Social Policy & Advocacy Officer

• hybrid Melbourne office and work from home
• will consider interstate applicants
• full time ongoing

Are you wanting to expand your horizons and be exposed to a broad scope of interesting work with impact? In this position you will have a primary focus on advocating for the profession and contribute to the development of innovative policy solutions and executing successful advocacy campaigns.

You will review and analyse policy and develop submissions, reports, research, briefing papers and organisational policy positions. The position will formulate and drive advocacy initiatives to progress improvements to the design of schemes to effect change for social workers.

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is the professional representative body of social workers in Australia, with more than 17,000 members. AASW sets the benchmarks for professional education and practice in social work and have a strong voice on matters of social justice, human rights and issues that impact upon the quality of life of all Australians.

Your key responsibilities will include [not limited to] the following:

• Monitor and critically analyse policy and develop robust and innovative policy solutions to national and state/territory government initiatives, policy and proposed legislation that impacts on, or is an opportunity for, the profession of social work;
• Write compelling and tailored policy solutions and value propositions of the social work profession for external private stakeholders in the mental health and care workforce settings;
• Assist in engaging and cultivating relationships with important stakeholders and drive policy proposals to successful outcomes including understanding their requirements and processes to establish our own internal processes and communication to our members;
• Support the AASW Business Support Advisor and other relevant positions to turn new opportunities into resources to support members in professional practice such as member fact sheets;
• Undertake research including utilising data collection methods;
• Prepare high level advice and briefing papers for executive management and for external audiences;
• Assist in identifying new and emerging professional opportunities for AASW members and develop policy recommendations and supporting advocacy documents;
• Represent the AASW at government and other bodies consultations, enquiries and hearings, meetings, events to advocate on behalf of the profession;
• Engage with members; and
• Undertake other project and advocacy related activities as directed by the Manger.

Please refer to the position description for a full list of duties and responsibilities.

Key selection criteria:

• Tertiary qualifications in social work, business, law, allied health, policy, project management or equivalent.
• At least five years' experience in a professional organisational environment.
• Demonstrated experience of analysing policy and developing innovative policy solutions and submissions.
• Demonstrated experience of delivering advocacy campaigns and outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in engaging, directing, influencing, and managing stakeholders to achieve high quality policy and advocacy outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience conducting research including effective use of data collection tools (such as surveys, questionnaires, focus and consultation groups) and producing high level reports for various audiences.
• Demonstrated experience preparing high quality advice and briefing papers suitable for executive level audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with proven aptitude for communicating effectively with a variety of audiences.
• Proven ability to deliver to agreed deadlines.
• Experienced working in or advocating to government [desirable].

The AASW is committed to equal opportunities in employment and embraces diversity and inclusion in its workforce. We encourage applications from culturally and ethnically diverse communities, particularly those underrepresented in the social work profession including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people with a disability.

To be considered for this role, your application must include your résumé and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria listed above.

Please direct any queries to **@aasw.asn.au

Applications close 15 February 2024.