Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Worker

Stepwise Community Services – Homebush NSW

Join a specialist team supporting women impacted by domestic and family violence. Fixed-term full-time until June 2027 | SCHADS Award Grade 5 | Hybrid and flexible work arrangements | Attractive NFP salary packaging benefits.

About us

Stepwise Community Services is a not-for-profit organisation committed to empowering individuals, families and communities through the provision of support services, information, advocacy, referrals, and capacity-building programs. Stepwise holds the auspice for the Burwood Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (Burwood WDVCAS) with Legal Aid NSW as the funding body. The Burwood WDVCAS assists women who are experiencing domestic and family violence by providing support through advocacy, risk and safety assessment and referrals. We service the area between Burwood and Campsie Police Area Commands (PAC), including Burwood and Bankstown courts.

Why Join Us?

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Attractive salary packaging to increase your take-home pay

Ongoing professional development and training opportunities

Supportive and experienced leadership team

Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and families affected by domestic and family violence

Work within a respected specialist service that collaborates closely with Police, Courts, Legal Aid and community partners

About the Role

The Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Worker plays a critical role in supporting women and families experiencing domestic and family violence to improve their safety, wellbeing and access to justice.

Through risk assessment, safety planning, advocacy, court support and referrals, you will work alongside women to navigate complex systems and access the supports they need. You will provide trauma-informed support, assist women through the court process, and collaborate with key stakeholders including NSW Police, Local Courts, legal representatives and community service providers.

This role offers the opportunity to develop specialist expertise in domestic and family violence practice while working within a highly collaborative and respected service model.

Key Responsibilities

- Accept electronic referrals from DFV Connect and non-electronic referrals from government and non-government agencies.
- Contact clients in a timely manner, undertake threat and risk assessments, and develop safety plans that address immediate safety concerns.
- Liaise with the Safety Action Meeting (SAM) Coordinator to ensure clients assessed as being at serious threat are referred to SAMs where appropriate.
- Use child-aware and trauma-informed practices to address the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, including making referrals where required.
- Provide information, advocacy and warm referrals to appropriate services to support clients' ongoing needs.
- Liaise with clients regarding Safety Action Plans developed through SAMs and other supports arranged by the WDVCAS.
- Support Focus Workers with community engagement, education and prevention activities as required.
- Attend court on AVO list days and other days as required to provide information, assistance and court advocacy.
- Develop and maintain effective partnerships with NSW Police, Local Courts, legal representatives and community agencies.
- Comply with the SAM Manual, Domestic Violence Information Sharing Protocol and all relevant WDVCAS policies and procedures.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

- A solid understanding of domestic and family violence, its complexities and impacts, and the barriers women may face when seeking support.
- Knowledge of the criminal justice response to domestic and family violence.
- Demonstrated experience working with women experiencing domestic and family violence within a specialist, community services, crisis support or related setting.
- The ability to engage effectively with people in crisis and provide person-centred, trauma-informed and non-judgemental support.
- Excellent communication skills, particularly in advocacy, negotiation and conflict resolution.
- Strong organisational, administrative and time management skills.
- The ability to deliver services in line with the WDVCAP best practice model and relevant operational frameworks.
- The ability to engage with local communities and promote awareness of domestic and family violence and available support services.
- A current Working With Children Check.
- A current National Police Check.
- A current NSW Driver Licence.

Applications close on 13 November. Early applications are encouraged as interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date.

Stepwise Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all cultures, ages, religions, genders, LGBTQIA+ people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people with disabilities. Employment is subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and current Working with Children Check.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Worker (Sydney)
🏢 Stepwise Community Services
📍 Sydney