Victims Support Worker

Graduates encouraged to apply
Multiple positions available
Full time or 0.8 FTE will be considered. Fixed term until 30/06/23
Work with a team of dedicated support workers to assist people affected by violent crime.
Flexible working arrangements available
Salary packaging available
Opportunities to travel and engage with stakeholders across the Hume rural region.

Your new organisation

At Merri Health, we strive to enrich diverse communities through the provision of quality health care and support services. A career at Merri will see you contributing to a culture that affects change for our clients and the wider community. We are committed to supporting the talent and skills of our employees because we know their capability is the key to our success.

Your new role

The Hume Victims Assistance Program is funded by the Department of Justice and Community Safety ( DJCS) and is part of a network of agencies across Victoria that provides services to victims of violent crime against the person.
The VAP Victims Support Worker provides a range of support functions to clients who have been affected by violent crime which may include intake, supportive counselling, case management and case work. Workers aim to promote recovery through the provision of psychological first aid, support, information, advocacy, referrals, outreach, education, community links and use of limited brokerage funds. As the program covers the Hume region, workers may be co-located at other Community Organisations, police stations and/or locations across the region.

You will be responsible for

Provision of practical support and VAP case management services for victims of violent crime including: support, assessment, case plan development, advocacy, education, referral, including the use of brokerage funds as directed and appropriate.

Undertake initial needs assessment including urgency of need, risk, appropriate referrals (internal & external) and follow-up assessments and actions.

Provision of a range of mental health and wellbeing supports on a continuum that include psychological first aid, safety planning or risk assessments through to assisted referral to formal therapeutic interventions.

Liaise with internal and external services to maintain relevant links and networks to strengthen services to victims of crime.

Carry a caseload as directed by the line manager.

Provision of centre based, outreach and co-located services as appropriate.

Participation in training that focuses on issues for victims of crime.

Participation in the ongoing development of the VAP to ensure it is meeting community and client needs.

Participation in annual performance reviews and professional development plans.

Comply with DJCS VAP service standards, practice manual, contract guidelines, and local operating procedures.

Ensure case notes and other client information is recorded according to service standards and practice.

To succeed in the role you will have

Tertiary qualification in Social Work or other related discipline determined by Merri Health.

Demonstrated experience and skills in information provision, intake, risk assessment and referral.
Demonstrated casework and/or case management experience.
Experience/knowledge of basic counselling, utilising a variety of interventions methods and the development of on-going support structures.
Sound knowledge base and demonstrated experience in working with trauma and recovery.
An understanding of issues for people affected by crime.
Demonstrated understanding of the needs, issues and sensitivities of people form culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Highly developed interpersonal, oral and written skills.
Ability to plan and manage time.
An understanding of the criminal justice system.
Demonstrated experience in working in a community organisation.

What we offer

We offer a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which encourages you to bring your whole self to work. As the successful applicant you’ll be joining an organisation where you will be supported to grow, learn and develop your skills to reach your potential.

You will also have access to generous salary packaging, purchase leave and flexible work arrangement options.

What you need to do now

If this position captures your interest, take a few minutes to read the position description. If you have any questions, contact Jackie White, VAP Team Leader on jackie.white@merrihealth.org.au, (03) 5718 8904. When you're ready to apply, please email your resume and cover letter to jobs@merrihealth.org.au.

What else do I need to know

Preferred candidates will be subject to comprehensive reference and pre-employment background checking conducted by Merri Health prior to an offer of employment, including criminal record history check, NDIS worker screening and other employee screening and credential checks as determined by the position description.

All candidates must have the right to work in Australia. Merri Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring a safe environment for children and young people.

We encourage individuals of diverse backgrounds including but not limited to those from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, the LGBTIQA+ community and those living with a disability to apply.