Litigation Guardian (Social Work/Psychology)

Uniting Communities; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $15,900 pre-tax

Meals and Entertainment card $2,650

12 Weeks Paid Maternity Leave

Cultural Leave for Aboriginal & Torres

Community Engagement Leave

Job summary

Uniting Communities is seeking a dedicated Litigation Guardian to support families navigating child protection processes in Youth Court. You will provide advocacy, case management and coordinated services to empower clients and ensure their voices are heard.

The role requires a relevant tertiary qualification, experience with vulnerable clients and strong communication across diverse stakeholders. It offers collaboration with legal teams, social workers and community services.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Behavioral Sciences or a related discipline.
• Experience advocating for people with disability or vulnerabilities.
• Knowledge of child protection legislation and policies.
• Understanding of Youth Court role in child protection matters.
• Experience working with lawyers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise tasks.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Communication

Engagement with diverse stakeholders

Organisational skills

Advocacy

Client-centred approach

Microsoft Office

Literacy and report writing

Collaboration

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work or Behavioral Sciences

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the role

At Uniting Communities, we believe everyone deserves to be heard, supported and treated with dignity. Litigation Guardian is a unique opportunity to combine advocacy, social work and legal system knowledge to help people navigate complex and often challenging circumstances.

What you’ll be doing

• Provide specialist litigation guardian services to parents involved in child protection proceedings before the Youth Court.


• Engage with clients, families and relevant stakeholders to understand and communicate clients’ wishes and needs.


• Work with legal representatives and respond to requests from the Youth Court in accordance 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.


• Provide advocacy and support to clients and families experiencing 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.

About you

You are a thoughtful, ethical and client-centred professional who can build trusting relationships with people experiencing vulnerability. You understand the importance of advocacy, clear communication and ensuring people have a voice in decisions that affect their lives.

You will bring:

• A relevant 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 involved in the child protection system.


• An understanding of the Youth Court and its role in child protection matters.


• Experience working collaboratively with lawyers and other professionals in a multidisciplinary environment.


• Experience supporting people with complex needs.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.


• Strong organisational and administrative skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities.


• A strong ethical and customer-service approach, supported by sound Microsoft Office skills.


• A current, full and unrestricted South Australian driver’s licence.

Why join us?

About Us

Uniting Communities is a leading, inclusive not-for profit community services organisation working alongside more than 80,000 South Australians each year to reduce inequality, improve wellbeing, overcome disadvantage, and support people to live the best lives they can. We value diversity and are committed to providing respectful, accessible services.

Why Work For Us?

• Supervision is offered monthly to ensure you feel supported in the role


• In addition to your salary, you can package up to$15,900per year pre-tax and additionally a$2,650Meals and Entertainment card.


• How could working for aNot-For-Profitimpact your take home pay? Visit our salary packaging provider for details- Access Pay


• 12 Weeks Paid Maternity Leave


• 1 Week Paid Cultural Leave for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Staff


• 1 Day of Community Engagement Leave

Check out our additional benefits at www.unitingcommunities.org

As an organisation, we are committed to protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff are required to work within our code of conduct and undergo relevant pre-employment checks