2022 Victim Support and Child Witness Worker null

About Department of Justice, Western Australia

The Department of Justice supports the community, Western Australian Government, judiciary, and Parliament through the provision of access to high-quality justice, legal and corrective services, information, and products.

Your role

Victim Support and Child Witness Service is part of the Court Counselling and Support Service Directorate situated within the Court and Tribunals Services Division and is responsible for the provision of specialised support services provided within courts.   

The Victim Support and Child Witness Service is seeking highly-skilled, self-motivated, and enthusiastic professionals who can work independently and have experience working with children, young people, and adults. 

This is a Dual Advertisement.

Victim Support and Child Witness Worker

You are eligible for this role if you have a degree in Social Work with eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers or an approved four-year degree in Psychology with eligibility for registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency.

The Victim Support and Child Witness Worker is responsible to:

• Provide case management, information, and support to Victim Support and Child Witness Service clients
• For victims of crime, provide trauma counselling and psychological assistance
• For child witnesses, provide practical and emotional preparation and support
• Where required and/or requested, undertake assessments of Victim Support and Child Witness Service clients
• Respond to calls, queries, and referrals to Victim Support and Child Witness Service clients
• Provides consultation, advice, and liaison with stakeholders involved in Victim Support and Child Witness Service

Victim Support and Child Witness Service Officer

For applicants who don't hold an approved qualification, you may apply as a Victim Support and Child Witness Office instead.

As a Victim Support and Child Witness Service Officer, you are expected to:

• Work to improve communication and model integrity and respect in all interactions
• Operate within the Department's Corporate Governance Framework, policies and procedures, and ensure effective transparency and accountability of all Department activity
• Operate within the chain of command to coordinate activities required to meet the Department's strategic objectives
• Work collaboratively to achieve common goals and best practices, and facilitate business improvements as appropriate
• Facilitate cultural and management reforms within the Department through leadership and engagement
• Represent the Department's interest on committees and working groups as required

Training, development & rotations

Working regionally is a great opportunity for individuals to develop themselves professionally where they are required to develop initiative and a broad range of professional and personal skills including the ability to work autonomously and flexibly as well as building and nurturing community and stakeholder relationships.  Regional work allows learning new skills and on-the-job experiences.

Salary & benefits

Victim Support and Child Witness Officer (Level 5) roles may earn an average of A$90,047 to A$98,994 per annum plus Super. 

Victim Support and Child Witness Worker (level 2) roles may earn an average of A$96,548 to A$106,179 per annum plus Super. 

Working with the Department of Justice, you will receive all the benefits attached to a government career: job security, competitive wages, flexible work arrangements, generous leave provisions, and a supported work/life balance. Read more.

Career progression

There are countless ways to develop your career at the Department of Justice. It is one of the most diverse public sector organisations in WA, providing a variety of legal, justice, corrections, and related services to the Government and the community. Read more.

Culture & vibe

The Department of Justice is proud of its diverse workforce and is committed to ensuring all its employees are valued and have the opportunity to maximise their potential. The Department of Justice strongly encourages people from diverse backgrounds to join. Read more.

To know more about what's life like at the Department of Justice, WA, watch this video:

About you

Here's what we are looking for in this role:

You will have experience and abilities in providing services to children, individuals, and families affected by trauma, and the knowledge of the issues and dynamics for victims of crime and child witnesses in regional areas. 

You will be required to:

• Provide consultation, assessment, information, support, and intervention in response to calls, queries, and referrals to Victim Support and Child Witness Service
• Deliver court-based services to Victim Support and Child Witness Service Clients and case manage Victim Support and Child Witness Service cases
• Provide crisis intervention, trauma counseling, information, and support
• Work collaboratively with other team members and services within the directorate, and develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders

How to apply

To apply for this role, simply click the "Apply on employer site" button on this page to submit your application directly to the Department of Justice, Western Australia.

Applicants must have a current Working with Children Check or be able to successfully apply for one to be eligible for an appointment to this position.

We require you to submit:

• A current comprehensive CV.
• A statement addressing the following essential job-related requirements (selection criteria) contained in the Job Description Form. Your Statement should not exceed 4 pages.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination status.
• Highly developed ability and skills in undertaking assessments, developing client plans, and case management.
• Highly developed ability to engage, assess needs and identify and develop strategies that prepare and support children and families.
• Highly developed conceptual, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Extensive experience in and ability to demonstrate advanced counseling skills including the ability to apply a range of casework skills
• Contact details of two referees.
• Confirmation of which location you are applying for
• Confirmation of which position level you are applying for Victim Support and Child Witness Worker or Victim Support and Child Witness Officer;
• If applying for the Victim Support and Child Witness Worker (Level 2 Specified Callings) position, a copy of your qualifications that demonstrates you meet the essential requirement.