The Australian Refugee Association Inc. (ARA) is a community-based organisation providing settlement, migration, and other forms of assistance to refugees, migrants and other people of concern.

As a member of our team, you will be supporting new arrivals in South Australia to achieve their social, economic, cultural and community participation goals. You will be making a difference in the lives of individuals and families as they re-establish themselves in a new home.

The Disability Employment Caseworker will play a crucial role in supporting individuals with disabilities to identify and engage in meaningful employment opportunities.

Program Responsibilities:

• Deliver effective case management support to individuals to enable their participation in employment opportunities.
• Identify, plan and deliver group activities, workshops, and seminars to build capability and skill development.
• Establish and maintain relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to promote referral pathways into and out of ARA's employment programs.
• Liaise with employers to create inclusive work environments and facilitate suitable job and work experience placements for clients.
• Advocate on behalf of clients within the broader community to promote awareness of disability inclusion in the workforce.
• Collaborate with community organisations and support services to address additional needs that may impact clients' employability.

Case Management:

• Identify and recruit eligible participants to ARA's Inclusive Employability and employment pathway programs.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings with clients to identify and assess their needs, goals, and barriers to employment.
• Create personalised employment plans based on the individual circumstances of each client, aligned to the client's career goals and aspirations.
• Offer guidance on skill development, training opportunities, and access to assistive technologies or accommodations in the workplace.
• Link individual participants to internal and external education, training, work experience/volunteering opportunities and other community services as required.
• Provide practical support and coaching to prepare for employment opportunities, including preparing resumes, job applications, personal presentation and interview skills.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of disability employment services and programs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with individuals with disabilities
• Ability to conduct assessments and develop tailored employment plans for clients with disabilities
• Familiarity with resources and support services available for individuals with disabilities in the workforce
• Proficient in case management and record-keeping
• Empathy, patience, and understanding when working with clients facing barriers to employment
• Ability to collaborate with employers to facilitate job placements for individuals with disabilities

Required experiences

• Prior experience working in a similar role within the disability employment sector
• Demonstrated success in supporting individuals with disabilities to secure meaningful employment opportunities
• Experience in advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities in the workplace
• Familiarity with government regulations and policies related to disability employment services
• Proven track record of building strong partnerships with employers and community organisations to create inclusive workplaces

Special Conditions

• Must have evidence of Australian residency or right to work in Australia.
• Must have or be willing to obtain a current and valid Working With Children Check that shows you are able to work with children in South Australia.
• Must have or be willing to obtain a Child Safe Environment training certificate.
• Must be able to demonstrate good character through provision of a satisfactory Criminal History Check (Police Check).
• Must be willing to participate in training and development opportunities as part of continued professional development.
• Must hold a current driver’s licence.
• Must own a roadworthy vehicle that is registered and has minimum third party property insurance and be able to use this for work purposes.
• Must be willing to work in various locations within the metropolitan area.
• Must be willing to participate in occasional after hours work.

How to Apply

Applications can be lodged by clicking on the 'Apply Now' button. Please provide a cover letter addressing the position description, along with your resume and the contact details of three referees.

All applications will be treated in strictest confidence.

ARA is committed to equal employment opportunity. Individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

A position description is attached.