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Courts Administration Authority
JOB AND PERSON PROFILE
Role: Senior Case Manager – Regional Courts
Classification level: AHP2/PO2
Type of Engagement: Ongoing
Last updated: June 2015
Branch: Intervention Programs (Abuse Prevention Program)
Position Summary
The Senior Case Manager – Regional Courts is responsible for provision of the Abuse Prevention Program services to the designated regional Magistrates Courts.
The role is responsible for conducting the preliminary assessment and initial report to the Court which outlines a man’s eligibility, motivation and appropriateness for referral to a treatment intervention program aimed at preventing abuse as defined under the Intervention Orders (Prevention of Abuse) Act 2009. This may be done in person or via video link or telephone.
The role is located within the Abuse Prevention Program (APP) which is an intervention program for the Court referred men who have been issued an Intervention Order as a result of abuse of their female partner or are on bail for a related matter. The APP is part of an integrated interagency response to improving the safety of women and children.
The role also involves making the referrals to an appropriate treatment intervention program and liaising with the program providers to monitor the defendants’ progress and notification to the police and the court, if conditions are breached.
The position is located in the Intervention Programs branch of the Court Services Division of the Courts Administration Authority and is based in the Adelaide Magistrates.
The Abuse Prevention Program comprises a small team including a part-time Administration Officer and the role reports to the Manager Intervention Programs.
Key Responsibilities
To contribute to the provision of an Abuse Prevention Program for the Court by undertaking the following activities.
1. Attend the Family Violence Court sittings in the metropolitan and regional courts on a regular basis to provide information to the Magistrates and the men referred about the Abuse Prevention Program.
2. Undertake preliminary assessments that explore underlying factors/needs relevant to participation in an intervention program to address domestic violence; for example substance use, mental health, gambling behaviour and risk of harm to others and other risk factors.
3. Provide objective written clinical advice based on the assessment results, to the Court regarding the suitability of defendants for referral to an domestic violence prevention program or other suitable service that is related to the goal of reducing likelihood of abuse reoccurring.
4. Monitor the defendant’s engagement and participation in an intervention program in accordance with the terms set out in their Intervention Order, through regular liaison with relevant service providers.
5. Notify the police of breaches of Intervention Order terms relating to attendance, as soon as practical.
6. Provide timely and objective written progress reports to the Court regarding defendants’ compliance with Intervention Order terms and keep accurate records.
7. Contribute to the profile of the Abuse Prevention Program through communication, education, promotion and networking with appropriate organisations and stakeholders, including Magistrates, police prosecutors, defence lawyers and community organisations.
8. Contribute to the development and maintenance of efficient and effective clinical practice in the program by participating in team case discussions and undertaking professional development.
9. Adhere to the Work Health and Safety Act 2012, and associated Regulations, in particular the requirements of Section 28 of the Act – “Duties of workers” and the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986.
10. Actively support, report and contribute to hazard identification and the reduction of risks to health, safety and welfare.
SELECTION CRITERIA –
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
The following skills/abilities/knowledge/experience/qualifications are essential to successfully perform the requirements of this role.
Qualifications (Essential)
For the PO2 classification:
· Appropriate tertiary qualifications in sociology, criminology, social sciences, human services, health or related field.
For the AHP2 classification:
· Appropriate degree or equivalent qualification which gives eligibility for full membership of the appropriate professional Association.
Professional, Technical and Personal Capabilities
To successfully perform in this role the Senior Case Manager must have the following skills/abilities/aptitudes:
· Ability to communication effectively with a range of stakeholders including: Magistrates, police prosecutors, court staff and service providers
· Ability to work with limited supervision and to take responsibility for managing the workloads generated from the Court referrals.
· Ability to engage effectively engage with defendants to develop cooperation and trust necessary for undertaking an accurate assessment and to promote cooperation with the intervention order conditions.
· Ability to undertake assessments (to ascertain criminogenic risk, mental and social functioning, substance use, and gambling behaviour; and to identify intervention needs) and develop appropriate treatment plans.
· Knowledge of the prevailing theories of the causes of domestic violence and the prevailing intervention methodologies with perpetrators and the understanding of the factors that increase the risk of the occurrence of domestic violence such as personality traits, substance use disorders, psychosocial stressors, mental illness, and co-morbidity.
· Ability to write accurate and objective reports for Court.
· Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and with service providers from other agencies to ensure participants’ comply with the program and have access to quality services.
· Ability to keep accurate records and timely database entry.
DESIRABLE CAPABILITIES
While not essential, it will be considered favourable if the Senior Case Manager has some or all of the following skills/abilities/knowledge/experience/qualifications:
· Knowledge of the integrated response model for keeping women and children safe in South Australia
· Knowledge of the criminal justice system in South Australia.
· Knowledge and experience with motivational interviewing techniques.
Special Conditions
· Engagement is under the Courts Administration Act 1993. Terms and conditions of employment are governed by the Public Sector Act, 2009.
· Appointment is subject to a satisfactory Child-Related Employment Screening (National Criminal History Record Check) prior to employment and subsequently every three years.
· Will be required to attend country circuits and this may require working outside of the normal hours of work and overnight absences.
· May be assigned alternative duties/roles or to alternative locations within the CAA if required by the State Courts Administrator.