Job description

The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) is a student-run student union representing undergraduate students at the University of Sydney. The SRC employs professional staff, whose role is to assist undergraduate students in navigating complex matters.

The SRC is seeking a passionate, social justice-driven individual to join their small and dynamic team of Casework and Policy Officers. This is an 11-month full-time fixed contract position with a possibility of converting to a permanent position.

Casework and Policy Officers play a rewarding and impactful role by providing advice and advocacy to undergraduate students navigating complex bureaucratic systems. Caseworkers assist students with a wide range of issues, including academic and administrative processes, Centrelink issues, and tenancy matters. In addition to direct casework, they contribute to policy development and assist elected student representatives in their duties, ensuring that student voices are heard and their rights upheld.

The ideal candidate for this role is someone who is passionate about social justice and dedicated to advocating for students’ rights and well-being. They should possess strong communication, problem-solving and advocacy skills, with the ability to navigate complex bureaucratic systems and provide clear, empathetic support to students facing a range of challenges. 

The starting rate of pay is $59.54 per hour ($108,367 per year) plus 17% superannuation, with generous leave provisions and conditions. The office is situated on the Darlington campus.

Selection Criteria

Essential Criteria

1. Relevant tertiary qualification (social work, welfare or legal qualification) and minimum two years relevant advocacy / case work experience.

2. Demonstrated experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, including culturally and linguistically diverse, LGBTQIA+, neuro diverse and people with a disability.

3. Demonstrated ability to network, establish rapport, build and maintain collaborative relationships and work with a range of stakeholders and institutional representatives

4. Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills demonstrated across various professional relationships

5. Excellent written skills, demonstrated ability to maintain case notes and prepare diverse reports, from concise briefings to submissions

6. Demonstrated ability to problem solve and apply policy, procedures and/or legislation to complex situations.

7. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a diverse, tight-knit team.

8. Excellent organisational and time management skills, and ability to prioritise competing tasks and deadlines

9. Competency with computer applications, including Microsoft Office suite, Outlook/email systems, database systems; and the ability and willingness to learn new skills, including new information technologies.

Desirable Criteria

1. Demonstrated understanding of issues affecting students, and a commitment to the

principles of student unionism and social justice.

2. Knowledge of and commitment to the principles of EEO and WHS.

To be considered applicants should email:

1.     a cover letter;

2.     responses to each selection criteria contained in the Job Description;

3.     a resume; and

4.     contact details for two referees.

Applications are due by 7:59am Tuesday 7th January 2025. If your application progresses to the next stage, an interview will be conducted online via a Zoom meeting, on Wednesday 8th January 2025. Then if your application progresses to the next stage, a second round interview will be conducted on Friday 10th January 2025.

Applications should be emailed to Mel de Silva, Casework and Policy Manager: <m.desilva@src.usyd.edu.au> with the subject “Application C&P Officer”.

If you have any enquiries relating to the position, please contact: Sharon Maher, Acting Casework and Policy Manager: <s.maher@src.usyd.edu.au> or phone 02 9660 5222.

Job applicants must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or currently hold a visa with unrestricted work rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment.