Key Worker - Sexual Assault Legal Service WA

The Sexual Assault Legal Services WA (SALSWA) pilot is a collaborative initiative between Women’s Legal Service WA, Aboriginal Family Legal Services WA and Ruah Legal Services (RLS). SALSWA delivers trauma-informed, culturally safe, and integrated legal and social support services to victim-survivors of sexual violence across Western Australia. In the SALSWA partnership, RLS specialises in support for LGBTIQA+ victim-survivors and male victim-survivors. When capacity allows, RLS also assists victim-survivors who identify as female.

Ruah aims to promote measures to achieve equality. Section 51 of the Equal opportunity Act applies to this role

About Ruah

Ruah is a leading values-driven employer in Western Australia’s community services sector. Our staff go boldly, not just supporting people in need, but working to end homelessness, end domestic violence and create opportunities for people struggling with poverty and mental health challenges.

Our professional team of operational and corporate services staff is backed by one of WA’s biggest Peer support workforces. Our staff reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion, where difference is valued, celebrated and embraced.

By choosing to work with us, you are helping transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community.

Ruah Legal Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ruah, specialising in the provision of end-to-end legal representation with integrated psycho-social support. Ruah Legal Services trades as the Mental Health Law Centre (MHLC) for the provision of legal services to clients experiencing severe mental illness. Key practice areas include the Mental Health Act, Criminal Law, Care and Protection, and Guardianship and Administration Act matters. Ruah Legal Services also provides legal assistances to victim-survivors of sexual assault through the SALSWA project, and to women experiencing family and domestic violence through Ruah Community Services programs.

About the Role

The SALSWA Key Worker collaborates with lawyers in integrated legal service delivery to support victim-survivors of sexual assault to navigate the justice system. This client-facing role is central to providing integrated, wraparound support to individuals facing complex and intersecting needs.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and a passion for supporting survivors of sexual violence through holistic, client-led approaches.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide emotional and practical support for clients engaging with the criminal justice system, including court attendance and meetings with the SALSWA Lawyer.
• Advocate for clients’ broader social, health, and housing needs through referrals and coordinated case management.
• Support access to counselling and other services related to trauma recovery.

 This is a maximum term part-time position until 30 June 2026 with the possibility of an extension.

What we’re looking for

The successful applicants will be required to meet the following criteria:

• Relevant qualifications in a related discipline.
• Experience in evidenced based case management practices.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Skills in reflective practice.
• Knowledge and understanding of diversity, gender and social inclusion, particularly people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
• Experience supporting Aboriginal and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) clients, family members and significant others by listening to and understanding their experience of mental health issues, being sensitive to cultural norms and use of in interpreting services as required.
• Demonstrated understanding of complex issues facing people who experience challenging and co-presenting life circumstances such as homelessness, AOD use, family/domestic violence and mental health issues.
• Intermediate computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and client reporting systems.
• Experience working in a Community Legal Centre (desirable)

Required Compliance Documents:

• Current WA drivers’ license
• WA Working with Children Check
• National Police Certificate dated within 6 months

What do we offer?

• An opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team.
• Base salary aligned with Level 4 of the SCHADS Award, starting from $88,372.
• Salary packaging up to $15,900 to extend your take home pay.
• 5 weeks annual leave + annual leave loading of 17.5%.
• Flexible working hours and office locations.
• Opportunities to be active in the Ruah Community such as participating in a wide range of working groups, joining us at Pride events, being a part of a range of cultural events to promote and support reconciliation and much much more!

How to apply

Please clearly detail how you meet each selection criteria by addressing them separately.

For each of the selection criteria, make a separate heading and then detail your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and ensure you emphasise your major achievements by giving examples. Also include any non-working or volunteer activities, such as involvement in a community organisation.

Applicants are asked to complete the following to apply for this role:

-    Covering letter addressing selection criteria below in no more than 3 A4 pages

-    Copy of your CV

The closing date is 31 July 2025 however applications will be considered as they are received. If you feel this is the perfect role for you, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible as this role will be filled if a suitable applicant is identified before the closing date. 

For further queries, please contact legalservices@ruah.org.au