Social Worker

• Join a passionate team determined in providing high-quality services to the community!
• Earn an attractive salary starting from $93,000 (in line with SCHADS level 5) + super + salary packaging and MORE!
• Be part of an exceptional organisation with a firm commitment to people, culture and advocacy!

About the Organisation

Darwin Community Legal Service (DCLS) is a non-profit community-based organisation committed to legal and social justice and the protection and expansion of rights, fairness, and well-being in the NT. DCLS especially works with people who are vulnerable or marginalised. DCLS:

• Provides legal, advocacy, and support services
• Collaborates to understand obstacles to justice and try to achieve reform.
• Promotes understanding and acceptance of rights, justice, and inclusion 

The main services within DCLS are the General Legal Service (GLS), the Seniors and Disability Rights Service (SDRS), and the Tenants’ Advice Service (TAS

About the Opportunity

Join us at DCLS for an exciting opportunity within our new program, The Mental Health Legal and Advocacy Service (MHLAS), launching in March 2024. MHLAS provides free and confidential legal assistance to individuals in the Northern Territory grappling with mental health challenges, whether in the community, treatment facilities, or prisons. Through our comprehensive approach encompassing legal services, education, research, and advocacy, we aim to make a tangible difference in people's lives.

We are currently seeking a dynamic Social Worker to join our team on a full-time basis (with negotiable flexible part-time hours for the right candidate) for a Fixed Term Contract of 2 years. 

We welcome applications from Mental Health Advocates with extensive experience in the field, even if they may not be registered or qualified Social Workers.

 This role promises to be both exciting and rewarding, contributing significantly to our mission of supporting individuals with mental health issues in accessing the legal assistance and advocacy they deserve. 

About You

• Relevant qualification or professional experience in social work, mental health or a closely related field.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, including communicating with clients with empathy. 
• Sound organisational skills and ability to manage workload and competing demands, keep accurate files and records, meet deadlines and work effectively as part of a team.
• Understanding and commitment to principles of social justice and to working effectively with Indigenous people.
• High degree of comfort operating in the community outside an office environment, including working with clients in their homes and other external locations.
• Experience in advising and representing people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and in assisting people dealing with serious mental health impacts 
• Personal resilience, adaptability, initiative and ability to meet the challenges of remote service delivery.
• NT Police Clearance and current Working with Children Check.

Desirable

• Membership or eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• Experience in a community legal practice setting and/or community-based organisation.

About the Benefits

As our MHLAS Social Worker, you will receive an attractive salary in line with SCHADS Award level 5, starting at $93,000 plus super, based on skills and experience, and great benefits!

In addition, you will have access to great benefits including:

• Salary sacrificing of up to $15,900 annually
• 6 weeks annual leave, including leave loading on all 6 weeks, and 15 days of personal leave 
• Have the opportunity to join our social club and do fun activities with people from all areas of our business
• Flexible working opportunities available
• Ongoing training and professional development

You will be joining a close-knit team of professionals who are extremely passionate and dedicated to delivering high-quality and effective legal advice and aged and disability services to the community.

To Apply

Email your application (resume and cover letter addressing the selection criteria) to ***********@dcls.org.au by the 18th March 2024 

For more information and the position description - https://www.dcls.org.au/join-us/employment/ or contact 08 8982 1***