12 Aug
|
Aboriginal Legal Service WA
|
Geraldton
12 Aug
Aboriginal Legal Service WA
Geraldton
- Full time Fixed Term contract to 31 June 2027
- Salary commensurate with experience $83,136 to $101,849 plus superannuation and applicable regional allowances
- Attractive employee benefits including salary packaging
- Generous leave provisions of 5 weeks annual leave plus leave loading
- 2 weeks additional paid leave for end of year closure
- Access to additional paid leave for health and well-being
Aboriginality is a genuine qualification for this position as per section 50(d) of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 1984.
About the role
The Aboriginal Legal Service of WA Limited (ALSWA) is funded by the Department of Justice to provide a Youth Engagement Program (YEP) in Geraldton (YEP-GER). YEP also delivers a Youth Engagement Program in Perth metropolitan (YEP-M), West Kimberley - Broome and Derby (YEP–WK) and East Kimberley – Kununurra and Halls Creek (YEP-EK and YEP-HC).
YEP-GER employs two Aboriginal diversion officers (one male and one female) located at the Geraldton ALSWA office to provide support for eligible ALSWA clients appearing in the Geraldton and Mullewa Children’s Courts. YEP provides culturally competent, holistic, individualised and flexible support to young people to assist them in complying with the requirements of their bail and other court orders. More broadly, the program aims to reduce offending and improve young people’s well-being and prospects.
The Diversion Officers provide support to eligible YEP clients through case management, mentoring, court support, advocacy, referrals to external programs and services, and practical assistance. This includes support for young people to re-engage in education and participate in therapeutic programs. Diversion Officers are collaboratively with Youth Justice and other local agencies and stakeholders.
You will be required to attend the Children’s Courts, conduct appointments via phone/MS Teams with clients in Banksia Hill Detention Centre, and conduct home visits to clients on a regular basis (including visits to remote communities). In addition, you will provide support to clients with transport to court and to attend appointments. Further, you will refer clients to appropriate programs in the community and provide ongoing mentoring to ensure that the young people engage in programs and comply with their court requirements. You will liaise with key stakeholders including Youth Justice Services and perform administrative duties and other duties as directed.
This position requires responsible people who are compassionate and self-motivated with well-developed interpersonal skills and personal integrity.
Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, society and the issues affecting Aboriginal people is required.
About you
To be considered for this role, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people, particularly Aboriginal young people, and to work with Aboriginal people with an appropriate level of cultural understanding, empathy and sensitivity.
- Highly developed communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to think critically and demonstrated ability to solve problems.
- Demonstrated high-level organisational and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to travel when required.
- Demonstrated commitment to child safety.
- Ability to confidently use workplace technology (including databases for client management).
- Valid driver’s licence.
- Ability to obtain a Working with Children Check, National Police Clearance and Department of Justice Clearance.
Other desirable skills and experience include:
- A sound knowledge of issues relating to the involvement of Aboriginal children in the youth justice system and a general understanding of the youth justice and/or legal system, including some knowledge of court procedure and court etiquette.
- A sound understanding of the issues affecting the Aboriginal community especially in the Midwest of WA.
- Knowledge of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other stakeholders within the community that can assist with meeting the objectives of YEP.
- Qualifications in social work, youth work or similar fields and/or relevant experience working in community support services.
About our benefits
We have a friendly, caring and diverse work environment. We offer attractive employment benefits including salary packaging (making part of your salary tax-free),
internal staff wellbeing services, free counselling services to employees and immediate family through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), versatile working arrangements and opportunities for professional development.
We also provide 5 weeks annual leave per year plus leave loading, 2 weeks additional paid leave for end of year closure, and access to additional paid leave for health and well-being.
About us
ALSWA is a not-for-profit independent government-funded Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation working to provide high-quality representation and assistance to the Aboriginal community in WA.
We aim to deliver a quality legal service and education that contributes to the participation, empowerment and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout WA.
ALSWA has 11 offices across regional WA and practices in the areas of criminal, civil and human rights, and family law, as well as law reform, community legal education and programs including the Custody Notification Service (CNS), Custody Wellbeing Service (CWS), Youth Engagement Program (YEP), Bail Support Service/Prison In-Reach Legal Service (BSS/PIR), Old Ways New Ways (OWNW), and the Work and Development Permit Service (WDPS).
We live our values of caring, sharing and respect.
How to apply
To submit your application, please click the 'Apply' button or send your application to ***********@als.org.au. Your application must include a cover letter outlining what strengths you could bring to the role and your resume. Addressing selection criteria is not required.
If you wish to discuss this opportunity in further detail, please contact Roy Blurton, Manager Youth Engagement Program (Statewide Services) or ALSWA Human Resources on (08) 9265 6***.
Aboriginality is a genuine qualification for this position as per section 50(d) of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 1984.
CLOSING DATE 23 August 2026
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are seeking to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the differing needs of our clients and to improve equal opportunity outcomes for our employees. ALSWA strongly encourages applications from Indigenous Australians. We also encourage applications from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with a disability. We provide an environment that values diversity and supports all staff to reach their full potential.
📌 Female Diversion Officer (Youth Support Worker) s50(d)
🏢 Aboriginal Legal Service WA
📍 Geraldton