Social Worker, Women's Bail Advocacy Program

Redfern, NSW l Full Time I Fixed-term contract (June 2026) 

This is an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander identified position which is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorized under Part 42 - Genuine occupational qualifications - race (ACT Discrimination Act, 1991) 

Primary purpose of the role  
The purpose of this role is to provide holistic assessment and culturally safe case management to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in contact with the criminal legal system. The role is part of the new ALS Women’s Bail Advocacy Program pilot in Newcastle and Redfern.  

Why join the ALS NSW/ACT team?  
At the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS), you will make an impactful change. You have the chance to change lives and bring social justice and equity for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.   

Our focus is our people: the people we support, and the team we employ. We offer a career you can be proud of and a place where you feel safe to be yourself. We invest in our workforce and appreciate the rich diversity they represent of life experience, languages, and culture.  

Born out of a protest movement over 50 years ago, the ALS is the primary legal service for Aboriginal people in NSW and the ACT. It’s an exciting time for the ALS, with both our services and teams growing significantly. We recently received additional government funding to deliver a range of new programs aimed at addressing systemic issues and driving structural reforms. This is creating unprecedented opportunities for the ALS and our communities.   

For many of our staff making a real difference to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities and working with a great, supportive team is its own reward. 

We appreciate that, but we want our team to know that we value them so offer benefits such as:  

• Salary packaging options and novated car leasing  
• Annual Leave Loading of 17.5%  
• Career and professional development opportunities  
• Access to personal counselling for you and your family  
• A range of additional paid leave, paid parental and study leave   
•  Flexible work options – talk to us about how we can make this role work for you 

The Role  

The Social Worker role will be part of a small, multi-disciplinary team supporting clients of the ALS Criminal Law Practice through culturally safe case management, support and referrals. The Women’s Bail Advocacy Program aims to make sure that Aboriginal women are not denied bail for avoidable reasons, like not having a safe place to stay.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide case management support to women who are clients of the Women’s Bail Advocacy Program, ensuring client safety is always prioritised.  
• Work with ALS solicitors to identify and address the support needs of clients, whether in custody or in the community  
• Refer and support clients to obtain appropriate housing, drug and alcohol treatment, community services, and other relevant supports in the community.  
• Work collaboratively with solicitors and other members of the Women’s BAP team to develop comprehensive bail support plans to support legal advocacy for appropriate bail and other court outcomes  
• Advocate on behalf of women in relation to government and other services  
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the Women’s BAP service model, including through consultation with local stakeholders to support the provision of holistic, wraparound services  
• Travel to outreach locations in or around pilot sites as required  
• Attend court or meetings to support clients as appropriate  
• Maintain effective collection of relevant data and statistics, file management systems and internal quality assurance procedures consistent with the administrative systems, procedures and policies of the service.  
• Perform other reasonable duties as directed   
• Adhere to ALS’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies, work practices and rules  
• Demonstrate a commitment to and behaviours that align to ALS Values and ALS Code of Conduct  

About you  

You will be able to demonstrate the following:  

• Identify and be recognised in the community as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person  
• Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practices when considering service delivery and other support for clients, their families, communities and employees   
• Demonstrated experience in social work, case management or related field  
• Demonstrated experience working in a multidisciplinary team   
• Demonstrated experience working with clients who are vulnerable and have complex needs.  
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain boundaries  
• Good written and verbal communication skills  
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing tasks and effectively prioritise.  
• Confidence using technology, including videoconferencing and the Microsoft Office suite, with the ability to adapt to new systems and software as required  
• Ability to adapt to change and work in a start-up environment  
• Unrestricted NSW driver’s licence with the ability to travel intrastate and carry passengers  

Desirable  

• Social worker with current registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or relevant professional organisation, or eligible for AASW membership  
• Previous experience working in an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community-based organisation  
• Previous experience working in a legal practice  
• Experience in the delivery of support services to women who are currently in or at risk of entering the criminal legal system 

Pre-employment requirements:  
ALS NSW/ACT is committed to implementing safer recruitment practices. Your application may be subject to a number of pre-employment checks such as reference checks, Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check, Right to work in Australia, COVID-19 vaccinations as per NSW/ACT Health Order and Police check. Please note that candidates with criminal records are not automatically barred from being considered. Each application will be considered on its merits  

How to Apply:

1. Apply online providing an updated resume and cover letter 
2. If you have questions about this role, please direct enquiries to *******@alsnswact.org.au

Applications close 11:59pm 29th January 2024