Social Worker - Seniors Legal and Support Service (SLASS) - Ipswich

Part time - 45 hrs fortnight

Exciting opportunity for a passionate social worker to make a real difference in the lives of older Australians! Join TASC’s Seniors Legal and Support Service (SLASS) in a meaningful role where your work directly supports older people in Ipswich and the surrounding areas, especially those at risk of elder abuse, mistreatment, or financial exploitation. We are seeking a dedicated social worker to be part of our holistic program, providing crucial assistance and empowering individuals to stay safe, while also educating the wider community on elder rights and abuse prevention.

As a member of our compassionate and experienced team of social workers and solicitors, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable older Australians while advocating for change at the community level. If you’re looking for a challenging and fulfilling role within a dynamic Community Legal Centre, we would love to hear from you.

Why join us?

• Competitive remuneration with superannuation and 17.5% leave loading

• Salary sacrifice options to increase your take-home pay (if eligible)

• Additional 3 days pro rata ex gratia leave over the Christmas/New Year period

• Access to the Employee Assistance Program for support and wellbeing

Take this chance to make a positive impact where it truly matters. Apply today to become a valued part of our SLASS team!

About TASC

TASC was established in 1982 and continues today as a community legal centre, providing free legal, advocacy and social work services to the most vulnerable and marginalised members of our community. As a team of passionate professionals, we are working together to get results for people in need whilst our future focus keeps us finding alternative ways to improve the outcomes for our clients.

TASC provides services across a range of areas of law including mental health law, domestic violence, peace and good behaviour matters, civil law, consumer law, credit, debt, motor vehicle property damage, human rights, family law, child protection, as well as criminal and traffic matters.

This work is provided to a diverse range of clients including people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those experiencing domestic or family violence, financial difficulties and homelessness.

Position overview

The Social Worker role within the Seniors Legal and Support Service (SLASS) is dedicated to supporting older people who are experiencing, or are at risk of, elder abuse, mistreatment, or financial exploitation in order to improve their security, safety and well-being.

Working in partnership with a SLASS solicitor, this role enhances service delivery and outcomes for clients, while upholding and promoting human rights. It involves providing practical and emotional support, advocacy, and counselling through in-office appointments, phone consultations, outreach, and home visits. Additionally, the social worker plays a vital role in community engagement, educating the public and service providers to raise awareness of elder abuse and promote preventive measures.

The position is based in our Ipswich office, with occasional travel to Toowoomba required.

Hourly Rate: $49.28- $51.51

Key accountabilities

1. Provide social work services in accordance with TASC’s policies and the Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics 2020.

2. Provide effective psychosocial assessment, safety planning, short term or ongoing social work support and referral pathways to clients.

3. Determine social work case plans to optimise client outcomes.

4. Work with clients with complex legal and social needs who are or at risk of experiencing disadvantage.

5. Assist clients to meet their safety and psycho-social needs by providing short-term counselling, access to services and support, limited court/QCAT support.

6. Collaborate with appropriate agencies and entities to provide information, problem solve and develop referral pathways for services to clients.

7. Undertaking advocacy work for clients including but not limited to liaison and negotiation with government agencies and non-government service providers and other stakeholders.

8. Contribute a social work perspective to TASC’s policy and law reform submissions by advising on relevant systemic and emerging issues.

9. Provide high quality written reports, records, and/or collect data as required for evaluation and reporting requirements.

10. Manage the scope of service delivery in consultation with the Social Justice Services Manager.

11. Provide culturally competent services to a culturally and linguistically diverse client base.

12. Possess a sound understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and societies and the issues which impact upon them in contemporary society together with a commitment to culturally appropriate engagement and practice.

13. Undertake appropriate professional development activities to maintain and enhance your knowledge and skills.

Essential requirements

1. Bachelor of Social Work or other relevant qualification.

2. Eligible for AASW membership or equivalent professional body in Australia.

3. Experience in provision of social work services and case load management.

4. Hold or be immediately eligible to obtain a Working with Children Check and a Queensland Disability Workers Screening based on mandatory criminal history screening.

5. Current Queensland open Driver's Licence.

Desirable requirements

1. Experience in working with older people or disadvantage.

2. Experience in counselling and mediation within multiple settings.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Qualities (Selection criteria)

1. Experienced social worker with demonstrated skills and knowledge in responding to complex client needs, including risk assessments, crisis interventions and referrals.

2. Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly the ability to work effectively across all levels of the team.

3. Demonstrated well developed oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, including the proven ability to build and maintain effective rapport with others.

4. Ability to assist with report and submission writing and policy review.

5. Commitment to social justice and social change.

6. Ability to practice independently and make complex practice decisions autonomously.

7. Proven ability to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders and work effectively within the community sector.

8. Ability to develop, implement and facilitate community information and education programs.

9. Ability to grow and develop the social work role within a legal environment.

10. Sound computer skills including Word, Publisher, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.

How to apply

If you are ready to move your career into a more rewarding field, please forward your resume and cover letter via Seek. However, if you have any questions regarding the position, please contact David Manwaring, at davidm@tascnational.org.au or contact 07 4616 9700.

TASC is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds and LGBTIQ+ communities.

We reserve the right to interview and appoint a successful candidate prior to the closing date of 20 December 2024.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

TASC National Limited

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