Solicitor/Caseworker
Work Type Permanent, 5 days per week
Location Surry Hills, Sydney
Salary $103,247 – $117,779 (commensurate with qualifications and experience), plus annual leave, superannuation as per Enterprise Agreement and access to salary sacrificing arrangements
Applications close No Deadline – please apply as soon as possible
Welfare Rights Centre is looking for a permanent full-time Solicitor/Caseworker or Senior Solicitor/Caseworker. You will either have a practicing certificate or have a bachelor degree and experience in social security casework.
Solicitor/Caseworker’s role will contribute to the casework practice of the Welfare Rights Centre, through the provision of information and advice and individual casework involving advocacy directly to Centrelink and to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
The Senior Solicitor/Caseworker’s role will assist the Principal Solicitor in leading the casework practice of the Welfare Rights Centre, and in ensuring compliance with risk management procedures. In addition to advising and representing clients at both tiers of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, you will assist the Principal Solicitor in the supervision of solicitors/caseworkers.
Welfare Rights Centre is well known for its supportive culture, its strong advocacy for the rights of socially and economically disadvantaged people and its commitment to social justice. This is an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant and collegiate workplace and gain great experience.
We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.
We also offer:
- Additional 1% employer paid superannuation
- Generous leave provisions including extra paid leave over Christmas and Easter
- Ongoing training and development
- Family friendly and flexible work conditions
- Employee Assistance Program for confidential well-being support
How to Apply
Please email [email protected] the following documents.
- Cover letter
- Claim for position against the selection criteria
- Your CV
There is no deadline-please apply as soon as possible.
Please contact Natalie Ross on (02) 9211 5389 if you have any questions
Solicitor/Caseworker Position Description
Board Member
Welfare Rights Centre is a specialist community legal centre providing free legal information, advice and representation to help people who live in New South Wales to achieve better outcomes in the social security system. Our work transforms people’s lives. Many people dealing with Centrelink have complex, intersecting issues in their lives that cause deep distress and severe financial hardship. Accessing social security entitlements and challenging unfair debts alleviates financial hardship and prevents disadvantage that can break the intergenerational cycle of disadvantage for families.
Welfare Rights Centre is governed by a Board of committed volunteer directors. As a result of maximum term limits and a retirement, the centre needs to fill two Board positions at its AGM in November 2023. The Chair position will become vacant at the AGM, and the Board will elect a new Chair from among the directors.
Position Description
A full Position Description is available here.
How to Apply
Applicants should send a CV, and an application letter to the Chair of the Welfare Rights Centre’s Board, Professor Simon Rice at [email protected].
An application letter should be no more than two pages, and should outline interest in and suitability for the position. All applications will be dealt with in confidence.
The Welfare Rights Centre encourages applications from people with demonstrated experience in not-for-profit governance and fundraising. We strongly encourage First Nations people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with disability to apply. Please let us know if you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process.
Closing date for applications is Monday 14 August.
For any questions about the role, please contact the Chair of the Welfare Rights Centre’s Board, Professor Simon Rice, [email protected].
Process
A shortlist of applicants will be selected for an interview by a committee of the Board, and will be asked to nominate two referees. New board members will be appointed at the AGM in November 2023.
Student Volunteers
We are seeking dedicated student volunteers to join our team of solicitors, caseworkers and community workers.
Volunteer duties include managing incoming calls, referrals, scanning documents, accessing the client data base, opening and closing of files, monitoring mail and emails and general support of the Office Administrator. Paralegal duties include performing conflict checks, managing the accurate recording of client information, recording client instructions, coordinating referrals, reviewing documents and general support of Caseworkers.
What we require from you
Student volunteers must agree to:
- contribute one half day per week for a six month period;
- attend a Zoom induction session;
- provide notice if you are unable to attend rostered shifts; and
- accept the terms and conditions of the confidentiality agreement.
What we offer you in return
The Centre offers volunteers:
- a supportive working environment;
- an induction and ongoing supervision;
- the opportunity to assist with paralegal work;
- participation in any Welfare Rights community legal education session; and
- a range of experiences in a community legal service.
Previous volunteering experience, a commitment to human rights and social justice, an understanding of the issues that affect people with social security matters, and the capacity to problem-solve will be an advantage when applying. You will have administrative and organisational skills, and the ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders in a confident and a respectful manner. You will also need initiative and a sense of humour. Please note these are unpaid positions.
How to Apply
To apply, please email your CV, responses to selection criteria, and a completed application form to [email protected]. You can download the selection criteria here and the application form here.
For more information please telephone Kylie Fergusson on (02) 9211 5389
Applications without a response to the selection criteria questions, a completed application form and a CV will not be considered.
Applications close shortly.