Senior Practitioner DFV Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organization, proudly part of the Save the Children Australia Group and a global movement dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. The organization focuses on providing quality services to children and their caregivers across every state and territory, including remote areas and capital cities. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons emphasizes diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, cultures, and beliefs, fostering an inclusive environment where every individual is valued and supported.

Job Overview:
In this full-time, maximum term position (12 months, with potential for extension), the Senior Practitioner DFV Specialist will work closely with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to deliver a range of supports aimed at improving the safety of victim-survivors who present to the Mount Isa Police Station. The role requires exceptional interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to drive a specialized response for victim-survivors impacted by family and sexual violence. The practitioner will provide trauma-informed, person-centered support, undertake crisis intervention, conduct risk and needs assessments, and assist police in engaging with victim-survivors by building trust and rapport. The position also involves promoting a better understanding of the dynamics of gender, power, and control, and strengthening collaboration and knowledge sharing to enhance service system integration between QPS and other agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Practitioner DFV Specialist include:

• Undertaking crisis intervention, including risk and needs assessment and safety planning to address the immediate needs of victim-survivors.
• Assisting police in engaging with victim-survivors by building trust and rapport.
• Promoting a better understanding of the dynamics of gender, power, and control, and identifying and responding to patterns of behavior that constitute domestic and family violence (DFV).
• Strengthening the identification of individuals most in need of protection within relationships.
• Holding perpetrators of violence accountable.
• Promoting information-sharing practices in accordance with Section 5A of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 201
• Enhancing collaboration and knowledge sharing to build capacity within the police service and across the DFV specialist service system.
• Improving service system integration, including promoting a better understanding of agency roles and responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires demonstrated experience in case management and a strong understanding of relevant legislation. Candidates must possess the ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively with program stakeholders, community members, and relevant government and non-government organizations. A demonstrated experience and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and families is essential. Strong report writing and evaluation skills, including data collation and analysis, are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a tertiary qualification in a relevant field and/or significant experience working in a similar service. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of domestic and family violence and the needs of victim-survivors.

Experience:
The role requires an experienced Domestic and Family Violence practitioner who is passionate about supporting families within a child-centered, strengths-based framework. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the impact of trauma on children and their families, as well as the additional impacts and barriers experienced by Indigenous families.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication. Knowledge of Indigenous languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to connect with and support Indigenous families.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with a maximum term of 12 months, with the potential for extension. The role is based at the Mount Isa Police Station and offers an award rate salary (Level 5.1 - $51.00 per hour) along with full salary packaging benefits. Employees are entitled to extra leave for various purposes to ensure optimal performance. The organization supports workplace wellness through access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program and provides professional supervision training and monthly supervision sessions for non-casual employees. The application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible for all, reflecting the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check, a Working with Children Check, and sign the Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.