• Would you like to join a brand new, innovative social work program in Melbourne’s southeast?
• Are you an experienced social worker looking for an opportunity to teach the next generation through integrated practice?
• Do you want to join a leading social justice organisation to deliver integrated services to disadvantaged communities?
• Then we want to hear from you!

About the opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Worker to contribute to a new and innovative service delivery model in a strong and future-focused organisation, and contribute to the development of exceptional practitioners of the future through a clinical program.

SMLS is embedding a social work student program as part of our strategic shift towards integrated service delivery. You will supervise social work students on rotation placement while contributing to the development of our integrated service model. You will work closely with passionate lawyers, financial counsellors and other service providers to provide holistic, client centred support.

Position context 

This newly created role aims to support the implementation of our Integrated Services Program (ISP)  by providing social work students with supervision and mentoring during their placement in our Clinical Program.

The role is embedded within the Strategic and Community Development team, comprised of youth workers, community development workers, Integrated Programs Coordinator and Manager. While the primary responsibilities sit within the social work clinical program, there is significant interaction with our legal and administrative teams to support our holistic, client centred approach across the organisation.

For further information about the program, please see the position description or call SMLS on 03 9038 8002 to organise a confidential discussion with Ashleigh Newnham, Manager Strategic and Community Development.

Position responsibilities 

Clinical Supervision  

• Provide clinical supervision to social work students undertaking their placement at SMLS 
• Provide reviews, reflection, critique and replenishment of emerging practitioners 
• Enhance the professional skills and competence of social work practitioners and strengthen their capacity to achieve positive outcomes for clients while responding effectively to complex and changing practice environments; 

 Integrated Practice  

• Work collaboratively with our Lawyers, Community Development staff, Integrated Services team to contribute to the further development of SMLS’s integrated service delivery model  
• Actively engaging in ISP processes to ensure integration across all areas of the program 
• Participation on relevant Integrated Practice working groups where appropriate  

  Direct Service Provision  

• Provision of high-quality social work support services including: 
• Advocacy 
• Assessment and referral 
• Case management to achieve best outcomes 

• Outreach support at court and other locations 
• Collaboration with lawyers and financial counsellors working with the client to achieve best outcomes for client  
• Developing and strengthening external relationships and networks 

 Key Selection Criteria  

Essential skills and experience 

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work, recognised by the AASW and eligible for membership with the AASW with at least three years post qualifying experience as a social worker   
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge in the provision of social work services to people experiencing disadvantage including: assessment, counselling, crisis management, case management, advocacy, intervention and appropriate referral  
• Experience working in community or health-based services such as; housing/homelessness, family violence, mental health, disability or drug and alcohol services, settlement services   
• Demonstrated experience working with or within a multi-disciplinary environment, building collaborative relationships across professional boundaries 
• Commitment to social justice and an understanding of feminist principles and values within a family violence context 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills  
• Ability to work independently in a self-directed and self-motivated manner, while also actively contributing to a team based working environment 

Desirable  

• Experience supervising social work students undertaking placements/field work  
• Experience working with people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities  
• Experience working in or demonstrated knowledge of the justice system and processes in a legal context 

• Ability to identify systemic barriers, and work towards systemic change 

For further information about the role responsibilities please refer to the attached position description.

Pre-employment verification 

Appointment may be subject to satisfactory completion of screening requirements including but not limited to:

• A current Police Record Check  
• Obtaining an Employee Working with Children Check  
• Verification of work right in Australia 
• Copies of qualifications 

Work Arrangements  

Due to the current pandemic, this position includes an initial working from home arrangement. 

Some travel may be necessary between office sites and to attend outreach locations and/or meetings. Generally, employees utilise their insured and roadworthy private vehicles. 

Note: Under the current government restrictions, and as an authorised provider interacting with the public, SMLS is required to obtain evidence of COVID vaccination for the successful candidate for this role.

For additional information, please call SMLS on 03 9038 8002 to organise a confidential discussion with Ashleigh Newnham, Manager Strategic and Community Development.

The recruitment process is expected to comprise two stages for short-listed applicants: 

• An interview with the selection panel; and 

• Professional reference checks. 

The selection panel may conduct interviews prior to the closing date and SMLS reserves the right to close this role prior to the application deadline if a suitable candidate is identified.