Refuge Team Leader

Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council; Bathurst; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council Bathurst is seeking an experienced Women’s Refuge Team Leader to guide refuge staff and deliver safe, trauma-informed services to women and children escaping domestic violence. You will oversee operations, intake, case management, supervision and staff development, while building strong partnerships with services and housing pathways to support independence.

We are looking for a confident, compassionate leader with deep knowledge of domestic and family

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of domestic and family violence and its impact on women and children.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis intervention and trauma-informed practice.
• Proven leadership experience with mentoring, supervising and developing staff.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and/or culturally diverse communities.
• Knowledge of local domestic and family violence services and networks.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and support refuge staff, including caseworkers and support staff.
• Oversee daily refuge operations and ensure a safe, welcoming environment.
• Provide staff supervision, feedback, training and performance management.
• Support new staff through induction and probation reviews at 1, 3 and 6 months.
• Client intake, assessment, case planning and case management.
• Ensure risk assessments and safety plans are completed and reviewed.
• Respond to emergencies, incidents and changing client risks.
• Ensure trauma-informed, culturally safe and client-centred services.
• Provide regular, meaningful programs for women and children.
• Assist clients with housing pathways and identified needs.
• Develop strong relationships with external agencies and community services.
• Maintain accurate CIMS documentation, case notes and incident reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Crisis intervention

Staff supervision

Trauma-informed practice

Communication

Decision making

Cultural safety

Job description

Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council - Bathurst NSW

Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council (OLALC) is seeking an experienced and passionate Team Leader to lead our dedicated refuge team and support women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

This is an opportunity to take a leadership role and make a genuine difference to the safety, wellbeing and future of women and children.

Bathurst NSW Fulltime 38hrs

About the Role

As the Women's Refuge Team Leader, you will provide day-to-day leadership, supervision and support to refuge staff while ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, trauma-informed and client-centred services.

You will oversee refuge operations, complete client intake and case management, staff development, programs, risk management, compliance and reporting. You will also work closely with internal and external services to ensure clients receive coordinated support and strong pathways to housing, safety, health, legal, education and employment services. You will also manage a small caseload.

A key focus of this role will be creating a safe, respectful and empowering environment where women and children can rebuild their confidence, make informed choices and work towards independence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and support refuge staff, including caseworkers and support staff

• Oversee daily refuge operations and ensure a safe and welcoming environment

• Provide regular staff supervision, feedback, training and performance management

• Support new staff through induction and probation reviews at 1, 3 and 6 months

• Client intake, assessment, case planning and case management

• Ensure appropriate risk assessments and safety plans are completed and reviewed

• Respond effectively to emergencies, critical incidents and changing client risks

• Ensure services are trauma-informed, culturally safe, respectful and client-centred

• Ensure regular and meaningful programs are provided for women and children

• Support clients with housing pathways and other identified needs

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external agencies and community services

• Ensure accurate and timely CIMS documentation, case notes and incident reporting

• Monitor compliance with organisational policies, legislation and funding requirements

• Prepare reports for the CEO, management and funding bodies

• Monitor and approve expenditure within delegated authority

• Represent the Refuge at relevant community meetings, forums and interagency networks

About You

We are looking for a confident and compassionate leader who can balance strong operational management with genuine care for clients and staff.

You will have:

• Extensive knowledge of domestic and family violence and its impact on women and children

• Demonstrated experience in crisis intervention and trauma-informed practice

• Proven leadership experience, including the ability to mentor, supervise and develop staff

• Strong communication, interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills

• The ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations

• Strong documentation, reporting and client management skills

• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and/or culturally diverse communities

• Knowledge of local domestic and family violence services and support networks

• Experience working within a refuge, homelessness, domestic violence, community services or similar environment

• Relevant training in domestic and family violence, crisis intervention or trauma-informed practice is highly desirable

Essential Requirements

• Current Working with Children Check

• Satisfactory Criminal History Check

• Current valid Driver's License

Why Join OLALC?

At OLALC, you will be part of an organisation committed to strengthening families and communities and delivering services that make a meaningful difference.

This role provides an opportunity to lead a dedicated team, strengthen refuge services and directly contribute to safer futures for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.

If you are an experienced leader who is passionate about supporting women and children, building strong teams and delivering quality services, we would love to hear from you.