We are seeking a temporary flexible full‑time Legal Officer to deliver high quality, independent legal services on behalf of OCFOS to departmental staff within the Department. As a Legal Officer, you will be part of a team of lawyers providing practical, independent and strategic legal advice and representation on complex child protection matters.
The role also provides an opportunity to contribute to improvements to the child protection litigation system in Queensland. The position will be located in Ipswich or by negotiation and will involve travel and attendance at courts and CSSCs across the state to support the Department and its clients.
Mandatory Requirements
- Admitted or eligible to gain immediate admission as a Barrister‑at‑Law or solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland.
- Possess a “C” class driver’s licence to undertake travel.
- Be on‑call to address out of hours emergency legal advice and support.
Role Specific / Technical Skills
You possess expertise in relation to the department's services in a court workplace and apply your knowledge to provide high quality legal services. This role requires the technical ability to litigate, negotiate, provide legal advice, and to interact with clients and stakeholders in a complex legal workplace including within the department and the Director of Child Protection Litigation in child protection matters.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensure that high quality independent legal and court services are delivered on behalf of the Queensland Government, including undertaking duties out of hours for urgent applications.
- Provide expert independent legal advice, support and representation on behalf of CSSCs in emergency applications under the Child Protection Act 1999.
- Prepare court material and brief the Director of Child Protection Litigation in proceedings on applications for child protection orders.
- Contribute to the Department’s obligations to the Director‑General’s participation in child protection related legal matters.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to the provision of legal services by OCFOS.
- Provide independent legal advice to departmental staff in relation to court matters, including preparation of evidence, quality‑assuring material, witness support, and the development of local training initiatives.
- Support other legal officers and senior legal officers to meet priorities and ensure deadlines are met regionally and across the State.
- Contribute to building and maintaining a culture in OCFOS that supports the vision and values of the Department and achieves agency objectives.
Delegations
This position is an authorised officer under the Child Protection Act 1999 and has a range of statutory delegations in relation to this.
Reporting
This position reports to the Senior Legal Officer.
Job Information
Job Ad Reference: QLD/670267/25
Closing Date: Thursday, 27th November 2025
Occupational group: Justice & Legal
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