Social Worker

 

BACKGROUND

International Social Service (ISS) Australia is an independent, not-for-profit organisation with over 50 years’ experience in providing intercountry social work and legal services to families separated by international borders, with a special emphasis on the rights and best interests of children. We are a member of the ISS global network, founded in 1924 and today operating in over 120 countries worldwide.

ISS Australia is a leader in its field and the only Australian NGO with an unique focus on providing intercountry social work and legal services.

ISS Australia is made up of the National Office in Melbourne and the NSW Office in Sydney. We currently have 12 employees, with four based in Sydney. The NSW Office is located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD in Kent Street.

Referrals for the intercountry social work service come either from ISS partners overseas or, within Australia, from individuals or referring ????? ????? the community or government sectors. Funding is principally provided by the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, with a small amount of fee-for-service income from clients. See our website mycareer.com.au for further information about ISS Australia.

The Intercountry Social Worker will be responsible for the provision of a range of
intercountry social work services to NSW clients and a small number of Queensland clients. Some face-to-face client contact is involved however much of ISS Australia’s service delivery is undertaken by telephone or electronic communications.

This is a fixed-term (12 month) appointment arising from parental leave. The position is full-time (38 hours per week).

The successful candidate will have a social work qualification and some casework experience, preferably in the area of child protection and/or family work. Full training in intercountry social work will be provided.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

The position is full-time with salary and conditions according to the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHCADS) Award 2010.

The classification and corresponding salary will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

ISS Australia offers FBT-exempt salary packaging to all staff.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

KEY ROLES KEY TASKS
Intercountry casework  In collaboration with the Manager, NSW Office, undertake intake and assessment of new service requests from NSW clients or from ISS members overseas and make referrals where appropriate
 Manage a caseload including post adoption tracing and family reunification, international parental child abduction and child welfare matters
 Provide telephone advice in relation to the above matters as required
 Undertake casework in line with ISS policy and with the principles of relevant UN and Hague Conventions
 Contribute to the continuous improvement of casework practice within ISS Australia through participation in fortnightly casework practice meetings
Administration  In collaboration with other staff at the NSW Office, undertake administrative tasks necessary for the efficient delivery of intercountry casework
 Ensure timely and accurate collection of casework data
Relationships
 In collaboration with other staff in the Office, maintain productive working relationships with partner agencies, the general public and ISS clients
 Foster positive and collaborative relationships with all staff, students and volunteers at ISS Australia
 Develop and maintain relationships with casework staff at ISS Units overseas and with ISS Correspondents
 Participate in team meetings both nationally and within the NSW Office
Development and Learning  Participate in regular supervision with the Manager, NSW Office.
 In collaboration with the Manager, NSW Office, actively engage in performance evaluation and development
Other  There may be the opportunity to act in a managerial role when the Manager is absent for any period of time
 Other duties in keeping with the position’s level of responsibility, as directed from time to time

SELECTION CRITERIA

Mandatory Qualifications:

 A four-year social work qualification and / or eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers

Essential experience and skills:

 Demonstrated casework experience, preferably in the area of child protection and / or child protection
 Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to relate to a range of individuals and organisations across cultures
 A commitment to working within international conventions and legislative frameworks upholding the rights and best interests of the child
 Good organisational and time management skills and the ability to deal with competing priorities
 A high level of competence using computers and the Microsoft Office suite including Word and Excel
 Flexibility in work approach and ability to work independently and as part of a small team

Desirable experience and skills:

 Accreditation as a family mediator and / or mediation experience or training
 Demonstrable appreciation of the issues involved in intercountry casework
 A working knowledge of UN and Hague Conventions relating to children
 Experience working in the not-for-profit sector
 Knowledge of a language other than English, especially French or Spanish

APPLICATIONS

Please ensure your application includes a statement addressing the above Selection Criteria and a copy of your current Curriculum Vitae.

NB: applications which do not address the Selection Criteria will not be considered.

Applications for the position close 5.00pm Monday 10 December 2012. Applications will be assessed promptly with a view to conducting interviews in the week of Monday 10 December 2012.

Only short listed applicants will be contacted.