SENIOR ADVOCATE

SA Unions is South Australia’s united trades and labour council, the peak voice for the South Australian union movement. We strive to be influential in improving the lives of South Australian workers by supporting South Australia's union movement, and advocating to government to influence policy in the interests of working people.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our Workers’ Compensation Service (the Service) provides free dispute resolution and advocacy services to workers who need help with their workers’ compensation claims.

The Senior Advocate will report to and work closely with the Coordinator. They will be supported by an Advocate Assistant and Information Officer.

The role will suit an experienced lawyer with at least 5 years’ of experience in litigation, dispute resolution and advocacy. Recent practice experience related to the South Australian workers’ compensation scheme and the SAET is required.

The Senior Advocate will:

• Advise injured workers about their entitlements, rights and obligations in relation to claims for workers compensation. This includes advising workers in relation to settlements and redemption agreements.
• Provide ongoing litigation support to other Advocates.
• Advocate on behalf of workers in the SAET up to and including at hearing and determination (trial work subject to experience).
• Prepare and lodge SAET documents including Applications for Review of Decisions, Applications for Expedited Decisions, Statements of Facts, Issues and Contentions, and affidavits.
• Liaise with medical practitioners to obtain reports and other relevant evidence.
• Provide ad hoc training to other staff of the Service.
• Work as part of a team to promote the Service to clients and referring agencies.
• Support the development of the Service as a professional and highly regarded service for workers which promotes union values.
• Assist in the development of workers compensation skills for volunteers, health and safety representatives and other union advocates.

Skills and experience

The Senior Advocate is a reliable member of a small team dedicated to ensuring injured workers are treated with dignity, supported financially and assisted to return to the workforce as quickly and safely as possible after an injury. They are professional, responsible, and understand that different clients have different needs. They acknowledge that the work that they do has real life consequences for vulnerable people.

The Senior Advocate has:

• Experience in workers’ compensation law and practice.
• Recent practice experience related to the Return to Work Act 2014 (SA) and the workers’ compensation scheme in South Australia.
• 5 years’ experience in litigation, dispute resolution and advocacy.
• The ability to manage complex and competing priorities.
• The ability to manage diverse and demanding interpersonal interactions.
• Demonstrated commitment to union values.
• Familiarity with union coverage and priorities in South Australia.

DETAILS

This is a fixed term, grant funded position offered for the remainder of a 3-year funding grant, running until 30 March 2028.

Employment conditions will be subject to the SA Unions Enterprise Agreement 2023 (which is currently being reviewed). This role is classified as Specialist Grade1.3 in the SA Unions Enterprise Agreement.

Salary: $117,000 - $122,000 (with wage and superannuation increases to be applied 1 July 2026)