We are looking for a person with a passion for advocacy and social justice.

You will work with private, community and public housing tenants from all walks of life to support them in their tenancy matter.

Please note that this is not suitable for solicitors.

As part of our legal service, SCALES is funded to provide free Tenancy Advice and Education Services to the Kwinana and Rockingham region.

Reporting to the Senior Generalist Solicitor, you will work closely with other staff members across the service to assist residential tenants by informing them of their rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 and other legislation. Negotiation is a large part of this position as well as representing tenants at Housing Authority meetings and the Rockingham Magistrate’s Court before the Clerk of Courts and Magistrates.

Stakeholder engagement and community legal education will also be part of the responsibilities of the position.

The tenancy service is part of a statewide network of tenancy services established to increase community understanding of tenants’ rights and responsibilities. The aims are to inform and encourage tenants to exercise their rights and acknowledge their responsibilities to assist in the resolution of disputes.

The position has three strategic roles:

1. Direct Service Delivery
2. Community Development
3. Community Education

Particular consideration are given to the needs of tenants such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tenants, culturally and linguistically divers tenants, older tenants, tenants with disabilities including mental illness, young people, victim-survivors of family and domestic violence, sole parents and tenants in supported accommodation.

THE SCOPE OF THE TENANCY PRACTICE INCLUDES:

• SCALES provides advice to Rockingham and Kwinana tenants on the full range of issues relating to tenancy. These include bonds, signing agreements, getting repairs done, access and privacy, terminating a tenancy, resolving disputes, and referrals to the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS).
• To ensure appropriate provision of information, referral, advice, advocacy, representation, outreach, law and policy reform and community education services.
• After assessing a client’s initial needs, SCALES may provide advocacy to tenants. Negotiation with landlords, real estate agents and housing officers is a large part of the service to resolve problems and secure a positive outcome for our clients.
• Supporting/resourcing tenants to prepare cases and attend Court or hearings to self represent.
• A weekly duty service is provided at the Rockingham Magistrates Court for tenants which may include representation before the Clerk of Courts or a Magistrate.
• SCALES will arrange for interpreters when needed. The service ensures it is accessible to tenants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• SCALES works within the WA tenancy network that includes Circle Green Community Legal and other tenancy services.
• SCALES also provides community legal education and training to community workers.

SCALES does not assist with searching for accommodation and is not funded to assist landlords or real estate agents with inquiries but will provide referrals.

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

This role is a full time position (37.5 hours per week) part time applications will be considered, there is a 3 month probation period. Conditions under the SCHADS Industry Award (MA 000100) Level 3 to 4. Salary packaging is available.

Excited yet? Want to know more? What is in it for you?

• Competitive salary in the range of $71,000 to $81,200) (pro rata), plus:
  • Salary Packaging
  • 11.5% Employer funded superannuation
  • Paid leave during the festive season office closure period
  • Annual Leave Loading
  • Above Award Long Service Leave entitlements
  • Professional development and training opportunities.

About SCALES

SCALES Community Legal Centre is a not for profit incorporated association based in Rockingham providing a range of free legal services for over 27 years to the south coastal metropolitan region of Kwinana and Rockingham.

As well as the Murdoch University Student Law Clinic, SCALES is funded to provide specialist wraparound, client centred and trauma informed family violence services through the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children.

In order to fit the bill, you must understand and be committed to the principles of holistic, trauma informed and culturally safe legal practice; have strong emotional resilience and excellent interpersonal skills.

For further information regards this position please contact Gai Walker, Managing Director on 08 95500 410 or by email to [email protected] using the subject line: Tenant Advocate - Rockingham or apply directly through Ethical Jobs.

A position description and SCALES' Legal Practice guidelines are attached.