Support Worker (Wdp) Section 50(D), Perth

• Fixed Term contract (until end June 2024) – possible extension subject to program funding
• Salary commensurate with experience $63,962 to $75,818 plus superannuation
• Attractive employee benefits including salary packaging
• Generous leave provisions of 5 weeks annual leave plus leave loading
• 2 weeks additional paid leave for end of year closure
• Access to additional paid leave for health and well-being

Aboriginality is a genuine qualification required for this position (section 50d of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 1984).

The Work and Development Permit Scheme (WDP Scheme) is delivered jointly between the Department of Justice, Legal Aid Western Australia and the Aboriginal Legal Service Western Australia (ALSWA). The ALSWA is funded to provide a Work and Development Permit Service (WDP Service), which provides currently for a Program Manager and two Support Workers based in Perth, and an Engagement Support Worker based in Broome. 

The role of the WDP Support Worker involves supporting the objectives of the Work and Development Permit Scheme (WDP Scheme) to enable eligible people who are experiencing hardship to reduce their outstanding court fine debt via voluntary participation in approved work and development activities such as unpaid voluntary work, treatment, courses, programs and other support service activities.  The ALSWA’s culturally secure state wide WDP Service:

• supports Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other relevant organisations to become approved sponsors under the WDP Scheme and continues to provide support to organisations once approved; 
• links Aboriginal fine defaulters, including ALSWA clients, to approved sponsors for the purpose of applying for a WDP; and
• undertakes fine checks for clients, including ALSWA clients, and provides assistance to clients to manage their outstanding fines.
• liaises with internal and external stakeholders to assist clients with their fines.

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

• Well-developed organisational, data management and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure, maintain confidentiality and confidently use workplace technology.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team comprising legal and non-legal staff with a willingness to learn and share knowledge with others. 
• Well-developed communication skills (interpersonal, written and verbal) with experience in stakeholder/client engagement.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with Aboriginal people with an appropriate level of cultural understanding, empathy and sensitivity. 
• Demonstrated knowledge (or the ability to gain knowledge) of Aboriginal community-based support services that can assist with meeting the objectives of the WDP Scheme. 

It is also desirable if you have:

• Sound understanding of the Aboriginal community and the issues affecting them.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Western Australian legal systems, practices and procedures.
• Previous client and stakeholder management roles. 
• Ability to travel if required.

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.

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.

To submit your application, please click the 'Apply' button or 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. 

To discuss this opportunity please contact Human Resources on (08) 9265 66***or ***********@als.org.au. We treat all applications in confidence.

                APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 31 January 2024

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

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. We provide an environment that values diversity and supports all staff to reach their full potential.