Child, Youth & Family Services Workforce
The provision of high quality training is central to improving outcomes for people accessing community-managed services.
Funded training is provided to workers employed through the following Department of Human Services - Housing funded programs:
- Transitional Housing Managers
- Registered Community Housing Providers
- Registered Housing Associations
- Homelessness Assistance Services
- Integrated Family Violence Services
- Social Housing Advocacy and Support Providers
Most workshops promoted on the calendar cost $38.50 (GST inclusive) per participant. In some instances, this fee may be higher subject to the type of course on offer.
Dedicated training events implemented to support new initiatives generally do not attract a fee for participants.
The training program is managed by the Department of Human Services - Housing.
Generally the majority of training offered each semester is promoted on the homelessness assistance and community managed housing training calendar.
Accessing training
There is a range of different types of training and professional development opportunities available. In most instances, workers need to contact the training provider directly.
In some circumstances, training opportunities are limited to workers in particular sub sectors. For instance, a number of funded training programs offered through Domestic Violence Resource Centre are limited to family violence workers.
Workers should contact the training provider to determine if places are available for the workshop of interest. Nomination forms are available from the training provider. Where a payment is required, this should be included on submission of the nomination form.
Most training providers run waiting lists. If the workshop of interest is already fully subscribed, please request the training provider to include you on their waiting list. This enables both the Office of Housing and training providers to determine future demand for specific workshops.
Available training courses
Family Violence Training
The Domestic Violence Resource Centre (DVRC) is funded by the Office of Housing to offer a range of family violence specific workshops for the sector. Workers need to contact DVRC directly on (03) 9486 9866.
Opening Doors training
Opening Doors training has been designed and contextualised for entry point workers located at Local Area Service Networks. Supervision training has also been designed in accordance with the Opening Doors Framework to enhance and further develop the skills of Team Leaders and Managers in their supervision and support to Entry Point workers.
This training is being progressively delivered on a regional basis.
Family Violence Protection Act training
The Domestic Violence Resource Centre will be delivering five workshops on this legislation for the 2010-11 financial year. To register, contact DVRC directly on (03) 9486 9866.
Reimbursement of training costs
To ensure rural based workers can access training in metropolitan areas, the Office of Housing provides reimbursement for travel, accommodation and meals.
Conditions apply and reimbursements are limited to workers employed in nominated Office of Housing funded programs. In some circumstances, prior approval is required; please refer to the Training Reimbursement Policy.
New reimbursement rates and guidelines apply from January 2009. As noted in the training reimbursement guidelines, we now require a tax invoice made payable to DHS to process these reimbursements. The new claim form can be used for this purpose, but must include agency ABN and an Invoice number.
Making reimbursement claims
Agencies will need to complete the relevant claim forms when making claims.
- Family Violence and Risk Assessment, and Risk Management training
Overview of the different Common Risk Assessment Framework (CRAF) training types that are especially designed to suit a range of professionals according to their level of engagement with victims of family violence.
- Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Practice 2012-2013
The Department of Human Services and La Trobe University are now calling for applications for the second Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Practice.
- Workforce Development for Sexual Assault Workers
As part of new initiatives to increase support to victim/survivors of sexual assault, the Department of Human Services funds the development and delivery of training for new and advanced sexual assault workers in Victoria.
Contact information
Domestic Violence Resource Centre
Tel: (03) 9486 9866
