Bilingual Family Violence Case Worker

Bilingual Family Violence Case Worker POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position: Bilingual (Cantonese and/or Mandarin and English speaking) Family Violence Case Worker Classification In accordance with the IWDVS Employee Union Collective Agreement, 2007. The rate paid is above the SACS Award level. Tenure: Permanent part-time; 4 days per week (30.4 hours per week). Status: This is an ongoing position subject to funding. Provision for Time-in-lieu and Flexi time and overtime will apply upon approval of the Direct Services Manager. Equal Opportunity A23/2008 Exemption Role: Family Violence Case Worker Reports To: Chief Executive Officer Responsible To: Direct Services Manager Organisational Context

The Immigrant Women’s Domestic Violence Service (IWDVS) is a statewide service provider assisting domestic violence and other organizations, in delivering culturally appropriate services through case management and co-case management to assist immigrant women escaping and/or experiencing domestic violence. In addition to this function is the provision of information and advocacy on issues affecting immigrant women.

The Board is the governing body of the organization which establishes the strategic direction and monitoring of board-level policies. The Board works in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer to ensure that its objective and goals are achieved.

Philosophy IWDVS recognizes that immigrant women whose origins are from countries where English is not the first language encounter social isolation and structural inequities. The experience of domestic violence compounds the situation of marginalization. It limits their access to culturally relevant and appropriate services.

IWDVS Family Violence Case Worker Page 1 of 10 Family Violence Reform In 2005/06 the Victorian State Government undertook a reform of the Family Violence Services across the state resulting in a redeveloped service system with an emphasis on integration of services, expanded choices for housing and support, immediate response to incidents both during the day and after hours, increased counselling and support for women and children and behaviour change programs for men. As a statewide organization, IWDVS is a part of the family violence system in Victoria. As such, we work in partnership with family violence specialist services across the state. Furthermore we post caseworkers to work in areas with high proportions of culturally diverse communities in order to be accessible to CALD women and children within their local community.

The Immigrant Women’s Domestic Violence Service is comprised of an Intake Service, Casework/Limited Outreach, Court Support, Intensive Case Management and Complex Casework, group counseling and support for children, adolescents and women.

1. POSITION OBJECTIVES . To provide a range of support services and interventions to women and their children who have experienced family violence. . To support women and their children for a period of up to approximately 13 weeks to ensure that all their relevant needs are identified, met and/or planned to be met through referral and planning processes. . To empower women to make informed choices for themselves and their children. . To assist women and their children to remain in safe accommodation within their local community and if this is not possible, support them to locate accommodation in an alternative location. . To provide confidential, professional, timely and relevant services to women. . To design and deliver effective community education to the community. . To work effectively with other relevant service providers to ensure an integrated response to family violence that is demonstrated by clear and consistent referral pathways, protocols and joint local initiatives. . Other duties as required.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

IWDVS Family Violence Case Worker Page 2 of 10 1. Direct Service Provision KPI 1: All clients have an individual case plan KPI 2: Appropriate clients are referred for Intensive Case Management KPI 3: Accurate documentation maintained in required format and within the required timeframe

1.1 Engage with clients in accordance with accepted procedure. 1.2 Identify client needs through the undertaking of a comprehensive risk assessment. 1.3 Develop and monitor appropriate and comprehensive safety plans with women and their children in accordance with their needs, ensuring that participants are actively involved in the planning process. 1.4 Coordinate the casework plan from initial contact, assessments, case planning, and review through to exit planning. 1.5 Provide occasional face-to-face contact with women and their children in offsite locations where they are most comfortable and safe (for example Centrelink or medical centre). Face-to-face contact offsite will need to be discussed with the Direct Services Manager before the appointment is set, due to risk and safety issues. Direct Services Manager or management team will have the final decision as to whether the visit will take place. It is preferable that any face-to-face contact is conducted onsite at the IWDVS office, in accordance with the IWDVS security policy. 1.6 Report to the Direct Services Manager or any member of the management team of any issues which may place the woman and/or children at any risk. 1.7 Accepting referrals from other services or organizations, in particular the police, courts, Child First or Child Protection and providing appropriate responses to such referrals. 1.8 Support and provide information to women who are the current or ex- partners of men who have been mandated or not, to attend men’s behaviour change programs. 1.9 Provision of advocacy on behalf of women and their children to ensure access to relevant services related to family & domestic violence support services, health, income security, mental health, drug & alcohol, legal, disability and housing support. 1.10 Occasional provision of court support work – outreach to a court to provide planned support to a woman attending the court for an Intervention Order or other relevant related matter. Once again this offsite support will have to be approved and reported to the Direct Service Manager or other members of the management team. 1.11 Intake work involving responding immediately to women in need of information, support, assessment or referral to another service. 1.12 Provision of specialized family & domestic violence secondary consultations to relevant individuals and organizations.

IWDVS Family Violence Case Worker Page 3 of 10 1.13 Implement the case plan and report progress to the Direct Services Manager. 1.14 Refer relevant case clients for Intensive Case Management. 1.15 Maintain the relevant documentation in accordance with IWDVS policies and procedures and Funding body requirements. 1.16 Collate and input relevant data as necessary. 1.17 As a Team Member participate in multicultural groups for women and children. 1.18 Attend and participate in required meetings. 1.19 Support and assist other team members as necessary. 1.20 Attend IWDVS meetings as required. 1.21 Attend supervision as a minimum once fortnightly or every three weeks. 1.22 Other duties as required.

2. Administrative Duties KPI 4: Comprehensive and timely reports are provided when required to the appropriate body KPI 5: All relevant files and data is maintained

2.1 Administration  Maintain concise, accurate records, including case notes, completed forms and reports as required according to program guidelines.  Maintain client files in a safe, secure place as per confidentiality policy.  Maintain accurate statistical data as required by DHS & SAAP.  Ensure that data reports are forwarded to the Direct Services Manager in accordance with timelines.  Provide monthly narrative reports to the Direct Services Manager.  Attend regular team meetings and other forums as required.  Undertake other duties as directed.

2.2 Program Development  Establish effective working relationships with partner and other agencies providing direct or indirect service support to women who have experienced family violence.  Participate in regional and statewide meetings or networks relevant to family violence issues in consultation with the Direct Services Manager.  Represent the program on relevant committees, groups, networks and peak bodies in consultation with the Direct Services Manager.  In conjunction with other team members undertake program promotion, presentations and other community education and training activities.  Help build and maintain effective working relationships with main referral bodies and key stakeholders.

IWDVS Family Violence Case Worker Page 4 of 10  Develop and maintain knowledge of the program philosophy and policies and the content of the Direct Service Guidelines.

3. Human Resource Management

KPI 6: Adheres to organizational HR policies

3.1 Promotes harmonious relationships between all staff, manages conflicts situations in a confidential and sensitive manner. 3.2 Adheres to organizational human resources policies and a hierarchal structure.

4. Communication

KPI 7: Maintains effective communication with the Executive Team and staff

4.1 Facilitates communication between all team members by ensuring comprehensive and accurate documentation. 4.2 Utilizes open communication to ensure that all staff are aware of matters relevant to their work. 4.3 Promotes a harmonious environment among staff. 4.4 Demonstrates flexibility and enthusiasm and supports the team process as required. 4.5 Actively participates in meetings. 4.6 Maintaining professional levels of communication with all internal and external stakeholders. 4.7 Informs the Management Team of any significant events.

5. Education/Professional Development

KPI 8: Maintains own knowledge and skills

5.1Maintains and improves own knowledge and skills through undertaking compulsory training and other training as required. 5.2Actively participates in education programs conducted by IWDVS.

6. Continuous Quality Improvement KPI 10: Through feedback mechanisms quality services are delivered to

IWDVS Family Violence Case Worker Page 5 of 10 stakeholders KP1 11: CQI activities adhere to CQI Plan

6.1 Actively participate in the Continuous Quality Improvement System and encourages and supports staff to contribute to CQI. 6.2 Demonstrates leadership through their own active participation in quality related activities and projects. 6.3 Ensure that own work practices and that of staff are consistent with IWDVS polices and procedures. 6.4 Maintains and promotes the Mission and Values of IWDVS. 6.5 Demonstrates sound knowledge of continuous quality improvement processes and actions feedback in a timely manner: e.g. audits/surveys. 6.6 Undertakes audits and participates in data collection consistent with requirements of the Continuous Improvement Plan.

7. Occupational Health & Safety

KPI 12: Health and Safety practices adhere to legislation and IWDVS policies and procedures

7.1 Attends fire safety training annually. 7.2 Ensures that staff practice is in accordance with IWDVS policy and legislative requirements in relation to Occupational Health and Safety practices.

IWDVS Family Violence Case Worker Page 6 of 10 2. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA 1. Qualifications: A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Human Services (Welfare), Social Sciences or working towards is essential. 2. Verbal and written fluency in English. 3. Demonstrated ability and acceptance of the need to work flexibly, responsively and professionally to the demands of case work, the program and a hierarchical organization. 4. Proven analytical skills and a capacity for good judgment. 5. Demonstrated understanding of the effects of violence and trauma on women and children/adolescents and an understanding of contemporary social welfare, legal and political responses to these issues. 6. Strong demonstrated experience in case management for women and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD). 7. Possess an understanding and awareness of structural and social inequities which discriminate against CALD women and children. 8. Demonstrated understanding and awareness of the causes of domestic violence and its impact on survivors; and issues affecting CALD women and children escaping domestic violence. 9. A demonstrated understanding of feminist practice and how this is used as a framework to understand and respond to the gendered nature of violence against women. 10.Proven ability to work handle conflict situations. 11.A proven ability to work calmly and consistently under pressure with capacity to manage competing priorities. 12.Strong communication and written skills. 13.Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

IWDVS Family Violence Case Worker Page 7 of 10 CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

1. The position is ongoing subject to funding and performance based review. 2. The position is for 60.8 hours per fortnight. There is no paid over-time and a Time-in-lieu/Flexi-time Policy is in operation. Overtime, time in Lieu and Flexi-time as per IWDVS Employee Union Collective Agreement (2007) and to be approved by Direct Service Manager. 3. The salary for this position is based on the IWDVS Employee Union Collective Agreement (2007) which is above the SACS Award hourly rate. 4. Superannuation will be paid according to Superannuation Guarantee (currently 9%). HESTA is the IWDVS Provider or fund of your choice. 5. Salary packaging may be provided subject to the terms and conditions of the IWDVS Salary Packaging Policy. 6. The successful applicant will be required to undergo satisfactory pre- employment checks, including 3 referees, a criminal records check, proof of identity and qualifications. One referee must be from the most recent direct supervisor. 7. Signing a Confidentiality Agreement is a personnel requirement of IWDVS. 8. The successful applicant will initially be engaged for a probationary period of three months. During this period, either party can terminate employment with one week’s notice. A probationary review before 3 months will be undertaken. 9. Some evening or weekend work may be required from time to time. 10.Some rural or interstate travel, with possible overnight stay, may be required from time to time. 11.IWDVS has a smoke-free workplace policy. 12. A Victorian Drivers License and competency in driving is essential.

IWDVS Family Violence Case Worker Page 8 of 10 DESCRIPTION OF WORK ACTIVITIES / ENVIRONMENT Following is a table that outlines the main physical and psychological requirements of the position, for assessment by you and/or your medical practitioner.

Frequency Element Key Activity Work Manage demanding and changing workloads Regular Environment and competing priorities. Work in a team environment. Daily Work in different geographic locations. Possibility Work office hours with the possibility of Possibility extended hours. Present at court and other jurisdictions. Possibility Work in an open plan office. Daily Work in an environment with competing Daily demands. Sit at a computer or in meetings for extended Daily periods. Work in buildings which may be two-storey. Daily Work with clients who may have a physical or Occasional People Contact sensory disability. Liaise and advocate with government, non- Daily government and community organizations. Interact with members of the public who may Daily display the full range of emotional expressions, including parents, partners, significant others, family members, advocates, doctors, police. Interact with people who may display verbal Occasional or challenging behaviour. Facilitate access to specialist, generic and Daily community services. Administrative Undertake administrative tasks which may Daily Tasks include the following: computer work, filing, writing reports, case notes/plans and client records, participating in meetings, concentrating for long periods of time, managing resources and budget and researching and analyzing information and data. Undertake intensive administrative tasks, Regular

IWDVS Family Violence Case Worker Page 9 of 10 Frequency Element Key Activity which include computer work, report writing (e.g. financial reports), participating in meetings and concentrating for long periods of time. Use technology including photocopier, telephones including mobiles, fax, overhead Daily projectors, televisions, videos, and electronic whiteboards. Drive vehicles possibly over long distances and Possibility Transport in all traffic and weather conditions. Use public transport including trains, buses, Occasional trams and taxis.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

For further information about the position please contact Juana Katzer, Direct Services Manager on (03) 8413 6810 or [email protected].

Applications close on the 25th November, at 5pm.

Please note: Only applications which address the key selection criteria will be considered

IWDVS Family Violence Case Worker Page 10 of 10