• Professional Membership Association: National Voice for Social Justice
• Melbourne based; national network service delivery
• full time or part time ongoing

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is the professional representative body of social workers in Australia, with more than 13,500 members. AASW sets the benchmarks for professional education and practice in social work and have a strong voice on matters of social justice, human rights and issues that impact upon the quality of life of all Australians.

Position Overview:

• Delivering the AASW’s Ethics and Standards Consultation Service with support and training provided
• Participating in the delivery of the Ethics Complaints Management Process
• Developing, reviewing and monitoring professional standards and guidelines.

An exciting opportunity for a seasoned Social Worker to expand their career into the field of Ethics. The Professional Officer, Ethics and Standards will work within the AASW’s Ethics Framework and collaborate within relevant program areas across the department and will be supported by the Team Leader Ethics and Standards.

The Ethics and Practice Standards Consultation Service is a free service for members to consider, discuss and process ethical dilemmas and ethical practice issues. The ethics officer may research and then provide verbal or written information in relation to ethics and practice issues and assist in linking ethical and best practice decision making to the Code of Ethics, Practice Standards and broader ethical and practice theories.

You will also support a best practice approach and ensure complaints are processed through the Ethics Complaints Management Process in a timely manner and in accord with the governance processes as set out in the AASW By Laws on Ethics and other relevant guiding documentation.

On occasions you will assist in the review and implementation of practice standards and development of improved processes and other key initiatives to support and embed positive conduct, identification and reporting of integrity and ethics matters.

The Ethics Officer is responsible for:

• Delivering the AASW’s Ethics and Standards Consultation Service with support and training provided
• Participating in the delivery of the Ethics Complaints Management Process
• Co-ordination of complaints of alleged breaches of AASW’s Code of Ethics in accordance with the AASW By Laws on Ethics and the Ethics Complaint Management Process
• Administrative tasks associated with managing the files associated with alleged complaints in accord with Privacy legislation
• Contribute to the Professional Standards documentation as required in collaboration with the Team Leader, Professional Standards and Ethics
• Reviewing and monitoring professional standards and guidelines.
• Preparation of monthly or other reports as requested.

Key selection criteria:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work and minimum 3 years experience as a Social Worker
• Excellent administration skills
• Demonstrated high-level communication skills including verbal, written and report writing skills
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment and to respond flexibly to changing circumstances
• Excellent time management and prioritisation skills
• Experience in mentoring or leadership
• Ability to ensure privacy and confidentiality over information provided, as appropriate
• An understanding of the AASW Code of Ethics
• Proficiency in the use of the Microsoft office suite

The AASW is committed to equal opportunities in employment and embraces diversity and inclusion in its workforce. We encourage applications from culturally and ethnically diverse communities, particularly those underrepresented in the social work profession including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people with a disability.

Please send us your résumé and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria listed above. If you do not respond to the selection criteria, your application will not be considered.

Further information can be requested by contacting Sofie Fabre: sofie.fabre@aasw.asn.au

View the position description.