Domestic and Family Violence Hearing Support Coordinator

Purpose of the Position

The Hearing Support Program is aimed at assisting women who have experienced violence in a domestic situation to participate in defended hearings in the Local Court for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders and/or Domestic and Family Violence related criminal charge matters.

The aim of the role is to empower clients to safely participate in the Court process and attend hearings, acknowledging that victims often find the court process intimidating and even traumatising. They may be subject to ongoing coercion and intimidation from the defendant in relation to and during any court proceedings.

Being a woman is a genuine occupational qualification for these positions under Section 31 of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977.  

A current Working with Children Check, and National Police Check are a requirement for this position.

The ability to speak another language is an advantage for this position.

About the Role

Location: Parramatta and Burwood

Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)

Remuneration: Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services (SCHADS) Industry Award 2010; Level 5

Duration: Fixed Term contract until 30 June 2027

Key Responsibilities 

• The Hearing Support Coordinator will organise all aspects of the day to day running of the Hearing Support program in consultation with the Program Manager. This will include allocation of court hearing events and staff caseload, coordination of calls to clients, leading and organising Hearing Clinics, and ensuring all data, court diary events and results are entered into DFV Connect.

• Provide client support (risk assessment, advocacy, court support, safety planning, referrals assistance)

• Liaise with police, solicitors, Legal Aid and Court and other WDVCAS partners/services

• Network with local partners, agencies and stakeholders with a focus on multicultural communities.

• Provide community education

• Meet administration requirements pertaining to the role (data collection, reporting, maintenance of files)

• Perform other general duties

Selection Criteria 

• A minimum 3 year tertiary qualification in the social sciences, human behaviour, community and/or welfare studies or evidenced and demonstrated work experience. Willingness to undertake a formal tertiary qualification if successful for the position.

• Be able to work independently, including good time management and task prioritisation skills. Flexibility and responsiveness to work tasks.

• Understanding of domestic and family violence, its complexities and consequences, particularly the effect of DV on minority groups such as Aboriginal or migrant women and their children.

• Understanding of intersectionality between social issues and domestic and family violence, in particular the barriers that women may face when seeking assistance, particularly migrant women.

• Detailed understanding of the justice response to domestic and family violence and knowledge of related legal matters such as family law, care and protection, migration, and victims compensation issues

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of working within a trauma-informed, strengths based and person-centred framework with women in crisis. Ability to communicate effectively, particularly in negotiation, advocacy, and conflict resolution with clients who are in crisis.

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, including strong computer and data literacy.

• Knowledge of child protection legislation, mandatory reporting and duty of care responsibilities.

• Excellent and high-level networking and relationship-building skills with local multicultural services. Ability to participate in local events and develop partnerships to improve access to migrant women.

• A current Working with Children Check and National Police Check.

How to Apply

All applications require: 

• A CV including 2 referees, preferably including your most recent supervisor. 

• Specific statements addressing each Selection Criteria. 

Applications which do not address the Selection Criteria will not be considered. 

For a copy of the job description, please email ***********@wsclc.org.au

Applications close, COB, Wednesday, 10 September.

Information :

• Company : Western Sydney Community Legal Centre
• Position : Domestic and Family Violence Hearing Support Coordinator
• Location : Parramatta NSW
• Country : AU