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

• Is safe from violence;
• Is able to tell her story, have it heard and respected; and
• Receives a fair and just outcome from legal and social welfare systems.

WLSQ employs solicitors, social workers, financial counsellors and a community legal education officer who work collaboratively to provide integrated and holistic services that address a range of legal, financial, welfare and safety needs for women impacted by domestic and family violence in Queensland.

The Social Work Team provides a critical point of intervention for women who have accessed WLSQ for legal advice and been identified as being at risk due to domestic and family violence. The Social Work team provide time limited psychological and practical support including risk assessment and safety planning, brief therapeutic and crisis intervention, court support, referrals for support and advocacy. The Social Work team is also involved in providing community education in collaboration with the solicitors and financial counsellors.

Social Work intervention is client-led and can either be a one-off discrete intervention or ongoing depending on the needs of the client. All social work intervention is free and voluntary.

About this role

Key Responsibilities:

A. Providing specialist trauma informed services to WLSQ clients experiencing domestic violence through in person and telephone appointments in accordance with WLSQ policy and requirements:

• Providing a range of social work services to clients including; client intake, domestic violence risk assessment, exit and safety planning, practical support with legal applications / victims assist applications, facilitated referrals and individual needs assessments.
• Providing case management support for legal casework clients in collaboration with WLSQ solicitors, depending on client need.
• Providing support to WLSQ clients presenting in crisis or at immediate risk as a result of domestic violence or suicide.
• Working collaboratively with legal and other non-legal staff to provide relevant support and assistance to clients.
• Maintaining professional case notes and statistical records for reporting purposes.
• Fostering a collaborative team culture for staff and volunteers which is professional, productive, supportive and consistent with the WLSQ values and feminist principles.
• Travel between our offices at Annerley, Caboolture, Southport, Ipswich, Brisbane CBD may also be required.
• Work outside office hours, including weekends will be required from time to time.
• Any other reasonable tasks as requested the Practice Director – Social Work.

B. Development and delivery of community education, stakeholder engagement and law reform activities undertaken by WLSQ:

• Developing and maintaining stakeholder engagement with key agencies who work with priority access groups, including developing referral pathways and delivering appropriate community legal education.
• Contributing to the development and delivery of training for stakeholders and staff in relation to DFV, mental health and complex trauma.
• Contributing to law reform and legal system reform activities of WLSQ as required.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

• This role requires the incumbent to have a clear National Police Check.
• This role requires the incumbent to hold a current Open Queensland Driver’s Licence.
• This role requires the incumbent to be a member or be eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

• High level social work skills including DFV risk assessment, exit and safety planning, counselling, case management and advocacy skills; as well as demonstrated knowledge and practice experience in the areas of domestic and family violence, sexual assault and trauma informed practice.
• Experience in drafting domestic violence protection order applications and high-level written skills in report writing and maintaining data records.
• Knowledge of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (QLD) and other relevant acts, is desirable.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work sensitively with clients from diverse backgrounds including vulnerable clients:
  
  • Who may have experienced domestic violence and/or trauma;
  • With a disability;
  • From culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and/or
  • From Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
• Well-developed relationship management and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to engage with a range of audiences and stakeholders internal and external to WLSQ with the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• High level of knowledge and experience in establishing and maintaining relationships with referral agencies and formal community partners.
• Ability to provide community legal education activities where relevant to community agencies and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure, to set work priorities and to meet competing and tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated a commitment to working for a community organisation within a feminist framework in a manner consistent with the mission, purpose and values of WLSQ.
• It is a genuine occupational requirement for this position that the incumbent be a woman (section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)).

EMPLOYEE WELLBEING

The work performed by WLSQ involves providing legal and social support services to women and their children impacted by Domestic and Family Violence and / or Sexual Violence. All staff employed by WLSQ will be privy to or will take part in conversations with people who have experienced trauma and it is likely some of our clients may still be experiencing the effects of trauma. In addition to the regular and comprehensive training and support provided by WLSQ, you will have to be mindful of your personal wellbeing and employ strategies to minimise impacts (if any) on your wellbeing.

WORK, HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

All staff are required to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of other personnel who may be affected by their conduct. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Participating in the development of a safe and healthy workplace.
• Complying with instructions given for your own health and safety and that of others, in adhering to safe work procedures.
• Cooperating with the leadership team in its fulfilment of its legislative obligations.
• Taking reasonable care to ensure your own health and safety and that of others, and to abide by your duty of care provided for in the legislation.
• Reporting any injury, hazard or illness immediately, where practical to your supervisor.
• Not place others at risk by any act or omission.
• Not wilfully or recklessly interfere with safety equipment.

In addition, each staff member is expected to:

• Gain the respect and active cooperation of the team and other staff.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively towards the WLSQ strategy.
• Adhere to the vision and values of the WLSQ.

WLSQ CULTURE

The WLSQ is a community organisation operating within a feminist framework in a manner consistent with the mission, purpose and values of WLSQ. Organisational values are informed by feminist principles – care, respect, inclusivity, collaboration, accountability and working in an environment where women and children’s safety is prioritised.

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

• Remuneration package: from $49.28 to $51.51 per hour plus statutory super and attractive salary sacrifice options
• Salary Packaging: Take advantage of not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximize your take-home pay.
• 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.
• Generous 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!

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

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

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.