Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) are seeking a permanent full time dedicated and passionate Social Worker to be part of our team – come and join us to make a difference to the lives of women and children who are experiencing domestic violence.
The Social Worker works within a small team that provides a critical point of intervention for women who have accessed WLSQ and been identified as being at risk due to domestic violence and have consented to receiving social work support. The Social Worker will undertake time limited emotional and practical support including safety planning for WLSQ clients at risk of domestic violence and maintain case management support for legal casework clients in the Brisbane Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) other specialist legal programs as appropriate, in collaboration with WLSQ solicitors.
WLSQ is a nationally recognised, leading and innovative not for profit organisation in Australia. WLSQ provides high quality legal and social support services to women, specialising in the areas of family law, domestic violence, child protection, financial abuse legal protection and sexual assault through our counselling notes protect program.
The service is committed to the creation of a society in which woman are safe from violence, are heard and respected, and receive a fair and just legal outcome.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide specialist trauma informed services to WLSQ clients experiencing domestic violence through in person and telephone appointments, in accordance with WLSQ policy and requirements.
- Provide a range of social work services including; client intake, domestic violence risk assessment and safety planning, practical support with legal applications, facilitated referrals and individual needs assessments.
- Provide case management support for legal casework clients in collaboration with WLSQ solicitors, depending on client need.
- Provide support to WLSQ clients presenting in crisis or at immediate risk of domestic violence or suicide.
- Work collaboratively with legal and other staff to provide relevant support and assistance to clients.
2. Maintain professional case notes and statistical records for reporting purposes.Support community education, sector engagement and law reform activities undertaken by the WLSQ:
- Develop and maintain stakeholder engagement with key agencies who work with priority access groups, including developing referral pathways and delivering appropriate community legal education.
- Participate in law reform and legal system reform activities as required.
3. Any other reasonable task as requested by the Social Work Practice Director.
Skills and Capabilities:
- High level social work skills including counselling and advocacy skills as well as demonstrated knowledge and practice experience in the area of domestic violence, sexual assault and trauma informed practice.
- Experience in drafting domestic violence protection order applications and high level written skills in report writing and maintaining data records.
- Knowledge of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (QLD) and other relevant acts, is desirable.
- Ability to work independently but also collaboratively with solicitors and other team members in a multi-disciplinary environment to provide a case coordinated service to women with complex needs including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women from culturally and linguistically divorce backgrounds, and women with a disability.
- Well-developed relationship management and interpersonal communication skills to engage with a range of audiences and stakeholders internal and external to WLSQ.
- High level of knowledge and experience in establishing and maintaining relationships with referral agencies and with formal community partners.
- Ability to participate in community legal education activities where relevant to community agencies and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of the WLSQ and an ability to work within a feminist framework.
REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
In addition to having a meaningful and rewarding career, you will receive:
- SCHADS Level 5-6 remuneration dependent on experience ($88,761 – $96,962 plus 10.5% super).
- Generous leave entitlements with additional paid leave over Christmas and New Year.
- Attractive salary sacrifice options.
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:
WLSQ has an exemption under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 that allows for the employment of women only within the organisation.
WLSQ also requires all staff to have at least two COVID-19 Vaccinations.
Successful applicants will be required to complete a National Police Check.
This role requires the incumbent to hold an Open Queensland Driver’s Licence and undertake a National Police Check.
Role incumbent has a membership or is eligible for membership to the Australian Association of Social Workers.
APPLY NOW!
To apply for this position, click on ‘apply’ via Seek and load a copy of your Covering Letter and CV.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
If you have any questions regarding this role, please email czhu@wlsq.org.au
Applications for this role close on Sunday 26 March 2023.