Principal Social Worker - Based In Broome Or Kununurra

Principal Social Worker – Broome or Kununurra, WA

Kimberley Community Legal Services

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to experience aboriginal culture, explore the amazing Kimberley region, and to know your hard work extensively benefits our communities, all in a day's work! 

We are offering a full-time, permanent role with the following attractive benefits:

• A welcoming culture where your achievements are celebrated.
• Competitive salary plus 11% super.
• Relocation assistance.
• Generous leave entitlements (above award) at 5 weeks annual leave per year plus paid Christmas closure leave.
• Professional training and growth opportunities
• Cultural competence development opportunities.
• Salary packaging (salary sacrificing) – you may be eligible for up to $15,900 gross salary use which can decrease your taxable income and increase take-home pay, with possible FBT exemptions (please see here for more information: https://www.cbb.com.au/discover-salary-packaging/).
• Live on the doorstep of, and explore, the stunning natural Kimberley landscapes. 
• Be part of an energetic, collaborative, and close-knit team environment. 
• Opportunities to work with a wide range of clients, and travel to remote communities. 
• Be part of the welcoming and dynamic local community. 
• Grow your skills and knowledge undertaking meaningful work that makes a difference to our communities. 

Who are Kimberley Community Legal Services? 

We are an independent, not-for-profit community legal service, one of Australia's leading and largest remote civil law practices that predominantly supports aboriginal communities. A multidisciplinary service, offering legal, social work, and financial counselling, we provide a free service to vulnerable community members experiencing disadvantage. We have offices in Kununurra and Broome, with regular outreach to urban and remote towns and communities in the beautiful Kimberley region.

OUR MISSION

To be a dynamic organisation that works with the people and communities of the Kimberley to make a positive difference.

OUR VISION

Dignity, human rights, and social justice for all people in the Kimberley.

WE VALUE:

• Empathy and respect
• Dedication and commitment 
• Integrity and honesty 
• Teamwork and collaboration 
• Improvement and innovation

THE ROLE

Reporting To:              CEO

Direct Reports:            5 direct reports

Hours:                         8.30am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday

Award:                         Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010

We are looking for an experienced Principal Social Worker to join our multidisciplinary team located in Broome or Kununurra, working closely with our CEO and legal teams to deliver intensive, wrap-around support services to local clients, and to lead our professional social work practice across the Kimberley community. A typical day might entail:

• Growing our social work practice by managing Social Workers and client advocates and ensuring good integration with our legal service.
• Building relationships throughout the community, in particular Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, for our social work services to succeed.
• Participating as a member of our Leadership Team to support overall coordination of the practice and operations as a whole.
• Providing supportive and effective leadership and management of direct reports, leading by example, and engaging with the CEO and HR when necessary.
• Ensuring service delivery is appropriate and effective for our client community, supporting cultural appropriateness and accessibility for diverse clients.
• Being a part of our reflective community of practice, working closely with the wider team to ensure continuous improvement in our service delivery.
• Leading the identification and development of educational resources, systemic reform projects and partnerships that helps achieve meaningful change, particularly in the area of elder abuse and domestic violence.
• Participating in interagency networks and building/maintaining positive relationships with key stakeholders including referring agencies, community leaders and locals.
• Undertaking appropriate professional development activities to maintain and enhance your knowledge and skills.

We are searching for someone who can meet most of the following:

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications and extensive experience in client-centred social work. 
2. Experience managing staff and programs effectively at a senior level, including accurate data and record keeping, preparing reports and acquitting funds. 
3. Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including with clients with empathetically. 
4. Sound organisational skills, and ability to manage competing demands as part of a team. 
5. Experience in building and maintaining partnerships across the community, including with NGOs and government agencies.
6. Understanding and commitment to principles of social justice and to working effectively with Indigenous people. 
7. Personal resilience, adaptability, initiative, and ability to meet the challenges of remote service delivery.

Successful applicants will need to provide references, a recent WA Police Clearance, current WA Working with Children’s Check, and confirm their working rights in Australia. 

Further desirable criteria

1. Current driver’s license valid for use in WA.
2. Experience in a community legal practice setting and/or community-based organisation.
3. Experience with delivery of support to those who have experienced trauma, including victims of family violence.
4. Experience working with indigenous communities
5. Ability to operate outside an office environment, including working with clients in their homes and other external locations.

How to apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter addressing why you would be a great fit for the role. We ask that you please submit attachments in PDF format.

Applications close on Wednesday 7th February 2024 at 11:59pm. Shortlisting and interviews may commence, and appointments made before the closing date, so don’t delay.

KCLS values a diverse workforce with different life experiences, skills, and backgrounds including people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+, and people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need a hand with your application.

Have any questions? Contact Sophie Robinson on 08 6219 7***, or via email **@kcls.org.au.