Case Worker - Darwin (Identified)

About NAAFLS

NAAFLS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and independent Family Violence Prevention Legal Service (FVPLS).

We have offices in Darwin (Larrakia land), Katherine (Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman land) and Nhulunbuy (Yolŋu land), and service over 40 remote communities within the Top End region spanning from the Tiwi Islands down to Lajamanu, Wadeye across to Borroloola. Regular travel to these communities is predominantly in line with the Darwin and Katherine Court Circuit calendars and requires our teams to stay overnight on community for up to two trips of 2-4 days per month.

We provide culturally sensitive legal advice, assistance, representation, and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Top End communities who have experienced domestic, family, and sexual violence.

We offer the unique opportunity to work collaboratively within a team comprising a solicitor and case worker/client support officer, to ensure that our service is culturally safe and holistic. This holistic and culturally appropriate model of service sets us apart; seeking practical community-based solutions to the most complex legal problems and ensures our vulnerable clients are fully supported throughout their journey.

Role Overview

The Case Worker supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients of the North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service (NAAFLS) by providing culturally safe, non-legal assistance. Reporting to the Case Work Team Leader, the role works closely with solicitors and service providers to help clients achieve their goals, implement case plans, and navigate legal and social systems. The role involves regular travel to remote Top End communities to coordinate referrals, attend court and meetings, assist with appointments, and offer practical and emotional support.

With a focus on NAAFLS’ values of cultural respect, collaboration and trust, this role requires strong communication skills, cultural knowledge, and the ability to work within a trauma-informed, strength-based framework. Case Workers are encouraged to draw on their cultural knowledge and lived experience, where appropriate, to enhance outcomes for clients. The role also supports accurate recordkeeping, contributes to community legal education, and promotes collaborative service delivery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES

1. Client Support and Case Management

  • Work collaboratively with NAAFLS solicitors to develop and implement culturally appropriate case plans with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients, supporting clients to set and achieve their goals and identifying relevant evidence for legal matters.
  • Provide holistic, non-legal support to clients, including referrals to other services, assistance with applications, scheduling and attending appointments, and transporting clients to court or other services as required.
  • Support clients during challenging or sensitive meetings, such as child protection meetings, court appearances, and other case-related appointments.
  • Motivate and support clients to actively engage in mandated or voluntary case plans and activities.

2. Community Engagement and Outreach

  • Build and maintain respectful relationships with clients and key stakeholders in remote Top End communities to support culturally safe service delivery.
  • Contribute to the development of meaningful Community Legal Education (CLE) topics during community trips, in collaboration with the CLE Officer.
  • Participate in pre-trip planning meetings with solicitors and contribute to a coordinated, team-based approach to remote service delivery.

3. Recordkeeping and Administration

  • Ensure accurate and timely recordkeeping using NAAFLS’ electronic file management and data systems.
  • Participate in file reviews and ensure all client information is maintained to required standards.
  • Comply with all relevant NAAFLS policies and procedures.

4. Practice Quality and Development

  • Contribute to the ongoing improvement of case work processes and procedures to support consistency and quality of service.
  • Promote and maintain safe work practices in line with NAAFLS’ Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies and procedures.
  • Foster a positive and culturally respectful workplace culture aligned with NAAFLS’ values and Strategic Plan.

5. Teamwork and Professional Development

  • Attend staff meetings, participate in regular supervision, and engage in professional development and training.
  • Undertake other duties as reasonably required.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

  • Possess relevant experience in case work or a related field.
  • Ability and willingness to undertake professional development and training.
  • Demonstrated experience in delivering services within a case management framework, specifically in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community services setting.
  • Proven ability to communicate sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, demonstrating solid relationship-building and advocacy skills.
  • Capacity to provide culturally appropriate services that are tailored to meet individual client needs.
  • Willingness to use cultural knowledge and expertise to improve service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
  • Demonstrated capacity to work flexibly and possess the ability to manage competing demands.
  • Demonstrated ability to complete tasks in a timely manner.
  • Ability to accurately record information in client databases and use Microsoft Office suite.
  • Availability to undertake regular overnight travel to remote communities.
  • Must obtain a Working with Children Clearance (WWCC) and a satisfactory Criminal History Check.
  • Possess a current ‘C’ Class NT Drivers Licence.

Desirable

  • The ability and willingness to undertake certificate or higher level of studies if required.
  • Relevant certificate or higher level of studies in Social Work, Community Services or related field.

Other Requirements

  • Current Working with Children Clearance (or ability to obtain).
  • National Criminal History Check (or ability to obtain).
  • Current C Class Driver Licence.

Our Values

In all our operations and relationships, we value:

  • Collaboration – We combine individual skills and experience to be stronger together.
  • Cultural Respect – We embrace cultural difference to build respectful working relationships.
  • Trust – We are individually and collectively trusted and trustworthy.
  • Courage – We engage in the hard conversations with compassion.
  • Client-Centred Practice – We place the safety, dignity and needs of our clients at the centre of everything we do.

NAAFLS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters throughout the Northern Territory. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge the strength, resilience and leadership of Aboriginal communities.

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