This pool recruitment process will be used to fill permanent, fixed term, full time and part time vacancies that may arise over a period of 24 months from the date of finalisation of the recruitment process. Fixed term appointments may be made with the possibility of extension/s and/or permanency.

There is currently one Permanent Full Time vacancy available.

An opportunity exists for an experienced Social Worker or Psychologist to apply their specialist skills in a unique family law setting, combining clinical expertise, child-focused practice and advocacy to achieve better outcomes for families. A strong understanding of separated family dynamics, current family violence and coercive control research and the impact upon children is required.

About the role

The Family Law Division is seeking an experienced Social Worker/Psychologist to join its multidisciplinary team. This position works with a degree of autonomy and is responsible for delivering specialised social work and psychological services that support clients, children and legal practitioners throughout family law proceedings. The role ensures the Family Law Division provides child focused, holistic, trauma-informed responses that promote client safety, wellbeing and best practice outcomes, as aligned with current social science theory & practice.

In this role you will undertake comprehensive complex family and risk assessments, provide brief interventions with families to improve communication and assist in mediating disputes, conduct interviews with children, prepare independent Single Expert Witness reports pursuant to Family Court orders & Family Law Legislation, and provide affidavit and oral evidence as a cross-examinable witness in the Family Court WA when required. You will also provide specialist advice to legal practitioners regarding child focused client management.

You will contribute to the continuous improvement of family law services by participating in law reform working groups, representing the Division on internal and external committees, coordinating and delivering training to colleagues and external stakeholders, and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with government, community and professional organisations to enhance outcomes for children and families.

About you

The successful candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Psychology and have demonstrated experience working with children and families who are at high risk of exposure to abuse including, but not limited to, family and domestic violence, coercive control, drug and alcohol misuse, mental health concerns of both adults and children, child abuse and family conflict. You will have some understanding of Family Law & Court processes. The ideal candidate will have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to engage meaningfully with complex family systems and maintain and establish sound community working relationships with internal and external multi-disciplinary stakeholders.

About us and what we can offer you

We offer a strong team working environment, the satisfaction of adding value to the community, and a range of benefits in line with business requirements, which may include professional development opportunities, flexible working and leave arrangements, including opportunities to purchase leave. We offer a range of health and wellbeing initiatives, including access to Fitness Passport which provides a wide range of gym, pool, and fitness centre discounts available for employees and their families. Click here to learn more about the benefits we offer employees.

Legal Aid WA is an independent statutory authority funded by the State Government and Commonwealth Governments. We provide over 100,000 legal services to clients each year in the areas of criminal, family and civil law across Western Australia. Please visit www.legalaid.wa.gov.au to find out more about us. You can also keep up to date with our activities and achievements by following us on LinkedIn.

How to Apply

Applications are made online. In addition to the questions being asked in the online application, you should submit:

• A comprehensive CV (max. 5 pages) that showcases your talents and key achievements relevant to the role; and
• A cover letter (max. 4 pages) outlining your relevant experience and demonstrating your ability to meet the selection criteria, paying particular attention to the highlighted in bold criteria in the JDF (tip - your written communication skills will also be assessed so be sensible with font and margin sizes).

Qualifications and minimum experience required for the role will also be assessed by the panel at application stage.

Click the “Apply for Job” button at bottom of this page to submit your application. Applications are only accepted via www.jobs.wa.gov.au. Please allow enough time to submit your application, as late applications will not be accepted.

For technical difficulties while applying online, contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 and quote recruitment ID number 1057923.

• All such applications should have a lodged date and time generated automatically.
• Transmissions received after the closing date and time will not be accepted unless there is evidence of fault in the online system being down.

If you have any questions about the application process or do not have access to a computer with internet access, please contact RecruitmentAdmin@legalaid.wa.gov.au.

Further information

Download the attached Job Description Form to learn more about the role. We recommend you review our guide on applying for a job at Legal Aid WA, including eligibility, preparing your application and the selection process, prior to submitting your application. Alignment with Legal Aid’s values will also be considered in the panel’s assessment of candidates. Please take time to familiarise yourself with the role prior to applying.

If you would like to talk to someone further about the position, please contact Sarah Skerratt, Coordinator, (08) 9261 6853 or email Sarah.Skerratt@legalaid.wa.gov.au

For First Nations specific information regarding working at Legal Aid WA, including our First Nations Staff Network, please visit First Nations Employment. For First Nations culturally appropriate resources on making a job application visit Jobs and Skills WA.

Diversity & Inclusion

A commitment to fair and equitable treatment for all is at the very core of Legal Aid WA’s values. We recognise a diverse workforce is essential to delivering inclusive client centred services. Legal Aid WA welcomes applications from people of all ages, genders and backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and LGBTQIA+ members of the community.

Suitable Australian First Nations applicants may be given priority consideration over other applicants to achieve our vision of widening access to justice in a culturally safe and inclusive environment.

People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. If you require adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Janice Green on tel (08) 6373 5297 or email Janice.Green@legalaid.wa.gov.au

Pool conditions

As this is a pool, vacancies will be offered on a full-time or part-time, permanent or fixed-term basis. This selection process may also be used to fill other similar vacancies throughout our organisation that arise within the term of the pool. It is important to note that appointment to the pool is not a guarantee that you will be offered a term of employment.

Appointment to all positions at Legal Aid WA is subject to a satisfactory national criminal history check, integrity and conflict checks, and 100-point identification check.