Dubbo  |  Full-time  |  Fixed-term to 30 June 2023

The Aboriginal Legal Service is offering an exciting opportunity to provide advice, advocacy and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with their tenancy matters.   Intake Support Officers are the first point of contact for tenants in the local community.

Enjoy coming to work each day with a purpose-driven organisation that makes a real difference.

This role is identified for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.

This role would suit a well organised and well connected community minded person.

About the ALS

Born out of a protest movement, the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited is the primary legal service for Aboriginal people in NSW and the ACT. Our vision is to achieve social justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.

We offer a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment. We’re passionate about what we do and we work hard. The ALS values the health and wellbeing of our employees and we are proud to offer flexible work practices. Staff can choose to take advantage of benefits including salary packaging to maximise take-home pay.

About the role

The Intake Support Officer will be responsible for: 

• providing assistance to tenants such as: telephone advice regarding the Residential Tenancy Act; negotiations with landlords; assist with applications for housing support including transfers; appeals and attendance at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT)

The Western Aboriginal Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service (WATAAS) is based in Dubbo and its catchment area covers as far as Broken Hill, Bourke, Walgett, Collarenebri, Lake Cargelligo, West Wyalong, Cowra and Lithgow.

Your skills and experience

• Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families, communities and staff
• Understanding and appreciation of the role and functions of the Aboriginal Tenant Advice and Advocacy Services together with a good understanding of the relevant legislation and policies
• Understanding of the public, social and private sector rental housing issues and challenges affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Knowledge of support and referral services available to Aboriginal clients, including those which are homeless or about to become homeless and those affected by family or domestic violence
• Experience in the preparation and delivery of Community Education including Outreach
• Ability to work independently, to apply sound judgment when dealing with matters and experience in continuous improvement and delivery of customer service
• Excellent communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills, self-motivated with ability to work with minimal supervision and ability to work as part of a team
• Demonstrated commitment to the effective implementation of Workplace Health & Safety and Ethical and Diversity practices in the workplace
• Current valid unrestricted NSW Driver’s licence and a willingness to drive in metropolitan and country locations, travel intrastate and stay overnight or longer
• Aboriginality - this is an identified position under Section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977

How to apply

• Download the application package for this position 

• Please submit the completed application package to Ann Pitkeathly, Recruitment Manager at [email protected]  

• If you have any enquiries or would like to discuss the role, please contact Catherine Noble, WATAAS Team Leader at 02 6881 5700

Applications for this position close extended to 5:00pm Monday 12 December 2022.