Primary Objective
The purpose of this role is to guide and manage the establishment of Allied Professional Services (APS) within the ALS that are high quality, culturally safe and responsive to the needs of community. This includes establishing best practice models for socio-legal collaborations, developing service delivery frameworks and policies, and guiding and supporting APS staff. The role will play a critical role in the development of the organisational approach to socio-legal collaborations and play an advisory role in respect of best practice.
Reporting Relationships
Duties are performed under the ultimate guidance and direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This role reports directly to the Principal Solicitor, Service Innovation & Reform or their delegate.
Organisational Environment
The ALS is an Aboriginal owned and an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation (ACCO) which is incorporated, limited by guarantee and a registered charity.
The ALS provides culturally appropriate information and referral, legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people including children in NSW and the ACT. It is committed to achieving justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities. The ALS does this by ensuring it remains committed to being community focused, being fearless in its advocacy, accountable, and ethical and aiming to make a difference to create better futures, while also acknowledging and respecting Aboriginal values and cultural practices.
Key Communications
This position requires the ability to work collaboratively with ALS team members and demonstrate effective written and verbal communications skills.
Internal: The position holder will liaise closely with managers and allied professional staff in new programs as well as Principal Solicitors of the practice areas.
External: The position holder will build a network of support services and develop relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, government departments and local Aboriginal communities.
Key Areas Of Responsibilities
- Provide guidance, support and mentoring to Allied Professional Services (APS) staff to ensure a capable and culturally competent workforce
- Develop, maintain and implement relevant frameworks, guidelines and procedures to support Allied Professional Services and socio-legal collaborations across the organisation
- Provide advice to senior staff and APS team leads about best practice socio-legal collaborations and supports for APS staff
- Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of APS programs
- Lead continuous improvement within the APS, aiming for best practice and learning across the organisation
- Develop and maintain effective internal and external relationships and partnerships to support the work of the APS
- Facilitate external professional supervision is provided for APS staff where required, to help them deliver high quality, ethical and accountable services
- Assess, manage and where possible, mitigate workplace risks to clients and staff within the APS
- Attend meetings and working groups where required, including to represent the ALS in external forums
- Develop and manage project plans as required
- Produce reports, briefings, correspondence, and/or submissions as required
- Perform other reasonable duties as directed
- Adhere to ALS’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies, work practices and rules
- Demonstrate a commitment to and behaviours that align to ALS Values and ALS Code of Conduct
Key Competencies and Requirements
Essential
- Bachelor or Diploma of Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or related field
- Minimum 5 years of industry experience
- Demonstrated experience providing effective support, management or training to allied professional staff
- Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practices when considering service delivery and other support for clients, their families, communities and employees
- Proven capacity to identify and understand systemic issues experienced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in contact with the legal system, and impacts for families and communities
- Sound understanding of social work best practices, wraparound services required to support clients and/or socio-legal collaborations
- Ability to observe and analyse systems issues within the organisation, and propose practical solutions
- Ability to effectively develop, manage and influence external and internal relationships
- Proven ability to prepare guidelines, policies or procedures in support of program development
- Proven project management skills and expertise
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills
- Ability to prepare reports, briefings and training materials
- Ability to travel to metropolitan and regional areas for work purposes
- Ability to adapt to change and work in a start-up environment
Desirable
- Identify and be recognised in the community as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
- Previous experience working in an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community-based organisation
- Previous experience working in a legal practice or other multidisciplinary environment
- Previous experience developing and supporting allied professional programs and/or socio-legal collaborations
How To Apply:
-
Download the position description here
-
Please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected]
Applications for this position close on Tuesday 21 November 2023
