Dubbo or Moree, NSW | Full-time | Fixed-term to June 2026
Lead a new legal service that helps keep Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families safe and out of the child protection system.
The Aboriginal Legal Service is offering a pivotal opportunity to establish and manage a child protection legal practice, which aims to reduce the number of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care. Enjoy coming to work each day with a purpose-driven organisation that makes a real difference.
This role would suit a solicitor with over 5 years’ experience in child protection, care and protection and/or family law, who has the ability to manage the day-to-day activities of a small law practice in multiple locations.
About the ALS
Born out of a protest movement, the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited is the primary legal service for Aboriginal people in NSW and the ACT. Our vision is to achieve social justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.
We offer a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment. 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. Staff can choose to take advantage of benefits including salary packaging to maximise take-home pay.
About the role
The Managing Solicitor will manage child protection legal services, staff and resources for the new ALS Child and Family Advocacy and Support (ACFAS) program in Dubbo, Moree and surrounding areas.
The role will work with the Principal Solicitor (Care & Protection/Family Law) and Program Manager (ACFAS) to design and implement these legal services, ensuring they are culturally safe and meet the needs of local Aboriginal communities.
Please see the Position Description in the Application Package for more details.
About the ALS Child and Family Advocacy and Support Program
ACFAS is a new family-oriented justice program that aims to keep Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families safe and out of the child protection system. The program will encompass legal and wraparound services that support families at risk of having their children removed and work together to prevent them from ending up in the Children’s Court.
Your skills and experience
- Legal qualifications and a current Practicing Certificate issued by the Law Society of NSW
- Over 5 years’ experience in child protection, care and protection and/or family law
- Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal peoples combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices when considering service delivery and other support for clients, their families, communities and employees
- Demonstrated ability to effectively represent and advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients
- Demonstrated ability to manage the day-to-day activities of a small law practice in multiple locations
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to change and work in a start-up environment
How to apply
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Please submit the completed application package to Rebekah Woodward, Recruitment Manager (New Programs) at [email protected].
- If you have any enquiries or would like to discuss the role, please contact Jemima McCaughan (Implementation Manager) at [email protected] or (02) 9213 4125.
Applications for this position close at 5:00pm on Tuesday 1 August 2023.
