• Professional Membership Association: National Voice for Social Justice
• Nationally networked service delivery [flexible location]
• Full time ongoing [part time considered]

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is the professional representative body of social workers in Australia, with more than 14,000 members. AASW sets the benchmarks for professional education and practice in social work and have a strong voice on matters of social justice, human rights and issues that impact upon the quality of life of all Australians.

This opportunity presents for a skilled social policy and advocacy officer to join our small team. You will be experienced in social policy and advocacy, and will preferably have knowledge of the key social policy spaces in which social workers work.

Your key responsibilities

Will include [not limited to] the following:

• Research, write and develop social policy, advocacy, and communication materials;
• Engage key stakeholders and harness their expertise in the development of social policy, advocacy, research and media initiatives;
• Raising the profile and awareness of the AASW and the social work profession, through a range of communication channels including face-to-face, print, social and online media; and
• Contributing to the Social Policy and Advocacy team and its activities, and the effective operations of the organisation.

Please refer to the position description for a detailed outline of the position responsibilities.

Key selection criteria:

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Social Work or related

Social Policy and Advocacy

• Demonstrated experience in social policy analysis and development
• Demonstrated high level analytical research skills, written and verbal communication
• Demonstrated understanding of government, political and bureaucratic systems

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management

• Demonstrated experience in organising and delivering stakeholder engagement activities including acting as Secretariat throughout life-cycle of consultative processes
• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining effective relationships

Self-Management skills

• Ability to initiate and manage projects with demonstrated experience in managing competing priorities, periods of high workload and meeting short deadlines
• Ability to work independently and seek support and supervision as required.

Desirable Requirements

Understanding of:

• Contemporary social work policy and practice issues
• The role of a professional association and/or peak body

A position description is attached.

The AASW is committed to equal opportunities in employment and embraces diversity and inclusion in its workforce. We encourage applications from culturally and ethnically diverse communities, particularly those underrepresented in the social work profession including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people with a disability.