Full Time Fixed Term contract (until 30 June 2026) - possible extension subject to program funding

Salary commensurate with experience $75,423 to $91,837pa plus superannuation

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

Home based and office-based work arrangement

Aboriginality is a genuine qualification required for this position (section 50d of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 1984).

About the role

The Work and Development Permit Scheme (WDP Scheme) is delivered in partnership between the Department of Justice (DoJ), Legal Aid Western Australia (LAWA), and the Aboriginal Legal Service Western Australia (ALSWA). ALSWA is funded to deliver a culturally secure, statewide Work and Development Permit Service (WDP Service), which includes program management, sponsor engagement and client support roles based in Perth.

The role of the WDP Client and Sponsor Liaison Officer involves supporting the objectives of the WDP Scheme, to enable eligible people who are experiencing hardship to reduce their outstanding court fine debt via voluntary participation in approved work and development activities such as unpaid voluntary work, treatment, courses, programs and other activities under the supervision of support services (known as WDP Sponsors). The primary focus of the new position is to assist with fines-related client support and effective sponsor engagement with the WDP Scheme as part of the ALSWA WDP Service team. The ALSWA’s culturally secure state-wide WDP Service:

supports Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other relevant organisations across WA to become approved sponsors under the WDP Scheme and continues to provide support to organisations once approved;

links Aboriginal fine defaulters, including ALSWA clients, to approved sponsors for the purpose of applying for a WDP;

undertakes fine checks for clients, including ALSWA clients, and assists clients to manage their outstanding fines; and

liaises with internal and external stakeholders to assist clients with their fines.

About you

To be considered for this opportunity, you will need to meet the following criteria:

Well-developed communication skills (interpersonal, written and verbal) with the ability to provide effective stakeholder and client engagement.

Well-developed organisational, data management and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure, maintain confidentiality and confidently use workplace technology.

Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team comprising legal and non-legal staff with a willingness to learn and share knowledge with others.

Ability to work and communicate effectively with Aboriginal people with an appropriate level of cultural understanding, empathy and sensitivity.

Demonstrated knowledge (or the ability to gain knowledge) of Aboriginal community-based support services that can assist with meeting the objectives of the WDP Scheme.

It is also desirable if you have:

Sound understanding of the Aboriginal community and the issues affecting them.

Knowledge of Western Australian legal systems and fines enforcement, practices and procedures.

Previous client and stakeholder engagement roles in the community sector.

Ability to travel within WA if required.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook), including calendar management and email communication.

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), free counselling services to employees and immediate family through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flexible 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 organisation working to provide high quality legal representation, supports and assistance to the Aboriginal community in WA.

ALSWA has 11 offices across regional WA and provides legal assistance in criminal, civil, human rights and family law, engages in law and policy reform and community legal education activities and provides services which support clients in the areas of youth diversion, bail support, unpaid fines and the Custody Notification Service.

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 [email protected]. Your application must include a cover letter outlining what strengths you could bring to the role and your resume. Selection criteria is not required.

Aboriginality is a genuine qualification required for this position (section 50d of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 1984).

To discuss this opportunity please contact Paula Sutherland on (08) 9265 6666 or [email protected]. We treat all applications in confidence.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 31 August 2025

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 provide an environment that values diversity and supports all staff to reach their full potential.