Complex Trauma Worker - Lived Experience

Support survivors to access justice | Specialist complex trauma role | Inclusive, values-led NFP team in Carlton | Meaningful social impact every day

Salary: SCHADS 4 + super + NFP salary packaging | Part time (0.8FTE)

About Drummond Street Services

Drummond Street Services is a not-for-profit, non-denominational agency with over 130 years of delivering innovative services that strengthen families and communities across Victoria. Nationally recognised for complex trauma-informed practice, we support survivors through the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and continue to support survivors to access justice through the National Redress Scheme (NRS).

We are committed to creating meaningful change through evidence-informed and trauma-informed practice. Our work is grounded in social justice and inclusion, supporting our teams to deliver services that are responsive to the needs of children, young people, individuals, families, and communities.

About the Role

Join our expanding Complex Trauma Service team in this part-time contract role until 30 June 2027, with the possibility of extension subject to funding. Based in Carlton, you will provide practical, peer-informed support to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse to engage with the National Redress Scheme (NRS), including the DPR process.

Drawing on your lived experience of childhood trauma, where you choose to, you will support survivors to navigate the application process, build confidence and access social and peer support. There is no expectation that you disclose or share your personal story.

Working as part of a transdisciplinary, complex trauma-informed team, you will also support clients to access counselling and psychological care through referral. Where a client's needs or risk increase beyond the scope of the role, you will work with your supervisor and the team to facilitate handover to a Complex Trauma Practitioner for clinical management.

Duties

• Provide practical support to survivors to understand and complete National Redress Scheme and DPR applications, including forms, information gathering and navigating the process.
• Provide peer-informed support, including facilitating peer-led social connection and support groups, while centering survivor autonomy and choice.
• Support clients to prepare for and debrief after the DPR process and provide clear, accessible information about the NRS.
• Identify changes in client needs or risk and promptly escalate and facilitate handover to a Complex Trauma Practitioner where clinical management is required.
• Support eligible clients to access counselling and psychological care through appropriate referral pathways and maintain effective relationships with external services.
• Participate in supervision, training, community development, sector engagement, evaluation and continuous improvement activities.

Skills & Experience

• Lived experience of childhood trauma and an understanding of the impact of complex trauma on health and wellbeing.
• Relevant qualification, with a minimum Certificate IV in Mental Health or relevant qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience supporting survivors of institutional child sexual abuse and knowledge of complex trauma, healing and recovery approaches.
• Experience supporting people and families with multiple and complex needs, including mental health, family violence, drug and alcohol, disability or other social and systemic barriers.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and group facilitation skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships and work collaboratively within a transdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive, affirming and intersectional practice, with the ability to recognise and respond appropriately to changing client needs and risk.

Please review the position description, which outlines the full list of responsibilities and key selection criteria

Our Culture

We value reflective practice, innovation, and continuous learning, creating an environment where staff are supported to deliver high-quality services and grow professionally.

We are an intersectional organisation committed to equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, LGBTIQA+ people, people with disability, people of colour, public housing residents, and people with lived experience, as we recognise that diverse perspectives strengthen our practice and better reflect the communities we serve.

Benefits

• SCHADS Level 4 salary + superannuation
• NFP salary packaging, up to $15,900 tax-free per year
• Part-time 0.8 FTE, based in Carlton, with a contract until 30 June 2027 and possibility of extension subject to funding. Must be available to work Tuesday 11am-7pm (may be subject to change)
• Hybrid work model - 1 day working from home per week, in line with organisational policy
• Professional development and ongoing learning
• Reflective practice and supervision within a specialist complex trauma team
• Meaningful work supporting survivors to access justice through the NRS

How to Apply

Click 'Apply Now' to submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria. Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview and asked to provide evidence of qualifications.

For a confidential discussion, contact Louisa Shillingford-Brown, Manager – Complex Trauma, on 9663 6733 or louisa.shillingford-brown@ds.org.au using the subject line: Complex Trauma Worker - Lived Experience enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Drummond Street Services is committed to child safety and to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation in line with Victorian Child Safe Standards.  The safeguarding and wellbeing of children and young people is central to our work.  We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to acting in the best interests of children and young people.  All staff are required to participate in a thorough recruitment and screening process, including holding a current Victorian Working with Children Check and completing a National Police Check.

A position description is attached.