**ABOUT US**
**THE ROLE**
The Hearing Support Worker assists clients regarding defended hearings in the Local Court for Apprehended Domestic Violence Order 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.
**EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS**
**Being a woman is a genuine qualification for this position and is exempted under s.31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.**
**ESSENTIAL SELECTION CRITERIA**
- Excellent organisational skills
- Excellent networking skills
- Excellent communication skills, particularly in negotiation, advocacy, and conflict resolution
- Knowledge of the dynamics, complexities, and legal and social welfare consequences of domestic and family violence
- Understanding of the criminal justice response to domestic and family violence including ADVOs and criminal prosecutions
- Knowledge of related legal matters such as family law, care and protection, migration, and victim's compensation issues
- Ability to deliver services in accordance with the WDVCAP model of service delivery outlined in the WDVCAP Policy and Procedure Manual and other relevant documents.
- Current clearance in relation to Working with Children and relevant NSW Police Force checks.
**RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE**
- Contacting clients in a timely manner, assessing risk, and undertaking safety planning in relation to clients' attendance at court for hearing
- Explaining the court process and accompanying clients to court for hearing
- Liaising with Police and court staff to ensure clients have access to remote witness facilities/AVL, safe rooms, qualified interpreters and other supports as needed.
- Liaising with Police, Sheriff's officers, and court staff to support clients' safety at court (e.g., to prevent harassment or intimidation by defendants)
- Where the accused is self-represented, working with Police and court staff to arrange a Court Appointed Questioner where available to ask questions on behalf of the accused.
- Arranging assistance with transport and childcare for clients to enable attendance at hearing.
- Assisting with the organisation of Police Prosecutor Clinics and attending the clinics each month
- Liaising with the SAM Coordinator about clients at 'serious threat'
- Providing relevant information and making referrals to assist clients with their ongoing needs.
- Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with key partners including Police, Local Courts, legal representatives, and referral agencies, to facilitate client access to those agencies and services.
- Complying with the WDVCAP Policy and Procedure Manual, the Domestic Violence Information Sharing Protocol, and other relevant documents
- Fulfilling reporting requirements as needed.
**HOW TO APPLY**
A position description is attached.