Field Officer – Redfern
Criminal Law Practice
Full Time Permanent
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.
About the role
The primary responsibility of the Field Officer, Criminal Law Practice is to provide high quality support and referral services to ALS clients. The Field Officer also works closely with ALS solicitors to provide holistic legal services.
The Field Officer will liaise with local Aboriginal organisations and communities, including local representative groups to link Aboriginal clients, organisations and communities with the justice system.
The position will play an active role in Community Legal Education using a variety of engagement techniques; including using technology to assist in effectively delivering services.
The Field Officer provides information to solicitors regarding relevant criminal law issues arising in communities. They attend relevant community meetings and represent the ALS on relevant working parties, as requested.
About the ALS
The ALS is a public company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.
We aim to provide culturally appropriate information and referral, legal advice and court representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and children in NSW and ACT.
The ALS is committed to achieving justice for Aboriginal people and the Aboriginal community. The ALS remains committed to being community focussed; being fearless in our advocacy; accountable and ethical and aiming to make a difference to create better futures; while also acknowledging and respecting Aboriginal traditional values and cultural practices.
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.
Key responsibilities and accountabilities:
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Delivering professional and culturally appropriate support, referral services and legal information to communities and clients.
- Understanding and seeking to meet the demands and expectations of clients, their families and the broader Aboriginal community in which they work.
- Attending to client enquiries and providing appropriate support services including taking statements, identifying and arranging appropriate follow-up through the ALS or other agencies.
- Undertaking relevant case management activities and related administrative requirements.
- Developing and implementing systems and processes to effectively balance the requirements of demanding and challenging workloads.
- Maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of a diverse range of emerging legal and professional law related issues.
- Maintaining all files in an orderly and professional manner, including the recording of all data for statistical purposes.
- Utilising systems and technology which have a significant impact on the legal practice including adapting to new, and enhancing the use of current, systems and technology.
- Submitting accurate work reports in writing to the appropriate manager in a timely manner (both routine and ad-hoc reports as required).
- Communicating with and effectively supporting, Aboriginal clients who may present as distressed, when the legal concepts involved are complex and difficult for the client to understand.
- Supporting clients to ensure appointments are attended as required, ensuring that clients receive relevant information.
- Participating in committees, community groups, government and non-government meetings (as requested), to further promote the services and impact of the ALS as a highly effective service provider.
- Contributing to the development of the ALS position on law reform initiatives.
- Effectively managing your time in delivering service and meeting the expectations of your position.
- Developing and maintaining good negotiation and communication skills and where appropriate assisting, guiding, and supporting other staff.
- Ensuring the lawful achievement of ALS core business objectives to the highest standards of probity and efficiency, and with due reference to the interests of all stakeholders.
- Maintaining and enhancing professional competence, keeping abreast of legal developments, changes in ALS policies, systems, guidelines, practices and community needs.
- Demonstrating continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families, communities, directors and staff. Continuing to learn about the customs and history of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Identifying professional development and training needs.
- Ensuring all duties and activities are carried out in an ethical manner, complying with ALS policies, procedures and any other applicable guidelines or legislation.
- Travelling to regional and interstate locations for work purposes. An inherent requirement of the job is the ability to independently travel to regional locations by car for work purposes, therefore a current driver’s licence is required (the ALS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider reasonable adjustments where an employee cannot meet this requirement due to a disability or their age).
What you’ll bring to the role
To be successful in this role you will need to demonstrate:
- Aboriginality - this is an identified position under Section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977.
- 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.
- Strong 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 go to CLICK HERE to download the application package for this position. Please submit the completed application package to Sheri Misaghi, Regional Administration Coordinator at [email protected]
Applications for this position close at 5PM 31 August 2022.
Before submitting your application, please make sure you have completed all the requirements of the application.
- Completed ALS Application Form
- Provide a cover letter
- Provide a document covering how you meet the selection criteria – See page 6 of the application package.
- Up to date Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A copy of your current driver’s license
- A copy of your Working with Children’s or Vulnerable Persons Check
- Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate(s)
- Please send all the above in one (1) attachment/document.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.