Understanding Family Violence and

Homelessness (Ref: McAuley’s Direct Practice Competencies No.1)

• Communicate a shared understanding with clients of power and gender issues in family violence and their effects on children and young people
• Provide families with information that is relevant, accurate, up to date and easy to understand
• Have an awareness of other issues that may affect women and their children’s choices and decisions such as immigration status, cultural issues, effects of torture and trauma and financial status

Risk Management

& Compliance Ref: McAuley’s Direct Practice Competencies

• Adhere to the risk assessment processes, informing each woman of her right to safety, and assist her to identify potential safety risks and needs for herself and her children
• Observe safe work practices in accordance with training and instruction given, and report any risk to the Team Leader
• Participate in and contribute to Workplace Health and Safety activities, including participation in the consultative processes provided by the organisation, to ensure a safe work environment for clients, our community, employees, volunteers and visitors

Ensure ongoing accurate record keeping, including case notes, completed forms and reports according to program guidelines and agency registration obligations

• Provide feedback for procedural improvement and contribute innovative ideas for ongoing program development
• Participate in annual performance appraisal

Self-Management

(Ref: McAuley’s Direct Practice Competencies No.8)

• Ability to project a calm approach and optimism regardless of the situation, including client crises and significant change events
• Maintain professional knowledge and propose access to relevant training to ensure high quality service provision
• Monitor own work and initiate discussion about any concerns including stress levels with the Team Leader
• Be aware of the effects of vicarious trauma and seek support if required

Team Work

(Ref: McAuley’s Direct Practice Competencies No.4)

• Contribute to the development of an integrated team by participation in team meetings, program development, handovers, staff meetings and network gatherings
• Mentor and provide practical support to volunteers
• Actively seek and be willing to participate in regular supervision and reflective practice
• Assist team members as required