Administration Officer, Criminal Law Practice
Early Appropriate Guilty Plea Scheme (EAGP)
Full time Fixed Term – 6 months
This is an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander identified position which is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorized under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
Primary Objective
The primary responsibility of the Administration Officer, Early Appropriate Guilty Plea (EAGP) scheme is to assist in the delivery of high-quality legal support services to Aboriginal clients.
The position holder will be responsible for a range of duties including the maintenance of the court attendance board/roster on a daily basis; organisation of client files; input of statistical data into CMS database and liaising with professionals, including Police, Public Defenders, Solicitors, Court Staff, Corrective Services, other staff members and stakeholders.
The position holder will also assist in and respond to calls to the reception area and operate the office phone system between the hours of 9.00 am to 5.00 pm and provide secretarial support services to EAGP Solicitors/Advocates.
Organisational Environment
The ALS aims 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 Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT Limited (ALS) is a public company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Perform responsibilities to a high standard within agreed timelines and in line with ALS vision, mission and values. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Provide word processing support using Microsoft Office Systems, including correspondence, preparation of briefs of evidence, subpoenas, affidavits, court reports and other documents.
- Maintain the court attendance board/roster on a daily basis.
- Assist clients with non-court matters and referrals, including fortnightly civil clinic.
- Ensure all policies and practices are ethical and comply with the ALS’s policies and workplace health and safety legislation and promote the establishment of equal employment and access in accordance with agreed statutory policy;
- Demonstrate continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families and communities;
- Work collaboratively as a team member with all other legal, field and administrative staff to achieve effective co-ordination within your office and EAGP service.
- Perform other reasonable duties as directed and keep up-to-date on identifying training needs.
Knowledge, Skill and Experience
Essential Criteria
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander; identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or be accepted as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in the community in which you live.
- A knowledge of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families, communities and the social issues affecting those communities.
- Commitment to the principles of social justice.
- Capacity to behave in a culturally appropriate manner.
- Proven computer systems skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Outlook and typing skills with a minimum of 35 wpm.
- Excellent phone manner and communication skills and experience in operating a small to medium switchboard.
- Demonstrated organisational and time management skills and the ability to multi-task; Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work independently in a team environment with limited supervision.
Desirable
- Previous experience working in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community based organisation.
- Previous experience working in a legal practice
How to Apply?
Please CLICK HERE for the application package for this role. Please contact Emma Parker (Acting Cluster Manager, Newcastle) at [email protected] to submit your application or if you have any queries about the role.
Only candidates who forward with completed application packages to the hiring manager will be considered. Applications for this position 20 May 2022
