Client and Community Support Officer- Family Violence Prevention Unit | Canberra or Nowra Location
This is an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Identified position which is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
Full time, Fixed term contract to 31 December 2023
COVID-19 (double) vaccination is a condition of employment at the ALS.
About the ALS
The Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS) is a proud Aboriginal community-controlled organisation. As Australia’s first community legal service provider, we’ve been fighting for justice and equity for over 50 years.
We provide free advice and representation in criminal law, children’s care and protection law, and family law for tens of thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people every year. We also run community programs to improve the lives of our people. We are well recognised for our work at the forefront of law reform and community advocacy.
The ALS has recently received funding in order to provide legal services in Canberra, ACT and on the South Coast of NSW (in Nowra) through the Family Violence Legal Service. This is a holistic service providing legal representation, advice, casework assistance and referrals to Aboriginal families impacted or affected by family violence, and related issues such as homelessness or contact with child protection. The FVPLS also seeks to provide early support around intervention and community education around alternative pathways to ensure children are not removed from families and communities.
Benefits of working with us
We offer a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment, where you can develop and grow. We’re passionate about what we do and we work hard.
The ALS values the health and wellbeing of our employees and we are proud to offer flexible work practices and additional leave entitlements.
Staff can choose to take advantage of benefits including salary packaging to maximise take-home pay.
About the role
The position reports to the Managing Solicitor - FVPU or their delegate. This position plays an important role within the ALS and the Family Violence Prevention Legal Service’ functions and will be required to work closely and collaboratively with the broader team.
The primary responsibility of the Client and Community Support Officer, Family Violence Prevention Unit is to provide high quality referral and information services for clients of the FVPU, and, to work closely with FVPU solicitors to provide holistic legal services to ALS and FVPU clients.
The position also plays an active role in Community Legal Education using a variety of engagement techniques; including using technology to assist in effectively delivering services.
The Client and Community Support Officer also provides information to solicitors regarding relevant legal issues arising in communities, relating to care and protection, family law and family violence. They attend relevant community meetings and represent the ALS-FVPLS on relevant working parties, as requested.
What you’ll bring to the role
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander; identifies as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and is accepted as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person in the community in which he or she lives
- Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal communities combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices when considering service delivery and other support for clients, their families, communities and staff
- Commitment to the principles of social justice
- Knowledge and understanding of social justice issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people involved in the legal system
- Knowledge of support and referral services available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients involved in the legal system
- Ability to produce high-quality, accurate and relevant reports regarding client engagement, and outcomes of client support and referrals
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Proven self-motivation, demonstrating the ability to work autonomously and within a team
- Excellent word processing and computer skills using Microsoft Office Suite
- A willingness and ability to travel to regional, metropolitan and interstate locations for work purposes
Desirable Criteria
- Ability to prepare and deliver community legal education
- Previous experience working in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community-based organisation
How to apply
Please submit the completed application package to Mary Day, Acting Regional Administration Coordinator (Care, Protection/Family Law Practice Email [email protected] or phone 02 6623 4450
To download the application package for this role, please click ALS_Application_package___Client_and_Community_Support_Officer_Canberra_or_Nowra__Family_Violence_Unit__January_2022.docx
Applications for this position close at midnight, Friday 25 April 2022.
