Job Description

An exciting opportunity available in our Social Work team!

About Us

Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) provides high quality legal and social support services to women, specialising in the areas of family law, domestic violence, child protection, financial counselling and sexual assault through our counselling notes protect program, and migration and criminal law. WLSQ is committed to a society where every woman:

• can live free from violence and discrimination.
• can tell her story, have it heard and respected, without judgement.
• receives a just and equitable outcome from legal and social systems.

WLSQ is committed to the Queensland Child Safe Standards and Universal Principle. We believe every child and young person has the right to be safe and respected and children's safety and wellbeing is prioritised in our decision making. We are committed to creating a culturally safe environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families feel welcome, valued, and respected. We recognise that cultural safety is fundamental to child safety. We regularly review our practices and listen to feedback from our community to strengthen our safety systems.

About This Role:

WLSQ is looking to expand our reach into regional, rural and remote regions of Queensland in recognition of the unique vulnerabilities women in these communities experience, the scarcity of services and the distance women must travel to access domestic and family violence services.

WLSQ is looking to expand our reach into regional, rural and remote regions of Queensland in recognition of the unique vulnerabilities women in these communities experience, the scarcity of services and the distance women must travel to access domestic and family violence services .

The Social Worker will provide time limited psychological and practical support including risk assessment and safety planning, brief therapeutic intervention, referrals for support and advocacy under a case management model. The social work intervention is holistic, client-centred, trauma-informed and culturally safe support for women experiencing domestic and family violence. The position also builds relationships with key stakeholders. strengthens referral pathways, and contributes to education and advocacy initiatives aligned with WLSQ's mission and values.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide holistic, client-centred, trauma-informed and culturally safe services to WLSQ clients experiencing domestic and family violence:

• Providing a range of social work services to clients including at outreach clinics including; client intake, domestic violence risk assessment and safety planning, practical support with legal applications/ victims assist applications, facilitated referrals and individual needs assessments.
• Participate in a roster responding to urgent referrals for clients requiring a same day response.
• Provide practical support to meet the client’s identified needs, complete applications including victims assist applications.
• Advocacy and warm referrals, with client’s consent to external services and supports.
• Work collaboratively to provide case management support in collaboration with legal and non-legal staff to ensure client’s needs are met.
• Provide brief therapeutic intervention and counselling to WLSQ clients presenting in times of crisis.
• Maintain professional case notes. and maintain relevant datasets for reporting.
• Fostering a collaborative team culture for staff and volunteers which is professional, productive, supportive and consistent with the WLSQ values and feminist principles.
• Any other reasonable tasks as requested the Social Work Practice Director.

Stakeholder engagement and education:

• Develop and maintain professional relationships with key stakeholders and agencies within the community, including agencies that work with priority access groups.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of training for stakeholders and staff in relation to DFV and complex trauma.

Travel to outreach locations may be required to provide social work services at outreach clinics. Work outside of office hours, including weekends may be required from time to time.

Adhere to the vision and values of WLSQ:

• Develop respectful and professional relationships with WLSQ team members and key stakeholders.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively towards the WLSQ strategy.
• Perform any other reasonable duties as required.

Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated experience providing trauma-informed, case management and advocacy support for women experiencing domestic and family violence and sexual assault.
2. Communicates clearly and effectively with clients, often in emotionally charged or high-stress situations, ensuring they feel heard and understood.
3. Successfully manages multiple tasks or projects simultaneously, balancing demands to ensure the delivery of quality outcomes.
4. Works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to ensure a holistic approach to addressing all aspects of the client’s well-being.
5. Conducts thorough psychosocial needs assessments that recognises and addresses complex, multi-faceted needs of clients, adjusting services to meet these needs while considering the client’s background, environment, and long-term goals.
6. Conducts comprehensive domestic violence risk assessments and safety plans and demonstrates knowledge of domestic violence risk assessment frameworks.
7. Collaborates with clients as equal partners in the service planning and delivery process, ensuring that their voice is heard and respected throughout.
8. Advocates for the client, ensuring their safety and well-being are at the forefront of legal proceedings
9. Is confident to make decisions within the scope of their role and escalates risk and decision-making concerns as needed.
10. Commitment to and ability to work within a feminist framework and to work independently and as a member of a team.

Mandatory Requirements

This role requires the incumbent to hold and maintain the following:

• Working With Children Check (Blue Card)
• National Police Check
• Open Queensland Driver Licence
• Eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), or current membership with the AASW.

It is a genuine occupational requirement for this position that the incumbent be a woman (Section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)).

WLSQ values diversity and inclusion and welcomes requests for reasonable adjustments at any time throughout your employment and/or as part of our recruitment process.

Remuneration and Benefits

• Salary Packaging: Take advantage of not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximize your take-home pay.
• Remuneration package: from $115,339 per hour plus statutory super, allowance, and attractive salary sacrifice options.
• Career Development: Access to career and professional development opportunities, including conferences, events, and a dedicated training and supervision budget.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling services available for you and your family.
• Additional Leave Entitlements: Enjoy additional paid parental leave and extra leave during the Christmas and New Year period.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: We’re open to discussing how we can tailor this role to fit your needs.
• Inclusive Work Culture: Be part of a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
• Ongoing Training: Participate in continuous training programs throughout the year to enhance your skills.
• On-Site Amenities: Enjoy complimentary snacks and fresh fruit available in the workplace

APPLY NOW!

To apply for this position, click on 'apply' and upload a copy of your cover letter and CV.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the People and Culture team by phone on 07 3392 0644 or email at peopleandculture@wlsq.org.au.