Applicant Information Packagefor the opportunities of

Case Worker, SHLVPart Time

30 hrs per week&

Specialist Case WorkerPart Time

28hrs per week

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: COB (5pm) Thursday 31st Oct 2019

Dear Applicant,Thank you for your interest in the positions. This package contains the information you require to apply for the positions, including:

• Overview about the Employer• Job Description for each role• Selection Criteria

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About the employer…

Our client The Women’s Activities and Self Help (WASH) House is a community based information and resource centre for women that envisages a community in which women exercise equal rights, choose their own destiny and have a safe environment for themselves and their children. They work towards this by providing information, community development, counselling, support services and group work. The WASH House is a service run by women, for women.

The organisation has been established in the area for over 35 years as a support and resource centre for women. Over this time, the WASH House has grown and evolved to run a range of programs including Staying Home Leaving Violence, Counselling, , Community Engagement events, and Information Services.

AimThe aim of the W.A.S.H. House is to reduce the impact of poverty, social disadvantage and violence on the lives of women and girls in Mt. Druitt and Blacktown. We do this through the provision of women-centered, quality, appropriate, timely, culturally sensitive and accessible services.

VisionThe WASH House envisages a community in which women exercise equal rights, choose their own destiny and have a safe environment for themselves and their children. We work towards this by providing information, community development, counseling, support services and group work. The WASH House is a service run by women, for women. ValuesThe W.A.S.H. House believes in: The provision of high quality and timely services The provision of equitable, accessible, affordable and appropriate services Mutual respect and enhancing women’s options and opportunities Collaboration with likeminded services to promote the wellbeing of women in our community The provision of culturally appropriate services that reflect the different needs of our clients The provision of services that are responsive to the needs of client and are holistic The right of women to determine the nature of assistance they seek from us, including the involvement

of non-violent male partners in family programs The right of women and children to live in a safe environment free from/of violence and discrimination

Objectives To provide a drop-in advice and support service to women in crisis To provide an information, referral and advice service to the local community To provide education, counselling, support and group work to women and girls in the Mt. Druitt district To advocate on behalf of clients and issues affecting women in the Mt. Druitt district To undertake projects that develop the options and opportunities of the Mt. Druitt community To provide free services to women who access our centre and services To develop and maintain strong community links through establishing networks within the community To facilitate community participation in determining the activities and future directions of the Centre To ensure the Centre is managed in the interests of women and children in the Mt. Druitt district

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CURRENT PROJECTS

CounsellingShort term crisis counselling (10 sessions) available 5 days per week for a range of issues

Community EngagementDevelops and supports a range of projects and initiatives to resource and strengthen the local community, including education and interagencies.

Staying Home Leaving ViolenceA casework and brokerage model enabling women (and their children) ending a violent relationship to remain in their own home. This project will assess safety needs, and improve social, health, economic and legal outcomes for families as well as promote accountability for offenders of violence.

Group work programWe offer a variety of social, health, education and self-help groups at the centre, including Yoga, Tai Chi, Belly dancing, Art, Book Club, Parenting Programs, Craft, Sewing, Meditation and Self-Healing as well as workshops including self-defence and first aid.

Leave work each day feeling part of making a difference to the local community! Find out more about WASH:

www.washhouse.org.au

Some of the great benefits provided to employees…

Salary Packaging – increase your take home pay Some above Award conditions Opportunities for multi skilling and up-skilling High level of diversity in role Excellent working environment

Salary Packaging…

This employer has been endorsed as a Public Benevolent Institute (PBI). As such, they can offer their employees access to salary packaging benefits. Salary packaging offers significant tax benefits which present an opportunity for you to increase your take home pay by allowing you to take part of your income as a tax-free benefit. Salary packaging is completely voluntary but if you choose to utilise this, it can decrease your taxable income and therefore tax paid, increasing the amount you take home each pay period.

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About the Positions…

Case Worker (Staying Home Leaving Violence) …

This position provides support to women & children escaping domestic violence through intervention, case management and group work services. This role works closely with clients by assessing safety needs, seeking to improve social, health, economic and legal outcomes for families, reduce homelessness and promote accountability for offenders of violence.

The Staying Home Leaving Violence Program is funded by Family and Community Services. The aim of the project is to provide casework and community development model enabling women (and children) ending a violent relationship to remain in their own home. Through supporting women who choose to stay in their own home this project will assess safety needs, seek to improve social, health, economic and legal outcomes for families, reduce homelessness and promote accountability for offenders of violence.

Specialist Case Worker…

This position is responsible for coordinating intake and assessment and providing case management and support services. This role will be the first point of contact for women requiring support, and ensuring they are directed to appropriate programs or agencies as appropriate. This role will also develop and maintain resource and information systems regarding to local services, networks, and developing a comprehensive understanding of the needs and service gaps in the area.

Position Details…

Case Worker (SHLV) Specialist Case Worker

Location: Both roles are based at Mt Druitt

Hours per week: 30 hours per week in total 28 hours per week in total

Days per week: Able to be negotiated (e.g. 4-5 days per week/ 9 day fortnight/ school hours)

Days of work: Able to be negotiated

Term: Both roles are Permanent Part-Time

Award Coverage: Salary and conditions of employment for both roles will be as described in the NSW SCHADS Award.

Salary: Salary for each role will be at Level 5. The Pay point to be determined with successful applicant dependant on experience etc. Please click here for current Award pay rates.

Positions available: There is 1 vacant position being advertised.

There is 1 vacant position being advertised.

Travel: Both roles are based at Mt Druitt location but works across the whole Blacktown LGA so some travel may be required from time to time for outreach, meeting clients and attending other meetings. When a pool car isn’t available and personal car may need to be used.

Probationary Period…

A six-month probationary period applies to all positions at this employer from the date of appointment. A probationary review will be conducted prior to conclusion of this period.

Child Related Employment…4

These roles are classified as child related employment and as such, the successful applicant will be required to provide a copy of current clearance of a paid employment type NSW Working with Children (WWC) check (under the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012). A copy of the letter you received from the Office of the Children’s Guardian confirming your identity, your NSW WWC check number and expiry date is suitable.

If you don’t currently hold a NSW WWC check, you do not need to gain this prior to applying for this job. Please accept this as advanced notice that should you progress through the recruitment process as far as to being offered the role, you would need to agree to apply for a check without delay as it can take up to 4 weeks to process. Fees involved are generally tax deductible.

However, if you currently hold a WWC check from another state or you hold a volunteer type NSW WWC, legislation does allow for you to start in the role assuming you apply to transfer to a new paid employment check within 3 months. So again, please note you do not need to gain this prior to applying for this job.

For more information, please visit the Office of the Children’s Guardian websitehttps://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/child-safe-organisations/working-with-children-check

Recruitment process…

Short listing of applicants for interview and notification is normally completed within a one to two-week period of the closing date for applications. Likewise, unsuccessful applications will be notified in this timeframe also

You may be invited to initially participate in a brief telephone interview to discuss your application further and your suitability for the role

It is standard practise to interview with a Selection Panel. This Panel is responsible for assessing applicants for the position based on the Selection Criteria. Selection panels are usually comprised of 2 or more members

In the case of these roles specifically recruitment for both roles are being done concurrently because of the similar duties, selection criteria, pay classification and hours. For this reason, you can choose to apply for one or both of the positions advertised but there is will be only one application process. And should your application be successful in proceeding to interview, there would be only one interview even if you are being considered for both roles (at least in the first stage).

How to Apply…

To apply for this role please note the following:

Applications will only be considered where the Applicant has submitted all documents as mentioned in the Application checklist below. To assist you, please utilise Attachment 1 and Attachment 2 following. You can either print and handwrite on these forms or type into them directly from your computer and then attach them to an email.

If providing photocopies make sure they are clear / easy to read

Your resume should outline your previous work history in chronological order starting from your most recent position, together with a brief description of the duties associated. It should also outline your education and training and a good guide is to keep it to 3-4 pages maximum.

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Application Checklist…

When submitting your application please ensure you have enclosed the following:

Employment Application Form (attachment 1 following)

Response to Selection Criteria Form (attachment 2 following)

Your resume (including details of your employment & education history and 2 professional referees)

And a covering letter if you wish

When you have all these prepared, send it to the following email address:

jobs@totalworkforceservices.com.au

Important: Please ensure you submit a full application with all the items as mentioned above. Applications not including all the items above will be asked to resubmit their details before the closing date to enable the application to be considered by the Selection Panel.

Receipt of your application will be confirmed by email.

Still looking for more information?

If you have any questions or would like to talk a bit more about this job before applying, please feel free to call us on (02) 4555 4634 or email jobs@totalworkforceservices.com.au

Thank you for your expression of interest regarding this great opportunity.

Good Luck!

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The Position Descriptions…

Staying Home Leaving Violence Caseworker

JOB DESCRIPTION_____________________________________________________________________

Position Title: Caseworker, Staying Home Leaving Violence

Reports To: Direct Services Coordinator

Award and Conditions: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHCADS) Award, Level 5Salary packaging is available and generous leave provisions which add value to the total remuneration package.

Hours: 30 hours per week during normal business hours

RESPONSIBLE FOR Providing support, intervention, case management and group work for women and their children ending a violent relationship.

About the program:Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) is a casework and community development model enabling women (and their children) ending a violent relationship to remain in their own home or to leave home safely. Through supporting women who choose to stay in their home, caseworkers assess safety needs, seek to improve social, health, economic and legal outcomes for families, reduce homelessness and promote accountability for offenders of violence.

The WASH House SHLV program covers the Blacktown Local Government Area, and is staffed by caseworkers. The position is based in Mt Druitt.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

KEY RESULT AREAS Case Management Community Development Quality Activities Teamwork

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1. CASE MANAGEMENT Facilitate a service model to support women (and their children) to safely remain in

their home or a home of their choice following domestic violence. Provide outreach, advocacy and casework service to women leaving domestic

violence relationships. Provide clients with intensive assistance to stabilise their personal circumstances and

assist them out of crisis. - Undertake comprehensive risk assessment and safety audits.- Implement safety planning and strategies including provision of personal and home

security devices. Assist and support women to enhance their existing coping skills, problem solving

skills and ability to mobilise resources.- Identify and prioritise client groups currently unable to access support options and

develop a clear understanding of client needs.- Liaise with Police and Courts regarding removal of the violent partner from the

home.- Develop and maintain referral pathways and protocols.- Participate in the WDVCAS court support roster at Mt Druitt and / or Blacktown local

courts (on a roster basis with the SHLV team).

2. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Develop and maintain networks (under formal or informal partnership agreements) with

relevant agencies including: - NSW Police in the Local Area Commands - Department of Communities and Justice - Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services (WDVCAS)- Local Courts - Temporary Accommodation agencies including women’s refuges- Legal, health and support services

Influence and create positive change for women and children through effectively collaborating with sector stakeholders

Support collaborative and workable partnerships with community partners and NGOs to integrate service provision at a local level

Encourage co-operative work practices and facilitate innovative approaches to issues of common concern within the community sector

Participate in committees, forums and working groups as required by service agreement and/or WASH House priorities.

3. QUALITY ACTIVITIES Commit to ongoing quality improvement, and participate in regular reviews and

evaluation of the project Maintain a high standard of record-keeping Supply statistics and other related information on workloads, produce reports as

required, and initiate/answer any correspondence as required Data collection and liaison with other NSW Staying Home, Leaving Violence projects Participate in regular clinical supervision, and attend seminars, lectures, conferences

and supervision as required for professional development.

4. TEAMWORK Demonstrate an active, dedicated commitment to the WASH House Vision and

Philosophy Promote a positive image of The WASH House Market WASH House vision to all stakeholders Uphold the standards of Work, Health & Safety and the principles of EEO

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Contribute and participate in organisational decisions involving the development of the WASH House and its services & products

Model the principles of participation, partnership, collaboration and learning Participate in and contribute to team meetings Participate in team staff development and in-service training as appropriate Attend seminars, lectures, conferences and supervision as required for professional

development Support daily routine of the WASH House facility.

5. GENERAL Maintain client records, reports and other documentation as required by the WASH

House Support and adhere to the WASH House staff Code of Conduct, and WASH House

policies and procedures Maintain a working knowledge of relevant legislation relating to child protection and

mandatory reporting Other duties as required from time to time consistent with the level of the position.

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Specialist Caseworker

Job Description

Position Title: Specialist Caseworker

Reports To: Direct Services Coordinator

Salary Range: SCHCADS Level 5 (salary sacrifice and above award conditions apply)

Hours: 0.7 FTE (28 hours per week)

The WASH House considers being a woman a genuine occupational qualification for this position under s. 31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

This position is responsible for coordinating intake and assessment and providing case management and support services as well as the development and maintenance of resources and information systems.

To this end, we seek a passionate woman with sound experience in case management and a proven ability to support women & children in crisis with complex needs.

1. About the WASH House

The WASH House is a community based resource centre for women. We offer a range of support programs and activities for women in Mt Druitt and surrounding areas.

2. About the role

Being the first point of contact for women requiring support, and ensuring they are directed to appropriate programs or agencies;

Providing individual, specific, and time-limited support to assist women to articulate and address their needs;

Being a resource for all WASH House staff with regard to local services, networks, and resources;

Developing a comprehensive understanding of the needs and service gaps in the area; Developing and maintaining resources and information in response to the needs of the

WASH House’s target group in the community.

3. Key Result Areas

1. Intake and assessment2. Case management and case coordination3. Community Development, networks and partnerships

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4. Selection CriteriaEssential

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field (e.g. social work, social science) Personal and professional commitment to the WASH House Vision and values and

working within a feminist framework Minimum 2 years case management experience in the community sector Experience working with women who may be affected by grief, trauma, and other

complex presentations and complex needs including child protection, domestic violence and mental health

Ability to be flexible and manage competing demands Ability to be creative and problem solve in challenging situations Sensitivity to working with women from diverse cultural backgrounds and ages. Experience and skills in networking with both government and non-government staff

and agencies, and the ability to build and foster relationships Computer skills and demonstrated high level written and verbal communication skills. Superior time management and workload organisation skills

Desirable Knowledge and understanding of social policy and issues that face women in Western

Sydney. Knowledge of the service sector in the Blacktown Local Government Area Fluency in a community language Demonstrated group work skills

5. Description of duties

Assessment, Support and Casework Assess individual needs of women seeking counselling and support Provide clients with intensive assistance to stabilise their personal circumstances and

assist them out of crisis. Provide individual advocacy and/or case management Provide informal counselling with an approach informed by and compatible with

feminist principles Assist and support women to enhance their existing coping skills, problem solving skills

and ability to mobilise resources. Identify and develop referral pathways (with client consent) Assist women to establish and maintain supportive relationships within their

community.

Information, Systems and Administration Maintain a clearly articulated model for case management that promotes planning,

coordination and sustainable assistance to those with high and complex needs. Develop and maintain comprehensive referral manuals, contact lists, brochures and

other resources to carry out the position. Implement appropriate strategies to promote equitable access to services for all

members of the community.

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Facilitate opportunities for community participation in all aspects of service provision ie: planning, implementation and evaluation.

Promote collaborative partnerships between relevant services and reduce the level of complexity associated with multiple service involvement by encouraging clear case planning activities and defining role responsibilities.

Act as a resource person for WASH House and other staff who seek information and advice about local services.

Attend forums, expos and other public events from time to time to promote WASH House services, and to further understanding of community needs and available services.

Work Health and Safety (WHS) Ensure the safety, health and welfare of all employees, contractors and visitors in

consultation with other staff and in accordance with relevant legislation and WASH House Policy and Procedures.

Participate in WHS reviews and consultative processes.

Quality Demonstrate an ongoing commitment towards quality improvement through

policy/procedure review, internal audits and consultations. Actively participate in the quality cycle of maintaining best practice standards Participate in regular reviews and evaluation of the programs. Manage data and information relating to program inputs and outcomes for the

purposes of reporting and continuous quality improvement. Participate in evaluations of WASH House products and services. Participate in, and have a positive attitude towards, your own professional

development, and that of your team members. Maintain a working knowledge of legislation and good practice relating to the role,

including: child protection and mandatory reporting, disability inclusion, and service standards.

Teamwork and General Duties Demonstrate an active, dedicated commitment to the WASH House Vision, Mission,

values, and strategies, as well as all WASH House policies, procedures, and other guiding documents.

Promote a positive image of the WASH House in all your work. Demonstrate a positive approach to working with all other WASH House team

members; support and collaborate with others to enhance the WASH House’s work and image.

Contribute to positive change by identifying opportunities for improved practice in the WASH House operations.

Represent the WASH House at meetings, events and interagencies as required. Support the daily routine of the WASH House, including responding to enquiries as

required. Participate in WASH House staff meetings and staff development processes. Perform other duties as required from time to time, consistent with the position, as

directed by the Coordinator or Executive Officer.

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Attachment 1Employment Application Form

Personal Details

First Name:Surname:Preferred Name (if

different):

Postal Address:

PhoneBusiness Hours:

After Hours:

Email address: @

Application Details

Position you are applying for: 006WHI – Case Worker, Staying Home Leaving Violence (30hpw) 009WHI – Specialist Case Worker (28hpw)

What interested you in applying for this position?

Where did you see this job vacancy advertised?

Referee Details

(Please provide 2 professional referees who can comment on your work skills. One must be a recent supervisor. Make sure you give us their current contact information and let them know we may be contacting them.)

Name:

Organisation:

Title:

Phone:

Name:

Organisation:

Title:

Phone:

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Additional Details

What is your current work authorisation?

□ I am an Australian Citizen/ permanent resident□ I hold a current working VISA□ I require sponsorship to work in Australia

Do you hold a current NSW Driver’s License □ Yes □ No

Have you ever worked for WASH House before? □ Yes □ No

Do you hold a current NSW paid employee Working with Children check clearance?

□ YesClearance number: WWC ______________________ E

Expiry date: /

□ No□ My application is imminent; I will have this soon□ I can apply for this if required

Applicant Declaration

□ I declare that the above information provided by me is true and correct.

Signature: ___________________________________

Date: __________________________

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Attachment 2Response to selection criteria form

To assist you in completing this form… Tell us about any relevant work experience, qualifications, skills and/or knowledge you have that are

relevant to this position The most recent the information, the better. Try to provide detail about duties performed most recently

and avoid including information not relevant to this position you are applying for Remember to tell us about both direct experience / skills (i.e.: from the same types of work) as well as

experience and experience you may have gained from other places It is good to give specific examples of what you know, where you learnt it and to give concrete examples

of how you have applied it in the past (e.g: where/how you’ve used these skills before) Try to give different examples to each criteria that show how you meet them rather than repeating the

same information/examples

Your Name:

Application: 006WHI – Case Worker, Staying Home Leaving Violence (30hpw) 009WHI – Specialist Case Worker (28hpw)

Essential:1. At the WASH House, being a woman is a genuine occupational qualification for this position under s.31

of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). Please confirm you are a woman by ticking this box ☐

2. Please list your tertiary qualifications in relevant field (e.g. Social Work, Social Science, Behavioural Sciences etc.)

3. What is your experience in case management of people with complex support needs and your understanding of trauma-informed practice with women who may be affected by grief, trauma and other complex presentations including child protection, domestic violence and mental health

4. Please comment on your personal and professional commitment to the WASH House Vision and values and working within a feminist framework

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5. What is your understanding of domestic violence, social policy and issues that face women and their children in Western Sydney?

6. How would you rate your communication skills? What do you believe to be important when communicating?

7. What is your experience networking with multidisciplinary services and agencies? What do you do in your work to foster these relationships?

8. Please detail your conceptual skills and sound analytical and problem-solving ability

9. Please comment on your time management skills. How do you manage your workload whilst having an ability to be flexible to meet competing demands?

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10. Please detail your computer and internet skills

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