About us
The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) is the largest union in South Australia and represents workers in the retail, fast-food and warehousing sector. We fight for fairness at work and improving the lives of our members. The SDA is made up of over 33,000 members in South Australia, the Northern Territory and Broken Hill.
The SDA Industrial / Legal Team is a dynamic team committed to delivering the best outcomes for our members. We work to make sure our members are represented and protected in the workplace through to tribunals and courts.
The role
The SDA is currently seeking a passionate lawyer with experience in Workers Compensation.
The successful candidate will work on a range of Workers Compensation disputes for our members and will be given the opportunity to appear routinely in Court and Tribunal hearings conducted at the SA Employment Tribunal and at the Fair Work Commission.
The position is within the industrial team and reports directly to the Principal Solicitor.
Experience, skills and qualifications
- Sound knowledge of/experience in workers’ compensation and employment law;
- High-level interpersonal and excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Well-developed research, analytical, and problem-solving skills;
- Time management & organisational skills with the ability to multi-task;
- Advocacy experience in negotiations and tribunals is preferred;
- Ability to work as a member of a team, including flexibility to take on other duties and responsibilities;
- A desire to assist workers to improve their lives and a commitment to the values of trade unionism.
- Computer skills relevant to the position are required;
- Current SA driver’s licence desirable;
- Admitted as a practitioner in the Supreme Court of South Australia, or immediately eligible for Admission, and eligible to obtain a practising certificate in South Australia.
Tasks & responsibilities
The successful candidate will be required to independently manage a file load of Workers Compensation advice and dispute matters under the supervision of the Principal Solicitor.
Specific tasks will vary according to the nature of each matter, however the successful candidate can expect to undertake tasks including;
- Take instructions from and provide advice to SDA members in relation to Workers Compensation matters, and other associated industrial disputes
- Draft, lodge and participate in court hearings in the SA Employment Tribunal and the Fair Work Commission Conduct legal research and prepare reports on related matters
- Prepare documentation and maintain a file load
- Assist with strategic campaigns in related areas
- Use multiple software packages and systems to monitor and manage files electronically
Benefits
- A competitive salary package, based on skills and experience.
- Five weeks of annual leave, with the option for a sixth week.
- Above required superannuation contributions of 13.75%
- Annual private health insurance rebate.
- City fringe location with the provision of a carpark.
- The ability to negotiate on work from home arrangements.
Applications close 22 March
- Applications to be addressed to SDA Principal Solicitor, Blythe Ormesher.
- Requests for a compressed work week or working part-time can be discussed with short-listed candidates.