Litigation Guardian (Social Work/Psychology)

About the role

Uniting Communities is hiring a Litigation Guardian in Adelaide, reporting to the Principal Lawyer. The role provides specialist litigation guardian services to parents involved in child protection matters before the Youth Court, combining advocacy, social work and knowledge of the legal system.

Key responsibilities

• Provide specialist litigation guardian services to parents in child protection proceedings before the Youth Court.
• Engage with clients, families and stakeholders to understand and communicate their wishes and needs.
• Work with legal representatives and respond to requests from the Youth Court in line with the functions of a Litigation Guardian.
• Provide individualised case management, assessment, support planning, referrals and service coordination.
• Coordinate referrals to litigation guardians in other community legal centres.
• Deliver education and training to practitioners and develop resources to strengthen service delivery.
• Advocate for and support clients and families with vulnerability and complex needs.
• Collaborate with lawyers, social workers, health professionals and other community services.
• Contribute to policy development, law reform, program improvement and reporting.

Required profile

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Behavioural Sciences or a related discipline.
• Experience advocating for people with disability, compromised capacity or other significant vulnerabilities.
• Knowledge of legislation and policies affecting people in the child protection system, and an understanding of the Youth Court.
• Experience working with lawyers and other professionals in a multidisciplinary setting, and supporting people with complex needs.
• Current, full and unrestricted South Australian driver's licence.

Required skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, including managing competing priorities.
• Sound Microsoft Office skills.

What we offer

• Monthly supervision.
• Salary packaging of up to $15,900 per year pre-tax, plus a $2,650 meals and entertainment card.
• 12 weeks paid maternity leave and 1 week paid cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• 1 day of community engagement leave.

Candidates apply through the Uniting Communities careers site with a cover letter and current resume; applications are shortlisted and interviewed as they come in. Pre-employment checks are required.