Ref: 2024-93 | Full-Time| Fixed Term to June 2026 | Moree
- Opportunity to advocate and support families involved in the child protection system, aiming to keep them safe and out of the system.
- Leadership role in implementing the new ALS Child and Family Advocacy and Support (ACFAS) program in Moree and surrounding areas.
- Provide supervision and guidance to advocacy workers, fostering their professional growth and adhering to ACFAS policies and procedures.
This is an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander identified position which is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
Primary Purpose of the role
The purpose of this role is to advocate for, and support families involved with the child protection system, with the aim of keeping the families safe and away from the system.
The role is part of the new ALS Child and Family Advocacy and Support (ACFAS) program in Dubbo, Moree and surrounding areas.
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 Program Lead will be responsible for the below but responsibilities are not limited to:
- Coordinate advocacy services based on the ACFAS model.
- Define priorities, outcomes, and areas of accountability for the team.
- Collaborate closely with counterparts in Dubbo or Moree.
- Provide leadership and supervision to advocacy workers, aligning with ACFAS policies.
- Provide advocates and families with high quality information about the child protection system to help them navigate it, including:
- Assisting advocates and families in understanding the DCJ’s actions and decisions.
- Assisting the advocates and families in considering their rights, options and the potential outcomes of their choices.
- Support advocates and families in understanding and focusing on their child’s safety and wellbeing.
- Support advocates and families to self-advocate, or as directed, represent their views or preferences to others, and advocate for the family’s view of what is needed for their child where required.
- Establish services in Dubbo or Moree, including processes for multidisciplinary teamwork and service scope management.
- Equip advocates and families with information about the child protection system, rights, options, and child safety.
- Support self-advocacy, representation, and family-centered service delivery.
- Adhere to EEO, WHS policies, and demonstrate alignment with ALS values and Code of Conduct.
About you
KEY COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS
Essential
- Identify and be recognised in the community as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
- Minimum Diploma of Community Services and relevant experience or minimum 5 years' experience in a leadership role.
- Demonstrated experience in child protection, community development, community sector advocacy, social work, family support service provision or related field
- Demonstrated experience working with children and families in a culturally safe and trauma informed way
- Demonstrated experience in case management, in child protection or related field
- 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
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain boundaries
- Good written and communication skills
- Computer literacy with the ability to learn new systems and technology
- Ability to adapt to change and work in a start-up environment
Desirable
- Unrestricted NSW driver’s license with the ability to travel intrastate and carry passengers
- Previous experience working in an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community-based organisation
- Previous experience working in a legal practice
- Knowledge of and connections within local Aboriginal communities
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] (Subject Title: Ref 2024-93 Program Lead, Family Law Practice)
- When sending your application, please ensure you include the reference number 2024-92 in subject title
- If you have any enquiries or would like to discuss the role, please contact our recruitment team at [email protected]
Applications for this position close at 11:59 PM 05th June 2024.
