Refuge Coordinator

📍 Location: Cannonvale, Whitsundays QLD
💰 Salary: $55.72 – $58.19 per hour + attractive salary packaging benefits
📅 Contract: Full-time commencing as soon as possible.​

 

Make a Real Difference in the Lives of Women and Children Escaping Domestic & Family Violence

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We are seeking a Refuge Coordinator to join our highly skilled Refuge team. This role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the lives of women and children experiencing crisis, while working within an organisation committed to integrity, cultural safety, compassion and client‑centred practice.

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💜 About the Role

In this pivotal leadership position, you will guide a dedicated team delivering crisis and transitional accommodation to women, children and families experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence. You will ensure our refuge environment is safe, culturally responsive, trauma‑informed, inclusive and empowering, in line with WCS values and practice frameworks.​

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Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the day‑to‑day operations of the refuge and transitional housing program

• Provide supportive, strengths‑based supervision and ongoing professional development to staff

• Oversee safety, compliance, critical incident processes and on‑call coordination

• Model WCS values of respect, dignity, collaboration and professionalism

• Oversee referrals, intake, risk assessments and unit allocations

• Maintain SHIP/SHOR, QHIP and accommodation reporting

• Support tenants with Centrelink, tenancy processes, arrears and rental reports

• Ensure all client support is client‑centred, culturally safe and trauma‑informed

• Guide high‑quality case management, safety planning and needs assessment

• Support collaborative case planning across housing, financial wellbeing, child safety, legal and health needs

• Coordinate referrals to internal and external supports

• Respond to high‑risk domestic and family violence situations with timely, evidence‑informed interventions

• Lead risk monitoring, safety audits and site safety procedures

• Ensure adherence to DFV, child protection and WHS legislation

• Maintain security, fire safety, maintenance registers and contractor compliance

• Uphold organisational practice frameworks grounded in human rights and Child Safe principles

• Support the development of resources, tools and group programs

• Engage in community education, prevention initiatives and stakeholder partnerships

• Contribute to continuous service improvement and innovation across WCS programs​

 

🏢 Who We Are

Whitsunday Counselling and Support Inc is a not-for-profit, community-based organisation committed to reducing violence and supporting families through confidential, professional services. Our team works across the Whitsundays to support victims of domestic and family violence, sexual assault, and families at risk — through education, empowerment, and compassionate care.

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🎯 What We Offer

• A supportive, values-driven team environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• The chance to live and work in one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal regions
• A role that truly makes a difference

 

​📚 What You’ll Need​

​We are seeking someone who embodies professional integrity, compassion, cultural respect and a commitment to client and staff safety.

​Essential:

• 4+ years in a Team Leader or Coordinator role

• 3+ years working in the DFV sector

• Experience supervising and supporting staff

• Strong understanding of trauma‑informed practice, DFV risk assessment and child safety

• High‑level communication skills and the ability to foster respectful, collaborative relationships

Qualifications:

• Diploma of Counselling (minimum)

• Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Social Sciences (desirable)

• Blue Card (or eligibility to obtain)

• Open Driver Licence

Eligibility for professional membership (AASW, APS, ACA desirable)

 

📅 Apply Now: via Seek

Applications will be reviewed as received.

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