Family Violence Kaimahi

About the organisation

Central Connect Whare Manaaki is a locally operated community agency that has supported the people of Central Hawke's Bay for more than 30 years.

Based in Waipukurau, the team provides free services including social work support and advocacy, counselling, Heartland Services and the CHB Foodbank.

At the heart of their work is walking alongside people and whānau through challenging times, building resilience and supporting their journey towards Mauri Ora - health and wellbeing. Guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, they provide a safe and confidential environment grounded in dignity, respect and manaakitanga.

About the job

This is a community facing position combining approximately 20 hours of coordination with 10 hours of direct family violence response including a small caseload. You will work with both those experiencing violence and those using violence and contribute to the organisation's aim of breaking intergenerational family cycles of trauma and harm. You will:

• Coordinate the local Family Violence Interagency Response (FVIAR) table, where Police, Oranga Tamariki, iwi, health, mental health and community organisations come together to consider family violence reports and coordinate the best response for those involved.
• Make contact with people following family violence incidents, often at a time when they may be overwhelmed, unsure of what they need or not yet ready to accept support.
• Listen without judgement, assess immediate needs and risk, undertake safety planning and help connect people with the right services and support. 
• Work 30 hours per week in total. Preferred working days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. There is some flexibility for the right person. Wednesday availability is particularly important.

About you
 
You must have experience working within family violence and a strong understanding of its dynamics. We're looking for someone who is:

• Empathetic, grounded and genuinely non-judgemental
• Experienced in family violence response
• Confident completing risk assessments and safety planning
• Able to establish rapport while maintaining strong professional boundaries
• Comfortable having challenging conversations and engaging people who may initially reject support
• Highly respectful of privacy and confidentiality
• Able to work collaboratively across Police, government agencies, iwi and community providers
• Practical, resilient and comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy
• Committed to client centred, strengths based practice and supporting people to make their own choices
• Skilled in using Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and client management software

Lived experience of family violence is not a barrier to appointment. However, due to the nature of this work, applicants with lived experience will need to have been free from a family violence relationship or environment for at least three years.
 
What is in it for you?

• $32.50 per hour
• External supervision
• An opportunity to undertake meaningful work in the community you serve, alongside a small supportive team
• Autonomy, professional support and the opportunity to make a very tangible difference for people at what can be one of the most difficult times in their lives.

If you’re passionate about making a lasting difference in our communities, this is the role for you.

Apply now 

Please apply online with your cv and cover letter.
Applications close: Monday 2nd October however we will be screening applications prior.

The recruitment process is being managed by RWR Health on behalf of Central Connect Whare Manaaki and will include Police vetting. 
 
To request a copy of the Job Description or for a confidential discussion, please contact: Jeanette Rendle RWR Health Agency Director
Ph: 027 705 7079
Email: jeanetter@rwrhealth.co.nz