Position Description
POSITION DESCRIPTION
1.
POSITION SUMMARY
Position Name:
Family Violence Partner Contact Worker and Men’s
Behaviour Change Group Facilitator (Female Only)
Job Reference No: VAC0096
Date Updated:
29/01/15
Employment Status:
0.5 EFT fixed contract until 30 June 2015 with a possibility
of becoming permanent at that point.
Position Reports To:
Coordinator, Counselling/FV Team
Closing Date:
23/02/2015
Other Benefits:
http://www.ischs.org.au/work-with-us/benefits-of-workingwith-ischs/
2.
OUR ORGANISATION
The Inner South Community Health Service Ltd. (ISCHS) is a multi-sited community health
agency providing a comprehensive range of health and welfare services to the communities of
Prahran, St Kilda, South Melbourne and Port Melbourne. Approximately 270 staff work in multidisciplinary teams to deliver programs and services across four key service locations: SouthPort
(in Coventry Street, South Melbourne); Inkerman Street, St Kilda; Mitford Street, St Kilda and
Malvern Road, Prahran. In addition other staff are located in and provide services in public
housing high-rise estates. The Inner South Community Health Service Ltd. is a registered
company managed by a Board of Directors. The company is registered under the Corporations
Act 2001.
Our programs include:
 Community and Clinical Care
 Primary and Mental Health
 Organisational Support & Development
The ISCHS has a commitment to continuous quality improvement and has a reputation for
innovation and excellence in its service delivery. The Service values collaboration and works
effectively as part of the local service system and prides itself on developing innovative,
responsive services to meet community needs.
2.1
Mission
To develop and deliver quality health services that respond to the needs of our
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Position Description
communities, with a particular focus on engaging those who may not readily access mainstream
services and to advocate for a social model of health and address the structural reasons for
health inequity.
2.2
Values
These values underpin all our interactions with staff, clients and our communities:
Inclusiveness
Valuing everyone’s uniqueness and facilitating their inclusion and participation.
Empowerment
Working with individuals and communities to build their attributes, capabilities and capacity to
manage their lives.
Equity
Ensuring all achieve equitable health and well-being outcomes, regardless of life circumstance
and economic status.
Social Justice and Human Rights
Respecting and promoting the dignity of all individuals and advocating to ensure equality of
opportunity to a just and fair life.
Accountability
Making our ways of working open, honest and transparent, and taking responsibility for our
actions.
Learning and Evolving
Consciously learning from and improving our work to achieve our vision.
For more information on our organisation please visit our website www.ischs.org.au.
3.
POSITION DETAILS
3.1
Position Context
This position incorporates roles within Family Violence Partner Contact Work and facilitation of
Men’s Behaviour Change Groups within the Counselling/Family Violence Team of the
Strengthening Communities Program.
The family violence team comprises Men’s Responsibility Program (MRP); Court-Directed Men’s
Responsibility Program (CD-MRP); Women and Children’s Casework Counselling and the Men’s
Case Management Service.
As indicated, the position works across two programs with separate cohorts – the voluntary
Men’s Responsibility Program (MRP) and the new Court-Directed Men’s Responsibility Program
(CD-MRP). The two distinct elements of the role will work with separate cohorts:
 Men’s Behaviour Change Group Facilitation within the voluntary Men’s Responsibility
Program (MRP)
 Partner Contact Work within the Court-Directed Men’s Responsibility Program (CD-MRP)
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Voluntary Men’s Responsibility Program
The voluntary Men’s Responsibility Program (MRP) is delivered from the Mitford Street site. MRP
has a primary focus of maximising the safety of women and children who are affected by family
violence. The MRP addresses safety through:

Holding men accountable for their use of violence against family members

Assisting men to cease their use of violence and exploring new ways of relating to their
partner, children and others (based on non- violence, equality in relationships, openness,
respect and being more “other centred”).

Providing support, linkage and referral to women and children, particularly referrals to
domestic violence services.

Supporting women’s choices and assisting women to link to crisis services when it is not
safe for them to continue living in the relationship and/or they have decided to leave the
relationship.
The MRP meets these objectives through the provision of voluntary group and individual
counselling for men (aged 18 and over) and support and linkage for partners, ex-partners,
children and other affected family members.
The MRP is guided by a feminist/ pro-feminist approach and views violence as a form of
power and control. Responsibility for the problem of violence is viewed as resting solely with
the person (i.e. the man) using the behaviour and as such the program aims to invite men to
take responsibility to cease their use of violence and controlling behaviour. The MRP
operates on the belief that violence is a chosen act and as such men have the ability to make
changes and not use violence. Our program is also guided by standards for practice set out
by “No to Violence-The Male Family Violence Prevention Association”.
While the main focus of the MRP is to address the violent behaviour of men towards their
female partners, the program does also cater for men who are using controlling, violent and
abusive behaviour that impacts on a range of other people.
The MRP is currently staffed by:

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Two Family Violence Counsellors/Case Managers.
A Women’s Partner Contact Worker.
A Children’s Counsellor
Group facilitators.
Court-Directed Men’s Referral Program (CD-MRP)
The Court-Directed MRP pilot project is funded to June 30th 2015, whereby ISCH will receive
referrals from the Respondent Worker, Moorabbin Justice Centre to engage 33 men into an
Men’s Behaviour Change group. For court-directed men, the Magistrates’ Court of
Victoria’s Applicant Support Worker will obtain consent of the current or former partner for
participation in the partner contact component of the MBCP. Where consent is not provided,
no further partner contact will be made by the MBCP provider. Primarily this work will be
done by telephone contact, however, some face to face work may be indicated and/or
necessary.
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Position Description
3.3
Position Objective
The position has two distinct elements working with separate cohorts across two distinct but
connected programs:
Partner Contact role
The Women’s Partner Contact role has primary responsibility for contact, assessment and
response to all partners, ex-partners and other affected family members of the Court Directed
participants.
The position has been established in accordance with NTV Minimum Standards and Quality
Practice (2005) for men’s behaviour change programs and provides a vital link for women
experiencing family violence. The role entails carrying out safety assessments with women,
offering support and referral and providing information about the men’s program. The role
provides telephone casework/counselling with women and may include making ongoing safety
and support assessments and to consult with women about their and their children’s needs and
experiences in relation to the violence they are experiencing from their (ex)partner.
The Women’s Partner Contact Worker position works closely with the other MRP staff. This is
vital to ensure accountability to women and children’s experiences and to address safety and
wellbeing issues for women and children.
Contact will be made with current and former partners of participants (where appropriate and with
the consent of relevant parties) - to monitor and attend to the safety of (former) partners and
family members and facilitate referral to women and children's support programs. A female
worker should make initial contact and women should be able to have contact solely with female
staff.
Men’s Behaviour Change Group Facilitator
Working with a co-facilitator the MBC Group Facilitator is responsible for sharing the planning
and delivery of evening group sessions for men within the voluntary Men’s Behaviour Change
program.
3.2 Key Responsibilities
The role has two distinct areas of responsibility –outlined below:
Key Responsibilities – Court Directed Partner Contact Worker:




Providing initial and follow-up contact work with women partners/ex-partners of the men.
This work will be mostly centre-based counselling and contact by phone.
Participating in intake, case allocation and case monitoring meetings and pre group briefing
sessions. This includes being available to meet with other MRP workers prior to each session
to discuss feedback from women and men participating in the program to assist in
preparation and planning for each group session.
Liaison with the MRP facilitators to ensure continuity of service for women, timely follow up,
accountability and service development.
Contact with key local women’s services and service providers.
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Position Description
Key Responsibilities - Men’s Behaviour Change Group Facilitator

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Evening group co-facilitation with other health professionals for MBC Group sessions for
men. Co-facilitation will uphold the philosophy and values underpinning of the Men’s
Responsibility Program.
Sharing preparation and planning for each group session. This includes being available to
meet with other MBC Group workers prior to each session to discuss feedback from women
and men participating in the program.
Active participation in post group debriefing sessions.
Professional Development

To attend and contribute to staff development and supervision programs and to attend
relevant courses and mandatory in-house training when appropriate.

To participate in peer review/practice review.
Occupational Health & Safety

Ensure that work and services are provided in a safe manner at all times by regularly
reviewing practices and environment and by participating in OH&S training where required.

ISCHS has a Smoking Free Workplace Policy which prohibits smoking within all
managed or controlled buildings, vehicles and grounds.
CONTRIBUTING TO STRATEGIC ORGANISATIONAL INITIATIVES
1)
Continuous Quality Improvement

Identify continuous quality improvement opportunities

Participate in the development of quality procedures and contribute to internal and external
program reviews as required.
2)

Community Participation
To undertake active and meaningful community participation and engagement
3)
Partners for Better Health

Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of chronic conditions care
at ISCHS
Performance Management Framework

Actively participate in an annual individual performance plan, which determines key
responsibilities, strategies and performance indicates in line with the organisation’s Strategic
Plan and Program Business Plan.
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Administrative

To attend relevant Centre/service meetings.

To accurately complete timesheets and statistics on a routine basis.
General

Active participation in accountability mechanisms including undertaking an annual
Performance Plan, attending relevant meetings as directed by the Coordinator and
completing statistical and reporting requirements.

The maintenance of all client and program records and statistics, including contributing to
report preparation for funding bodies.

To participate in the ongoing planning, evaluation and development of the Strengthening
Communities Program.

To adhere to ISCHS policies and procedures.

To participate in quality assurance activities as required.

To receive appropriate training about the Needle & Syringe Program (NSP) and participate in
the NSP as required.

To undertake active and meaningful community participation and engagement

Other duties as required by the Manager of the Program.
3.4

Reporting Relationships
The Family Violence Partner Contact Worker and Men’s Behaviour Change Group Facilitator
reports directly to the Coordinator of the Counselling Team.
4.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA (Must be submitted with your Application)
Mandatory







Degree or Diploma in social work, or other related qualification. Eligibility for membership
of either the AASW or other relevant professional association.
Female only applicants – As per VCAT Exception “Special Needs Services &
Employment” which is covered under the provisions of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010
(Act).
Demonstrated experience in the family violence field, particularly casework and/or
counselling with women.
Sound understanding of issues underpinning family violence and its effects on women
and children’s lives.
Sound understanding of theory and practice as it relates to working with men who use
violence towards their partner and children, including demonstrated understanding
and commitment to the values and philosophy underpinning Men’s Behaviour Change
Programs like the MRP.
Demonstrated experience in the design and implementation of groupwork programs,
particularly family violence programs.
Be available to work evening shifts to facilitate the group.
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Position Description
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
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Sound understanding of and commitment to the philosophy of community health.
Demonstrated ability to work co-operatively and effectively within and across teams,
programs or across services to enhance client care.
Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
Highly developed organisational skills.
A current Working with Children Check.
A current Victorian driver’s licence.
Desirable



5.
Post-graduate qualifications in Counselling.
Experience in working with people with high prevalence mental health and substance use
issues.
Ability to work with interpreters.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Award:
Community Health Centre (Stand Alone Services) Social and
Community Service Employees Multi Enterprise Agreement 20132015
Salary Level:
Social Worker Class 2 (Above Award)
Hours Per Week:
19
Duration:
Fixed term to June 30th 2015 with a possibility of permanence at
that point.
Probationary Period:
In accordance with our usual practice, there will be a probationary period
of three months, during which time a review process will be undertaken.
At the expiration of the probationary period, employment may be
confirmed as an ongoing employee, employment may be terminated or
the probationary period may be extended up to a maximum of 6 months
with further review. During the probationary period either party can
terminate for any reason.
Location:
Mitford St St Kilda
From time to time the incumbent may be requested to work from or
be based at other ISCHS centres.
Salary Packaging Information:
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Position Description

Salary packaging is a legitimate method of restructuring existing salary into a combination of
salary and expense payment benefits in order to provide a higher net remuneration for the
employee.

This offer applies while Inner South Community Health Service continues to be granted
"public benevolent institution" status and enjoys exemption from the provisions of the Fringe
Benefits Tax (FBT). Should our status change salary packaging will no longer be available.

We offer 3 types of Salary Packaging:o
Standard tax free salary packaging amount $15,900 per annum
o
Meal Entertainment Expenses up to $12,000 per annum
o
Entertainment Facility Leasing Expenses - no threshold per annum

It is not compulsory for employees to take up the offer to ‘package’ their salary; however the
benefits from packaging are considerable. There is a small cost to the employee.

Salary packaging is not available for casual or locum employees who are on a contract less
than 3 months in duration.
6.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Written applications addressing the selection criteria and including a resume and the names of
three professional referees should be forwarded to Virginia Alexander, HR Officer, quoting Job
Reference No: VAC0096,at:
Postal Address
Email
Facsimile
Inner South Community Health
Service
PO Box 103
South Melbourne Vic 3205
[email protected]
9696 7228
Closing Date: 5pm Monday 23rd February 2015
Interviews will be held on: TBA
Further enquiries related to the position can be directed to:
Contact Name
Email
Telephone
David Godden
[email protected]
95251300
Additional Notes to Applicants

Selection will be based on how well applicants meet the selection criteria, therefore it is
essential that applicants specifically address all the selection criteria.

A satisfactory police check will be required of the successful applicant. Staff working with
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Position Description
children may be required to undertake a Working with Children Check.

The Inner South Community Health Service is committed to protecting your privacy according
to the National Privacy Principles (NPPs). The ISCHS has a Privacy Statement and a
Collection Statement, both of which are available on request to all applicants (if you require a
copy, please contact Virginia Alexander on 9684 4221).

Pre-Existing Injury
Prior to any person being appointed to this position it will be required that they disclose full
details of any pre-existing injuries or disease that might be affected by employment in this
position.
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