Social Worker

**Position Title**:Family Advocate **/**Social Worker.
**Qualification**:Social Work.
**Hours**: Flexible - Part-time to Full time; 3 - 5 days per week - initial 12 month contract with a view to extend.
**Classification**: Community services, family support, disability, health.
**Award**:Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS).
**Sector**: Not For Profit
**Location**: We will consider applicants from all Australia states/territories if they meet the selection criteria.

**Leukodystrophy Australia**
Leukodystrophy Australia (LA) is a Not-For-Profit organisation (in its 30th year) that provides support and information to those affected by leukodystrophy (LD), raises awareness of this group of conditions, and encourages leukodystrophy-related research. The group was established by Sister Julie Thomas OAM in August 1992 as a Melbourne-based support group, and has since grown to become a national association, incorporated in Victoria.

The term 'leukodystrophy' covers a group of rare genetic conditions that affect the myelin (white matter) of the nervous system. These conditions are life-limiting and lead to progressive degeneration of the white matter, occurring over a few months or several years, according to the specific form. Some forms of LD affect adults, but more often the condition occurs in infancy, childhood or adolescence. When a person is diagnosed with LD, and at other times of crisis, they and their family frequently need extra information and support to confront the inevitable challenges. Physical, emotional, financial and other stressors can affect both individuals and family members.

**About the role**
The position of Family Advocate was initially created as a part time role in 2010 and has been an exciting step in the growth of LA's reach. The role will continue to evolve and, as such, will require a person who is flexible, resourceful and who is excited by the challenges and possibilities that such a role offers.

The successful applicant will hold a tertiary qualification in social work, with extensive experience in advocacy, case management, community development and be able to work in the context of grief and bereavement. An interest in working with people from varied cultural, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds is essential.

A more detailed **_Position Description _**is available upon request.

**Location**

**Line Management**
The Family Advocate reports to the President of LA and is accountable to the LA Committee and its related Social Work mentors.

**Essential Skills**
- Qualification of a degree in Social Work, providing eligibility for membership of the AASW.
- Relevant Working with Children and Police Check as per state legislation.
- Fully immunised including COVID vaccination and booster and annual influenza vaccine, or willingness to obtain, as you will be working alongside immunocompromised clientele.
- A reliable, comprehensively insured vehicle (expenses reimbursed) and a current driver's licence.

**Selection criteria**
- A well-developed understanding of the psychosocial impact of living with a rare condition/disability on a diverse group of individuals and their families.
- Demonstrated experience implementing a range of evidence-informed social work interventions with individuals and families experiencing rare disease and/or complex health and mental health issues, including client advocacy.
- Demonstrated capacity-building experience with a variety of key stakeholders including individuals, families, government and non-governmental sectors.
- Proven skills in negotiation, individual and systemic advocacy.
- Able to successfully self-motivate and prioritise across a varied workload and ability to operate autonomously.
- High level verbal and written communication skills.
- High level organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.

**Desirable criteria**
- Social work experience in the rare disease or disability sector.

**Leave**
4 weeks annual leave, 2 weeks sick leave and annual leave loading for full time, pro-rata for part time

**Professional Supervision**

The Family Advocate will access regular external professional supervision through a provider skilled in social work supervision for support, growth and professional accountability approved by the LA President and the Committee. The cost of supervision will be covered by LA.

**Salary**
Full-time base salary circa $90,000 plus superannuation and access to attractive Salary Packaging benefits as an employee of a registered charitable organisation.

**Tools of trade**
A mobile phone and laptop (and supporting technology) will be provided for use in this role.
The successful applicant will be required to use his or her own car for road travel intrastate. The process for reimbursement of travel costs will be as per the Australian Tax Office and negotiated prior to travel with the LA President and Committee.

**Applications close**:
For a copy of the pos