Solicitor - Family Violence and Prevention Unit
Fixed Term to December 2023
Newly created team and role - Based in Nowra
About the ALS
The Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT Limited (ALS) is a public company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.
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 ALS has recently received funding to provide legal services in Canberra, ACT and on the South Coast of NSW (in Nowra) through a newly created unit called the Family Violence and 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
The primary objective of the position is to deliver of culturally appropriate legal advice, and representation to clients experiencing or at risk of family and domestic violence in accordance with the ALS policies, procedures and guidelines in Care & Protection/Family Law including early intervention and outreach services, community legal education and referrals.
The position requires a great deal of dedication; a very high level of professionalism and legal acumen; a prodigious aptitude for attention to detail; and a capacity and willingness to function as both a mentor and/or supervisor, and advocate simultaneously (where appropriate and directed) whilst serving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
Key responsibilities and accountabilities
The primary responsibility of the incumbent of this role is to provide:
- high quality and culturally appropriate legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in domestic violence, care and protection and family law and assisting them in resolving their legal problems and undertaking court responsibilities.
- Support the state-wide helpline by providing legal advice and referrals to vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients experiencing family and domestic violence.
- Attend Duty Lawyer Services for domestic violence matters at designated local courts.
- Provide considered, independent, balanced and professional legal advice in the areas of family law, care & protection and civil law.
- Effectively balance the requirements of managing a busy caseload with contributions to submissions on law reform and policy.
- Deliver targeted community legal education on family and domestic violence to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and clients.
What you’ll bring to the role
- Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices when considering service delivery and other support for clients, their families, communities and staff.
- Legal qualifications and a current NSW Practising Certificate (or be able to obtain one immediately).
- Up-to-date knowledge of and experience in Domestic Violence, Care & Protection and Family Law matters, including court practice and procedure.
- Experience in planning, coordinating and delivering legal education.
- Understanding of the dynamics of family and domestic violence and its effect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
- Proven capacity to identify and understand legal issues facing socially and economically disadvantaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples.
- Capacity and motivation to provide quality legal representation to Aboriginal people in rural and remote communities.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills combined with strong time management, legal research and problem-solving skills.
- A willingness and ability to travel to ALS’ various offices (regional and metropolitan), conferences (local and interstate) and events.
How to apply
Please CLICK HERE to download the application package for this position. Please submit the completed application package to Mary Day, Regional Administration Coordinator. Email [email protected].
Applications for this position close at midnight, Friday 12 August 2022
