Redfern NSW | Part-time | Fixed-term (June 2026)
Primary purpose of the role
The primary responsibility of the Paralegal Bail Advocacy Program (Youth), Criminal Law Practice is to assist Solicitors in the delivery of the BAP (Youth). The BAP (Youth) is a new program at the ALS designed to reduce the high rates of short-term remand for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people by providing wraparound support alongside specialist legal representation in Redfern and South Sydney.
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
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake administrative tasks within the BAP (Youth), including opening new files, drafting and filing applications, communicating with clients and their families, rehabilitation facilities and other relevant service providers all within agreed timeframes.
- Organise client files and documentation including input of data into client databases, including opening, closing, archiving files and other general data entry.
- Liaise with Police, Solicitors, Court Staff, Youth Justice staff, Short-Term remand pilot staff, other ALS staff members and stakeholders for specified tasks as requested by solicitors including sending briefs, confirming dates, making appointments.
- Assist the Crime Administration team with managing the Redfern reception area and operate the office phone system between the hours of 9.00 am to 5.00 pm and providing secretarial support services to Criminal Law Solicitors when required.
- Prepare correspondence, briefs of evidence, subpoenas, affidavits, court reports and other documents using MS Office.
- Assist clients with non-court matters and referrals.
- Ensure all 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 other offices.
- Perform other reasonable duties as directed and keep up-to-date on identifying training needs.
About you
The successful applicant will demonstrate:
- 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.
- Excellent phone manner and communication skills.
- Demonstrated organisational and time management skills and the ability to multi-task and work accurately.
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work independently in a team environment with limited supervision.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Studying or completed a degree in law.
Desirable
- Previous experience working in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community-based organisation.
- Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or be accepted as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in the community in which you live.
- Previous experience working in a legal practice.
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 application package for this position
- Please submit the completed application package to [email protected]
Closing Date: 25 October 2023
