Newcastle | Full-Time/Part-Time | Fixed-Term
- Work-life balance- this role can be fulltime or parttime.
- Be an integral part of the first multidisciplinary program at the ALS.
- Hybrid work option.
Primary Purpose of the role
The purpose of this role is to provide case management to vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. This role is part of the new legal assistance for women program (Hunter LAW) based in Newcastle.
Why join the ALS team?
At the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) you can make an impact. You will join a strong movement fighting for social justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families, and communities.
Our focus is our people: the people we support and the people we employ. We offer a career you can be proud of and a place where you feel safe to be yourself. We invest in our people and appreciate the rich diversity of lived experiences, languages, and culture.
Born out of a protest movement over 50 years ago, the ALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation delivering high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW and the ACT. It’s an exciting time to be joining us. We recently received additional funding to deliver a range of new programs aimed at addressing systemic issues and driving structural reforms. This is creating significant opportunities for the ALS, our staff, and communities.
As well as the satisfaction of working in a job that really matters, we offer our staff benefits including:
- Not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximise take-home pay.
- Annual leave loading of 17.5%
- Career and professional development opportunities.
- Access to personal counselling for you and your family.
- Additional paid leave of up to 6 days per year, paid parental and study leave.
- Flexible work options – talk to us about how we can make this role work for you.
About the role
The Social Worker role forms part of the Legal Assistance for Vulnerable Women Program (Hunter LAW). You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team, providing integrated social and legal assistance for vulnerable women and the families in the Hunter region by providing holistic person-centred care.
The Social Worker Role will be responsible for:
- Under the guidance of the Managing Solicitor or their delegate, establish wraparound services and programs for clients in the Hunter region.
- Consult with local communities, organisations, and networks in regard to the establishment of the service and ensure that the service is accessible.
- Provide expertise in addressing the complex socio-legal needs of vulnerable Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander women and their children.
- Travel to outreach locations in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter regions as required.
- Provide detailed written assessments and reports for solicitors, Courts, and Tribunals; including psychosocial reports, safety planning and undertake risk assessments.
- Maintain records and files in an orderly and professional manner, including the recording of all data into ALS’ database for statistical and reporting purposes.
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- Assist clients in accessing Staying Home Leaving Violence, Victims Support, Centrelink, housing, clothing and food banks, medical services, and other required supports.
- Attend Court or Tribunals to support clients.
- Provide victims of domestic violence with guidance and capacity building (increasing self-esteem, self-empowerment, and determination skills).
About you
We’re looking for someone who brings:
Essential:
- Identify and be recognised in the community as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
- Demonstrated experience in social work, case management or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable women.
- Demonstrated experience working in a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain boundaries.
- Good written and communication skills.
- Computer literacy with the ability to adapt to new systems and technology.
- Ability to meet deadlines and manage a diverse workload.
- This role requires a high level of autonomy and self-motivation.
- Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their children combined with continuing respect and support for cultural practices when considering service delivery and other support for clients, their families, communities, and employees.
- Current NSW driver’s licence with the ability to travel intrastate and carry passengers.
Desirable:
- Bachelor of Social Work, which provides eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers, or;
- Appropriate tertiary qualification in Community Services, Social Sciences, Human Services, or related field.
- Previous experience working in an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community-based organisation.
- Previous experience working in a multi-disciplinary service.
Pre-employment requirements:
ALS is committed to implementing safe recruitment practices. Your application may be subject to pre-employment checks such as reference checks, Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check, right to work in Australia, COVID-19 vaccinations, and National Police History check.
How to apply
- View the full position description
- Please send an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to [email protected]
- If you have any enquiries or would like to discuss the role, please contact our recruitment team at [email protected]