Managing Solicitor, Family Violence Prevention Unit - Canberra or Nowra Location
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 Prevention Unit (FVPU). 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 FVPU 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
Reporting to the Principal Solicitor Care and Protection and Family to establish and deliver services for the newly funded Family Violence Protection Unit.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Support the Principal Solicitor in the delivery of legal advice, including early intervention and outreach services, representation, community legal education primarily in family law matters but also state care and protection matters
- Management and supervision of, including allocation of work and management of workloads and the implementation of policies and procedures for those functions
- Assist in the organising and convening of regular staff meetings and CLE seminars
- Support the Principal Solicitor in the implementation of policy and strategies to improve the provision of legal services to clients of the ALS
- Under the direction of the Principal Solicitor conduct recruitment of staff and volunteers and manage their induction, training, supervision and professional development
- Manage career development opportunities to improve staff retention and conduct regular staff performance evaluations
- Co-ordinate, research, prepare and provide representation for Aboriginal clients in care & protection/family matters and issues
- Participate in community education programs and liaise with community members and key stakeholder groups to create opportunities to increase the ALS-FVPU profile
- Contribute in the development and review of ALS related Care & Protection/Family Law policies, procedures and guidelines
- Oversee the representation of Aboriginal clients before the criminal justice system in the Local/Magistrates, Children’s, District and Supreme Courts, and other courts or tribunals
- Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant care & protection family law legislation, case law and court procedures
- Work together with the Principal Solicitor and other staff in the provision of business’s overall legal services delivery
What you’ll bring to the role
- Admitted as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of New South Wales or the Supreme Court of ACT with a practising certificate or eligible for a practising certificate with up to 6 years of demonstrated experience in the relevant fields of law
- Proven ability to manage the day to day activities of a Family Violence Legal Service office at various locations including the supervision of staff, the allocation of work, and management of workloads and regular review of performance
- Demonstrated knowledge, experience and understanding of relevant care & protection/family legislation, case law and court proceedings and ability to effectively represent and advocate for Aboriginal clients
- Demonstrated excellence in consultation, interpersonal, influencing, motivational, negotiation and conflict resolution skills, combined with strong people management skills and excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to meet deadlines, work without supervision and manage a diverse workload.
- Demonstrated commitment to the effective implementation of Workplace Health & Safety and Ethical and Diversity practices in the workplace
- Perform other duties as deemed appropriate and as delegated by the Principal Solicitor.
How to apply
To download the application package for this role, please click ALS_Application_package___Managing_Solicitor_Canberra_or_Nowra__Family_Violence_Unit__February_2022.docx
Please submit the completed application package to Zoe De Re, Acting Principal Solicitor (Care, Protection/Family Law Practice Email [email protected] or phone 02 6623 4450
Applications for this position close at midnight, Friday 25th February 2022
