Mental Health, Wellbeing & Sexual Harassment Officer

Mental Health, Wellbeing & Sexual Harassment Officer

About the role

We have an opportunity for an experienced professional to join the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia (ALSWA) as the Mental Health, Wellbeing and Sexual Harassment Officer at our Perth office. 

This is a new and important position reporting to the Manager, Human Resources. Key responsibilities of this position will be to:

1. Assess and enhance ALSWA’s policies, practices and procedures aimed at creating a culturally safe, inclusive and respectful workplace, with a particular focus on eliminating Sexual Harassment, reducing the impact of vicarious trauma for employees and volunteers and creating safe environments for children and vulnerable people; and 
2. Develop, implement, promote, and evaluate Mental Health and wellbeing programs that are evidence-informed, proactive, and appropriate for employees and volunteers.
3. Support employees and volunteers with Mental Health and wellbeing concerns.

Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, society and the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is required.

Other responsibilities include:

• Be the first point of contact for staff who wish to discuss any personal or work-related issues/concerns impacting their Mental Health and wellbeing in order to provide support, referrals to services as well as general guidance and suggested tools for addressing the concerns and improving wellbeing.
• Be the first formal point of contact for all Sexual Harassment grievances and allegations ensuring the formal complaints procedures are adhered too.
• Ensure all necessary reporting is undertaken in relation to all Sexual Harassment incidents.
• Undertake or assist in investigations into Sexual Harassment and bullying complaints as per ALSWA’s Sexual Harassment Policy, Bullying and Disciplinary Policies and Employee Code of Conduct.
• If directed, undertake or assist in investigations under the Reportable Conduct Scheme Policy. 
• Ensure all policies aligned to Mental Health and wellbeing are maintained and updated in accordance with applicable legislation and best practice standards.
• Develop relationships with service providers that employees can be referred to for assistance – outside of EAP.
• Develop and deliver training sessions, facilitate meetings as well as develop and implement organizational procedures and protocols to enhance staff wellbeing. 
• Report to the Executive Management Team and Human Resources on systemic issues that staff are facing to enable appropriate responses to be put in place to alleviate pressures on staff and reduce risks.
•  Assist with developing a mentoring and support program for staff.
• Develop programs and activities that can promote positive Mental Health in the workplace. 
• Develop a Mental Health toolkit for staff.

About you

To be considered for this role, you will need to meet the following criteria:

Essential:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding and/or relevant lived experience of Aboriginal communities and cultures and the issues affecting them, with an appropriate level of cultural understanding, empathy and sensitivity.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed support, Mental Health first aid and wellbeing and resilience strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering successful training sessions, facilitating meetings as well as developing and implementing organizational procedures and protocols;
• Excellent communication skills, including report writing, training, and presentation skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and solid analytical skills;
• Ability and experience in providing counselling.
• Solid organizational skills: the ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast-paced multi-tasking team environment; 
• Strong computer skills: facility with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email/internet software;
• Ability to participate in individual performance reviews;
• Ability to travel intrastate when required.

About our benefits

We have a friendly, caring and diverse work environment. We offer attractive employment benefits including salary packaging (making part of your salary tax-free), free counselling services to employees and immediate family through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development. 

We also provide 5 weeks annual leave per year plus leave loading, 2 weeks additional paid leave for end of year closure, and access to additional paid leave for health and well-being.

About us

ALSWA is a not-for-profit independent government funded organisation working to provide high quality legal representation, supports and assistance to the Aboriginal community in WA. 

ALSWA has 11 offices across regional WA and provides legal assistance in criminal, civil, human rights and family law, engages in law and policy reform and community legal education activities and provides services which support clients in the areas of youth diversion, bail support, unpaid fines and the Custody Notification Service.

We live our values of caring, sharing and respect.

How to apply

To submit your application, please click the ‘Apply’ button or alternatively send your application to ***********@als.org.au  Your application must include a cover letter outlining what strengths you could bring to the role and your resume. Selection criteria is not required. Please note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity in further detail please contact Human Resources on (08) 9265 6*** or email ***********@als.org.au. All applications will be treated in confidence.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE:  31 March 2024

For full position details, roles and responsibilities please visit the employment section of www.als.org.au/employment 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are seeking to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the differing needs of our clients and to improve equal opportunity outcomes for our employees. ALSWA strongly encourages applications from Indigenous Australians. We also encourage applications from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with a disability. ALSWA provides an environment that values diversity and supports all staff to reach their full potential.