Reporting to the Principal Solicitor and Managing Director, you will work closely with the current Tenant Advocate and solicitors to assist residential tenants by informing them of their rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 and other legislation. Negotiation is a large part of this position as well as representing tenants at Housing Authority meetings and the Rockingham Magistrates Court.

As part of our free legal service, SCALES Community Legal Centre is funded to provide Tenancy Advice and Education Services to the Kwinana and Rockingham region.

Community Legal Education may be part of the responsibilities of this position.

The service is part of a network of tenancy services in WA, established to increase community understanding of tenants’ rights and responsibilities. The aims are to inform and encourage tenants to exercise their rights and acknowledge their responsibilities to assist in the resolution of disputes.

The position has three strategic roles:

1. Direct Service Delivery
2. Community Development
3. Community Education

Particular consideration are given to the needs of tenants such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tenants, culturally and linguistically diverse tenants, older tenants, tenants with disabilities including mental illness, young people, survivor / victims of family and domestic violence, sole parents and tenants in supported accommodation.

The scope of the Tenancy practice includes:

• SCALES provides advice to Rockingham and Kwinana tenants on the full range of issues relating to tenancy. These include bonds, signing agreements, getting repairs done, access and privacy, terminating a tenancy, resolving disputes, and referrals to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS).
• To ensure appropriate provision of information, referral, advice, advocacy, representation, outreach, law and policy reform and community education services.
• After assessing a client’s initial needs, SCALES may provide advocacy to tenants. Negotiation with landlords, real estate agents and housing officers is a large part of the service to resolve problems and secure a positive outcome for our clients.
• Supporting/resourcing tenants to prepare cases and attend Court or hearings to self represent.
• A weekly duty service is provided at the Rockingham Magistrates Court for tenants.
• SCALES will arrange for interpreters when needed. The service ensures it is accessible to tenants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• SCALES works within the WA tenancy network that includes Circle Green Community Legal and other tenancy services.
• SCALES also provides community legal education and training to community workers.
• SCALES does not assist with searching for accommodation.
• SCALES is not funded to assist landlords or real estate agents with inquiries but will provide referrals.

Please note this is not a Solicitor position.

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

This role is a part time position (22.5 hours per week) to 30 June 2022 with probation. Conditions under the SCHADS Industry Award (MA 000100). Salary packaging is available.

While there is no closing date, applications received will be considered from 21 October 2021.

For further information regards this position please contact Gai Walker, Managing Director on 08 95500 410 or by email [email protected] using the subject line: Tenant Advocate - Rockingham enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.