Nowra and Newcastle Locations Available | Part Time | 24 Months Fixed Term
Primary purpose of the role
The primary responsibility of the Paralegal, Family Violence Prevention Unit is to assist in the delivery of high-quality legal support services to Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander clients. The position holder will be responsible for: researching legal matters and client histories; organisation of client files as directed; input of statistical data into CMS database, administrative duties as required, and liaise with professionals in the family and domestic violence space, including , Solicitors, Court Staff, NGO’s and stakeholders.
Why join the ALS NSW/ACT team?
At Aboriginal Legal Services NSW/ACT you will make an impactful change. You have the chance to change lives and bring social justice and equity for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families, and communities.
Our focus is our people; the people we support, and the team we employ. We offer a career you can be proud of and a place where you feel safe to be yourself. We invest in our workforce and appreciate the rich diversity they represent of life experience, languages, and culture. Born out of a protest movement over 50 years ago, the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited is the primary legal service for Aboriginal people in NSW and the ACT. It’s an exciting time for the ALS, with both our services and teams growing significantly. We recently received additional government funding to deliver a range of new programs aimed at addressing systemic issues and driving structural reforms. This is creating unprecedented opportunities for the ALS and our communities.
For many of our staff making a real difference to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities and working with a great, supportive team is its own reward. We appreciate that, but we want our team to know that we value them so offer benefits such as:
- Salary packaging options and novated car leasing
- Annual Leave Loading of 17.5%
- Career and professional development opportunities
- Access to personal counselling for you and your family
- A range of additional paid leave, paid parental and study leave
- Flexible work options – talk to us about how we can make this role work for you
The Role
The Paralegal role will be part of the Family Violence Prevention Unit (FVPU). The primary objective of the ALS FVPU is to provide culturally sensitive, quality legal assistance and facilitate wraparound services to Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander victims of violence and survivors of family and domestic violence and sexual assault. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims and survivors of family violence and sexual assault should be supported and empowered to lead lives free from the impacts of violence and have access to culturally safe legal and non-legal support services
Key Responsibilities
- Providing and coordinating a high level of paralegal support for solicitors in the Family Violence Prevention Unit.
- Assist solicitors at Court in appropriate cases, including note taking
- Obtain supporting documentation and draft documents required by solicitors for the preparation of hearings in accordance with minimum practice standards.
- Assist in researching matters of law or undertaking case reviews for solicitors, as required
- Assist in client interviews, and drafting of Applications, Affidavits and other court documents, as and where required
- Liaise with Government and non-Government agencies, welfare agencies, Courts and other sections of the legal community in relation to clients of the service.
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Maintaining files in an orderly and professional manner, including the recording of all data for statistical purposes
- Inputting, updating and maintaining statistical data using appropriate databases and systems including; opening, closing, and archiving files and other general data entry
- Effectively 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
- Providing word processing support for correspondence, preparation of briefs of evidence, subpoenas, affidavits, court reports and other documents (using Microsoft Office Suite)
- Providing general administrative support such as scanning, photocopying, document collation, recording and filing communications, filing and document services and other administrative duties as required
- Working collaboratively as a team member with other employees, volunteers and others to effectively coordinate office and team support services
- 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
- Demonstrating continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in servicing clients, their families, communities, directors and staff. Continuing to learn about the customs and history of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Ensuring all duties and activities are carried out in an ethical manner, complying with ALS policies, procedures and any other applicable guidelines or legislation
About you
The successful incumbent will demonstrate:
- Formal paralegal qualifications, or currently undertaking a Law Degree
- Knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are facing
- In depth knowledge of support and referral services available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients involved in the area of domestic and family violence and/or family law.
- Excellent research and problem-solving skills
- Self-motivated with ability to work with minimal supervision and a willingness to complete administrative tasks
- Proven experience with Microsoft Suite computer skills, video-conferencing software
Desirable
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander; identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or is accepted as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in the community in which they live
- Previous experience working in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community-based organisation
Pre-employment requirements:
ALS NSW/ACT is committed to implementing safer recruitment practices. Your application may be subject to a number of pre-employment checks such as reference checks, Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check, Right to work in Australia, COVID-19 vaccinations as per NSW/ACT Health Order and Police check. Please note that candidates with criminal records are not automatically barred from being considered. Each application will be considered on its merits.
How to apply:
- Download the position description here
- Please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected]
Applications close 11:59pm Monday 20 November, 2023
