ABOUT US

Central Australian Women’s Legal Service (CAWLS) is a multi-disciplinary Community Legal Centre providing services for all women in Central Australia and the Barkly Region, with offices based in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. A large component of CAWLS service delivery is related to domestic & family violence (DFV) and interconnected legal issues such as child protection, family law, financial/debt and tenancy matters. Approximately 76% of our clients are First Nations women.

At CAWLS we are committed to providing holistic, culturally safe, trauma informed wrap-around services, achieving excellent outcomes for our clients through law reform, legal advice and representation, client support, financial counselling, community legal education and outreach. Our staff are motivated, dedicated and ensure we provide quality service to all clients and stakeholders.

The position is based in Alice Springs, Northern Territory.

* Some travel may be required from time to time.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Social Worker will support CAWLS team by providing personalised and planned case managed support and advocacy for clients of CAWLS legal service, with a particular focus on First Nations women.

Through a client-centred approach, the Social Worker will support clients in areas such as housing, health, family violence, family reunification, linking with culturally appropriate services, community integration, NDIS, and financial issues.

The role requires enthusiasm, excellent communication skills and the ability to work autonomously in addition to working well with others. An eye for detail and the capacity to work in a busy environment, meet strict deadlines, prioritise work and maintain quality standards are also essential.

The position includes the provision of outreach services to clients and support at some courts including occasional visits to Tennant Creek.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide case management support to women who are clients of CAWLS legal service ensuring client safety is always prioritised.
• Work with CAWLS 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 CAWLS case management clients.
• Maintain, collect and record client information and data in accordance with CAWLS policies and practices.
• Attend meetings relevant to CAWLS operations from time to time as requested.
• Participate in and contribute to research addressing the systemic issues faced by First Nations women in their interactions with the justice system.
• Maintain effective collection of relevant data and statistics, file management systems and internal quality assurance procedures consistent with the administrative systems, procedures and policies of the service.
• Prepare reports to funding agencies by maintaining statistics and other records as required

For more information contact Alice de Brenni, Operations Manager, on 8952 4055 or [email protected], using the subject line: Social Worker - Alice Springs.

An applicant's gender is a genuine occupational requirement of this position, authorised by s35 of the NT Anti-Discrimination Act and Division 4 (s30, ss1 & ss2a,c,g,e,& h) of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984.

A position description is attached.