The Law and Advocacy Centre for Women Ltd (LACW) is a not-for-profit, Community Legal Centre that assists women who are in or at risk of entering the criminal justice system, providing legal advice and representation in the following areas of law:

• Criminal defence advocacy;
• Infringements;
• Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) Applications; and
• Intervention orders.

A high proportion of LACW’s client are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women. LACW’s goal is to combat the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in the justice system by providing culturally appropriate, holistic, wrap-around services, addressing the underlying issues that have brought them into contact with the justice system, as well as providing legal advice and representation. The position of Case Manager is required to provide ongoing case-management and referral services to our clients and thereby effectively address these underlying issues. These issues may include homelessness, drug and alcohol use, mental health issues and the experience of family violence.

Position Overview

The Case Manager provides personalised and planned case managed support and advocacy for clients of LACW’s legal service, with a particular focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Through a client-centred approach, the Case Manager supports clients in areas such as housing, health (including alcohol and drug use and mental health), family violence, family reunification, linking with culturally appropriate services, community integration, NDIS, and financial issues.

Please note that during stage 4 COVID restrictions, all staff are working remotely from home. However, the position is usually located at LACW's office in Carlton.

Terms and Conditions:

• This is a part-time role (4 days per week, 7.6 hours per day) for a term of 12 months (full-time hours may be considered)
• Salary and conditions are in accordance with the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHCADS Award), the National Employment Standards (NES) and LACW’s policies and procedures.
• Salary will be in accordance with SCHCADS Award level 4 or 5 depending on relevant qualifications and experience.
• The position reports to the Principal Legal Officer (PLO).
• Employment is subject to the completion of a three month probationary period, which may be extended to six months.
• The employee will be subject to an annual performance review linked to objectives set out for the position.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide case management support to women who are clients of LACW’s legal service, with a particular focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
• Work with LACW’s solicitors to identify and address the support needs of clients – whether they are in custody or the community.
• Refer and support clients to obtain appropriate housing, drug and alcohol treatment, community services and other relevant supports in the community.
• Provide information and support relating to material and financial aid, mental and physical health and wellbeing, education/employment/training opportunities and other relevant services and supports.
• Advocate on behalf of women in relation to government services and departments.
• Where possible and if pertinent, attend court in support of LACW case management clients.
• Maintain, collect and record client information and data in accordance with LACW’s policies and practices.
• Attend meetings relevant to LACW’s operations from time to time as requested.
• Participate in and contribute to research addressing the systemic issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in their interactions with the justice system, in particular, research undertaken by RMIT’s Centre for Innovative Justice.
• Work alongside a seconded social worker from RMIT’s Centre for Innovative Justice in contributing to the supervision of RMIT social work students.

Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience in the delivery of support services to women who are currently in or at risk of entering the criminal justice system.
• A commitment to the principles of social justice.
• An understanding of the legal system, in particular as it governs criminal proceedings, and how it affects vulnerable women. A particular understanding of the impact of family violence is desirable.
• Knowledge of support services and linkages available in the community for women and the ability to maintain and further develop networks with a variety of support and community services, particularly for women who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
• A demonstrated understanding of the issues that relate to women from diverse backgrounds and with multiple and complex needs.
• Strong administrative skills, including good time management, excellent written and oral skills and confidence with the MS Office applications and MS Excel.
• Experience in supervising social work or human services students is desirable.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a support role with women affected by the nexus of homelessness, criminalisation and substance addiction.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in social work or an equivalent discipline, and/or experience as a social worker or equivalent, is desirable.
• All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and the successful applicant must provide a current Working with Children Check prior to commencement.
• Current Victorian Driver’s licence.
• Training in the use of Common Risk Assessment Framework (CRAF) or knowledge of the MARAM will be considered favourably.

LACW considers that being an Aboriginal and/or a Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under section 28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

A position description is attached.