• Professional Membership Association: National Voice for Social Justice
• Nationally networked service delivery [flexible location]
• Full time ongoing [part time considered]

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is the professional representative body of social workers in Australia, with more than 14,000 members. AASW sets the benchmarks for professional education and practice in social work and have a strong voice on matters of social justice, human rights and issues that impact upon the quality of life of all Australians.

A great opportunity for a suitably skilled senior policy advisor to drive advocacy around mental health reforms at both a state/territory and federal level, while also driving strategic advocacy for the Associations Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW’s). This is a unique position which will be supporting critical work during an exciting period of growth for the Association.

Your key responsibilities will include [not limited to] the following:

• Conduct research and identify policy solutions ensuring materials accurately represent the views and values of the profession and members;
• Coordinating, delivering and acting in Secretariat and Chair roles for the member National Advisory Panels (established member consultation frameworks);
• Identify and engage interested members who are subject matter experts with current knowledge/practice in specific policy areas;
• Raise the profile and awareness of the AASW and the social work profession, through a range of communication channels including face-to-face, print, social and online media;
• Identify and respond to opportunities to elevate the Association and the profession in the broader community including supporting larger advocacy initiatives such as campaigns, media, and engagement with external stakeholders;
• Contribute to the development of supporting infrastructure and processes for the Social Policy and Advocacy Team; and
• Work with the Manager of Social Policy and Advocacy to implement the AASW Social Policy and Advocacy Team operational plan

Please refer to the position description for a detailed outline of the position responsibilities.

Key selection criteria:

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Social Work or related

Social Policy and Advocacy

• Demonstrated experience in social policy analysis, development and high-level analytical research skills
• Demonstrated understanding of government, political and bureaucratic systems and demonstrated experience in effectively engaging to influence change
• Demonstrated experience in advocacy activities, including development and implementation of strategies and campaigns to influence change
• Ability to support and mentor other staff in policy development, advocacy and media representation

Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work across a broad range of groups, including members, networks, stakeholders in government and non-government agencies
• Demonstrated experience in developing, coordinating and delivering stakeholder engagement activities including acting as Secretariat throughout life-cycle of consultative processes
• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining effective relationships and partnerships

Self-Management skills

• Ability to initiate and manage projects with demonstrated experience in managing competing priorities, periods of high workload and meeting short deadlines
• Ability to work independently and seek support and supervision as required

The AASW is committed to equal opportunities in employment and embraces diversity and inclusion in its workforce. We encourage applications from culturally and ethnically diverse communities, particularly those underrepresented in the social work profession including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people with a disability.

A position description is attached.