THE ORGANISATION

Citizens Advice Bureau of WA Inc (“CAB”) is a not-for-profit agency that has been operating in Western Australia since 1963. Our core function is as an information and referral agency, however we also provide low cost legal and mediation services. We also provide a number of other services to the public in conjunction with other likeminded agencies. These include JP services and signing centres, Tax Help, NILS and criminal injuries compensation assistance. We’re able to operate due to the generous support of recurrent funding from the Department of Communities, the Confiscation of Criminal Property Fund and the Public Purpose Trust. We also charge a small fee for some services and this allows us to be sustainable and grow in areas of need for the community. It also means we will help anyone who needs us. Last financial year, despite the complications associated with COVID, we still provided services to nearly 60,000 members of the community and as a result of the great work we do, were awarded the Attorney General’s Community Service Award.

Our information and referral service has been operating for over fifty years and assists members of the community by providing information and referral on many and varied issues. This service is offered in all our branches and is our core business.

Our legal service offers initial legal advice and can also assist clients with the drafting of some court documents. A nominal fee is charged for these services. We don’t offer court representation and don’t act for or represent clients in any contested matters. We have a team of staff lawyers who are assisted by paralegals. We’re also fortunate to have a dedicated team of pro-bono lawyers who offer initial legal advice to our clients in their specialised areas of law.

Our mediation service offers alternative dispute resolution in a number of areas including community and neighbourhood disputes and Family Court matters. CAB is a registered Recognised Mediator Accreditation Body (RMAB) and has a panel of Family Dispute Practitioners and accredited mediators who provide their service to CAB pro bono. There is a small fee charged for our mediation service.

We have 10 metropolitan and regional branches, including our administrative head office in Perth. We currently have ten salaried staff as well as a dedicated and professional team of around 250 volunteers working in Perth and in our branches.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for someone who has a passion for helping others and understands that everybody is different and will respect those differences.

Personality, emotional intelligence and a great attitude are attributes more important to us than formal qualifications. You need to be a fast and willing learner and have the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently. You also need to be really good with computers because we’d like you to be responsible for updating our website. And also for helping other staff and volunteers who may not be as good!

While this position is primarily based in the Perth office, CAB has nine other branches and the successful candidate will be required to travel occasionally within the metropolitan area and the south west.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER

CAB offers the opportunity to work in a busy, highly respected organisation that provides a wide range of services for diverse clientele. We have a happy and close knit group of staff and volunteers and enjoy a workplace that will respect your individuality and understands that sometimes work may not be the most important thing in your life. All conditions of employment are under the Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award 2010 (SCHADS). We can offer some flexibility in work hours (just ask and see what we say) and a fabulous benefit is that CAB provides additional paid (shutdown) leave between Christmas and New Year.

CAB has a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that is available to all staff and additional insurance to cover you from home, to work and back. Just in case.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The position is in the Level 3 band of the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award 2010 (SCHADS). SCHADS provides for a six month probationary period.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

1. Relevant general office and administration experience.
2. Highly developed organisational ability and demonstrated initiative.
3. *Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written).
4. Proven ability to liaise with staff of all levels.
5. Ability to work both within a team environment and with minimal supervision.
6. *Advanced skills in the use of technology and on-line systems including specialised databases and ability to provide support to other staff.
7. *Excellent time management skills with proven ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
8. Current knowledge and commitment to Equal Opportunity in all aspects of employment and service delivery.
9. Current working knowledge of relevant Occupational Safety and Health.
10. *A commitment to social justice and a desire to make a difference in the community.

Desirable:

1. Previous experience within a not-for-profit organisation or similar.
2. Previous experience working with volunteers.
3. Qualifications relevant to the development of training programs and experience in running training sessions.

If you have any questions regarding the position please contact Ms Elena Mauen on 9325 4217 or at [email protected] or Ms Kathryn Lawrence at [email protected] using the subject line: Executive Assistant enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.