Understanding the impact of violence and its effect on men and children and sensitivity to their needs, in particular those of men who are isolated, newly arrived and/or refugee men, men from multicultural backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, men who identify as LGBTIQ and men living with a disability.

• Demonstrated quality case note writing skills.

• Demonstrated understanding of particular needs and challenges clients face, ability to engage effectively with clients in crises and provide appropriate, trauma-informed support.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with key stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as part of a team and use initiative.

• Ability to deliver services in accordance with policies, principles, and other operational documents.

• Organisation and planning skills for managing and prioritising competing demands in a complex working environment.

• Ability to manage stressful work environments, including exposure to people who have experienced abuse, trauma, and neglect.

• Experience in working with personal and sensitive information and maintaining confidentially.

• Proficient in the use of technology, including but not limited to Microsoft Office skills such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Current driver’s licence.

Desirable

Previous experience in Human Services Quality Framework

About Gladstone Women’s Health Centre

Gladstone Women’s Health Centre (GWHC) is a highly respected, not-for-profit charity organisation overseen by a management committee comprising women with diverse skills, qualifications, and dedication to lead the organisation’s direction and success over time.

Established in 1992, the organisation has remained committed to its founding goals of empowering and improving the overall health and wellbeing of women of the Gladstone Region, while growing to be the leading support organisation for women; especially those who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing domestic and family violence, and sexual abuse.

NFP Salary Packaging available - upto $15,900 tax-free to increase your take-home pay.

Governance

• Understanding the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012, Child Protection Act 1999, and Child Protection Reform Amendment Act 2017.

• Understanding the definitions and provisions of domestic and family violence in the Family Law Act 1975.

• Understanding the Domestic and Family Violence Services practice principles, standards, and guidance.

• Understanding the Domestic and Family Violence Information Sharing Guidelines 2017 and Information Sharing Guidelines 2018.

• Ensuring the integrity of data and information available to clients and centre staff while adhering to client confidentiality and data privacy principles.

• Compliance with the GHWC’s Code of Conduct.

Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)

• All staff are required to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of other personnel who may be affected by their conduct.

• WHS responsibilities are applicable to positions as outlined in the GWHC WHS policy.

• These include general staff responsibilities as well as additional responsibilities that apply to Managers, Supervisors, and other Personnel.

Additional Requirements

• Applicants must have the right to work in Australia;

• Applicants must have current Qld Working with Children Check – ‘Blue Card’.

• Social media and reference checks may be conducted prior to an offer of employment.

• Appointment is subject to a clear National Police Check.

Applications:

We are actively recruiting and will interview suitable candidates as applications are received.

Please include your CV and a short cover letter.

For more information or a confidential chat, contact Charmaine 0404 722 553