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Classification / Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010

Agency Overview

Using a feminist framework that acknowledges a gendered analysis of domestic violence, West Connect Domestic Violence Services aims to provide a holistic response to women with and without accompanying children who are experiencing domestic and family violence and related homelessness, emphasising the principles of empowerment, self-determination and an acknowledgement of the dynamics of domestic violence in a political and social context. We do this through the provision of direct support, safe accommodation and housing options and programs that aim to create a non-violent community where women and children, regardless of their social and cultural background, age and sexual orientation, will have access to the knowledge and supports needed to take control over their own lives. West Connect Domestic Violence Services is guided by principles of social justice and equality.

Primary Purpose of the Role

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides vision and leadership to the strategic and operations management of WCDVS. In partnership with the Board, the CEO is responsible for implementing the organisation’s strategic objectives and achieving the vision of enabling women and their children to live free from domestic and family violence.

Key Accountabilities

Adherence to principles and values

  1. Commitment to working from a feminist framework
  2. Commit to the Overarching Principles of the organisation to empower women, children and young people who have experienced domestic and family violence.
  3. Commit to being responsive and sensitive to the needs of Aboriginal women, children and young people, women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, lesbians, transgendered or intersex women, women with disabilities, mental illness and issues with the use of alcohol and other substances.
  4. Maintain the organisation as a non-sexist, non-violent, non-racist, non-homophobic and conflict-free environment for clients and staff.

Accountability

  1. Adhere to the current policies and procedures of WCDVS, guidelines of the Association, common law, mandatory obligations and funding agreement at all times.
  2. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding clients, staff and all organisational matters.
  3. Adhere to relevant legislation, child protection and other mandatory obligations, Interagency guidelines and legal responsibilities for reporting children at risk of harm.
  4. The CEO is accountable to the WCDVS Management Committee.
  5. Oversee the adherence to current policies and procedures of WCDVS, guidelines of the Association, common law and funding agreement guidelines.
  6. To ensure Managers recruit and train staff with skills and knowledge to understand and adhere to relevant legislation and mandatory obligations, in particular child protection legislation, interagency guidelines and legal responsibilities for reporting children at risk.
  7. Be responsible for measures to protect the organisation from risk through compliance with all legislation and guidelines covering taxation, insurance, financials, Workplace Health and Safety and privacy.

Key Challenges

  1. Prioritising competing demands to provide flexible and stable leadership and support to a multi-disciplinary team of staff.
  2. Ensuring the smooth running of the service while effectively implementing the strategic directions of the organisation
  3. Maintaining complex internal communication, reporting and data systems

Key Relationships

Internal relationships
Who you will work with / Why
Management Committee / Report to Management Committee on general operations and implementation of strategic plans. Keep Management informed of financial status and considerations.
Financial Officer / Ensure appropriate and accurate reports and processes are maintained and work with the Financial Officer on budgets and expenditure.
Managers / To ensure Managers are implementing strategic directions, recruiting and supporting staff. To ensure managers are effectively overseeing the day-to-day running of operations of the services.
All staff / Via Managers
External relationships
Who you will work with / Why
Department of Family & Community Services / To negotiate contracts and Program Level Agreements
Housing NSW/ Link2Home / Develop and maintain partnershipsand MOU’s
Wentworth Community Housing / Maintain partnerships and Joint Working Agreements
Domestic Violence NSW / Resource membership
Key service providers in the district:
SHS Leads, Mission Australia / Resourcing, partnerships, MOU’s

Role Dimensions

Decision making

This role has the authority to make decisions regarding the general direction, projects and activities of the organisation in consultation with the Management Committee and in line with WCDVS Delegation Matrix

Reporting line

CEO reports directly to the Management Committee

Roles reporting directly to the CEO

  • Financial Officer
  • Managers
  • Senior Case Workers

Leadership

  1. In partnership with the Management Committee, maintain an up-to-date vision and strategic plan to guide the organisation.
  2. Identify, assess and inform the Committee of internal and external issues that affect the organisation.
  3. Act as a professional advisor to the Management Committee on all aspects of the organisation’s activities.
  4. Foster effective teamwork between the Committee and staff of the organisation.
  5. Act as a spokesperson for the organisation.
  6. Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Committee as appropriate and jointly with the Committee when required.
  7. Actively develop and maintain networks and linkages within the community, sector and government agencies to advocate for the service and interagency issues effecting clients, and domestic and family violence reduction.

Financial Planning and Management

  1. Work with the Financial Officer and the Committee to prepare and work with a comprehensive budget.
  2. Work with the Committee to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organisation.
  3. Research funding sources, oversee the development of fundraising plans and write funding proposals to increase the funds of the organisation when required.
  4. Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Committee.
  5. Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed.
  6. Administer the funds of the organisation according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organisation.
  7. Present the Committee with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditure of the organisation.
  8. Ensure that the organisation complies with all legislation covering taxation.

Participate as a Team Member

  1. Develop an operational plan that incorporates goals and objective that work towards the strategic direction of the organisation.
  2. Ensure that the operation of the organisation meets the expectations of its clients, Committee and funding bodies.
  3. Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organisation.
  4. Draft policies for the approval of the Committee and prepare procedures to implement the organisational policies; review existing polices on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Committee as appropriate.
  5. Provide support to the Committee by preparing meeting agendas and supporting materials.

Program Planning and Management

  1. Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organisation’s programs and services
  2. Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organisation contribute to the organisations mission and reflect the priorities of the Committee.
  3. Monitor the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services of the organisation to maintain or improve quality.

Human Resource Planning and Management

  1. Determine staffing requirements for organisational management and program delivery.
  2. Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices including the development of job descriptions for all staff.
  3. Ensure that staff with the appropriate skills and personal abilities are recruited to further the organisations mission.
  4. Ensure that staff are receiving an orientation to the organisation and appropriate induction training.
  5. Implement a performance management process for all staff that include regular monitoring and an annual performance review.
  6. Discipline staff when necessary using processes approved by the Committee; release staff when necessary using appropriate and legal procedures in consultation with Jobs Australia.

Community and Stakeholder Management

  1. Communicate with community, sector and government stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organisation and on issues related to domestic and family violence.
  2. Establish positive working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, the sector more broadly, and funding bodies to help achieve the goals of the organisation.
  3. Contribute to advocacy and campaigns to improve policies and programs which support women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.

Risk Management

  1. Identify and evaluate the risks to the organisation’s people (clients, staff and management), property, finances, goodwill and image, and implement measures to control risks.
  2. Ensure that the Committee and the organisation carry appropriate and adequate insurance coverage.
  3. Ensure that the Committee and staff understand the terms, conditions and limitations of the insurance coverage.

Participate as a Team Member

  1. Understand and implement the principles of working as a member of a team.
  2. Foster and support a team environment.
  3. Work collaboratively and respectfully with all staff and management.
  4. Attend and actively participate in supervision and related activities as required.
  1. Address issues that may affect the smooth operation of the service in a timely manner.
  1. Attend and actively participate in staff appraisals and work performance reviews as required.
  2. Attend and actively participate in work-related meetings, training and conferences which may require overnight stays outside of the local area.
  3. Actively participate in the evaluation and implementation of WCDVS strategic operational plans.

Records and Resources

  1. Collaboratively work to ensure all WCVDS client targets are met as outlined in FACS Performance Level Agreements.
  2. Ensure Managers maintain accurate client records on each contact with a client and data input in CIMS and as outlined in WCDVS Policy and Procedures
  3. Ensure that receipts are collected for all purchases and petty cash transactions.
  4. Complete timesheets and leave forms as outlined in WCDVS Policy and Procedures noting that they are legally binding documents.
  5. Provide monthly reports to the Management Committee

Workplace Health and Safety

  1. Take active responsibility for your wellbeing in the workplace.
  2. All staff are required to report any incidents of bullying and harassment, discrimination or any actions that are in conflict with WCDVS commitment to a non-violent workplace to your immediate supervisor.
  3. Staff are required to take personal responsibility for their own self-care plans by accessing WCDVS Employment Assistance Program which includes counselling, clinical supervision, critical incident and trauma support, workplace wellbeing, conflict resolution, coaching and advice.
  4. Maintain a safe, clean and supportive environment that is favourable to the emotional and physical wellbeing of clients, staff and visitors.
  5. Monitor and report any required maintenance or repairs to property including vehicles as appropriate.

Confirmation and Acceptance

I, ……………………………………………………..……………… have read and understood the job description for my role as ………………………………………………………………………
Signed: Date:

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