Work with us

At Uniting Communities, we believe everyone deserves to be heard, supported and treated with dignity. Litigation Guardian is a unique opportunity to combine advocacy, social work and legal system knowledge to help people navigate complex and often challenging circumstances.

About the role

Reporting to the Principal Lawyer, you will provide specialist litigation guardian services to parents involved in child protection matters before the Youth Court.

What you’ll be doing

• Provide specialist litigation guardian services to parents involved in child protection proceedings before the Youth Court.
• Engage with clients, families and relevant stakeholders to understand and communicate clients’ wishes and needs.
• Work with legal representatives and respond to requests from the Youth Court in accordance with the functions of a Litigation Guardian.
• Provide individualised case management, assessment, support planning, referrals and service coordination.
• Coordinate referrals to litigation guardians in other community legal centres.
• Deliver education and training to practitioners and develop resources to strengthen service delivery.
• Provide advocacy and support to clients and families experiencing vulnerability and complex needs.
• Collaborate with lawyers, social workers, health professionals and other community services.
• Contribute to policy development, law reform, program improvement and reporting.

 About you

You are a thoughtful, ethical and client-centred professional who can build trusting relationships with people experiencing vulnerability. You understand the importance of advocacy, clear communication and ensuring people have a voice in decisions that affect their lives.

You will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Behavioural Sciences or a related discipline.
• Experience advocating for people with disability, compromised capacity or other significant vulnerabilities.
• Knowledge of legislation and policies affecting people involved in the child protection system.
• An understanding of the Youth Court and its role in child protection matters.
• Experience working collaboratively with lawyers and other professionals in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Experience supporting people with complex needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A strong ethical and customer-service approach, supported by sound Microsoft Office skills.
• A current, full and unrestricted South Australian driver’s licence.

Why join us? 

About Us 

Uniting Communities is a leading, inclusive not-for profit community services organisation working alongside more than 80,000 South Australians each year to reduce inequality, improve wellbeing, overcome disadvantage, and support people to live the best lives they can. We value diversity and are committed to providing respectful, accessible services. 

Why Work For Us? 

• Supervision is offered monthly to ensure you feel supported in the role
• In addition to your salary, you can package up to $15,900 per year pre-tax and additionally a $2,650 Meals and Entertainment card.  
• How could working for a Not-For-Profit impact your take home pay? Visit our salary packaging provider for details - Access Pay 
• 12 Weeks Paid Maternity Leave 
• 1 Week Paid Cultural Leave for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Staff 
• 1 Day of Community Engagement Leave 

Check out our additional benefits at www.unitingcommunities.org 

What Next? 

Please attach a cover letter addressing the role and a current resume. 

Due to the role being available for immediately, we will be shortlisting and interviewing applications as they are submitted.  

As an organisation, we are committed to protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff are required to work within our code of conduct and undergo relevant pre-employment checks