Job description
Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) provides high quality legal and social support services to women, specialising in the areas of family law, domestic violence, child protection, financial counselling and sexual assault though our counselling notes protect program, and migration and criminal law. WLSQ is committed to a society where every woman:
* can live free from violence and discrimination.
* can tell her story, have it heard and respected, without judgement.
* receives a just and equitable outcome from legal and social systems.
The role is responsible for undertaking direct client services to WLSQ clients in family law, domestic violence and child protection, working with a team of paralegals and solicitors as part of the Gold Coast DVU and HJP team.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide holistic, trauma-informed and culturally safe legal services to women across Queensland;
* Provide legal advice, task work, case work and representation for family law, domestic and family violence and child protection matters through our specialist Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) located on the Gold Coast;
* Represent clients in relevant Courts as a solicitor advocate or brief counsel where appropriate.
* Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds and women living with disability receive priority access and support;
* Provide domestic and family violence duty lawyer services at multiple locations;
* Provide legal services in accordance with WLSQ policy and practice and the National Association of Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) Risk Management Guide.
* Provide referrals to women seeking legal advice:
* Work closely with WLSQ internal Advice, Social Work, and Financial Abuse Prevention teams to provide holistic, wrap around support for women to address both legal and non-legal issues.
* Develop and maintain professional relationships with key stakeholders and other agencies who provide support to priority access groups.
* Conduct risk assessments and contribute to safety planning for women seeking legal advice:
* Ensure risk assessment and safety considerations are routinely and comprehensively addressed in legal work undertaken providing support, information and advice to clients experiencing domestic violence.
* Liaise with external agencies and make client referrals where services are more appropriately provided or should be supplemented through accessing another service.
* Contribute to the development and delivery of community legal education and WLSQ’s law reform activities as required.
* Adhere to the vision and values of WLSQ:
* Develop respectful and professional relationships with WLSQ team members and key stakeholders.
* Work cooperatively and collaboratively towards the WLSQ strategy.
* Perform any other reasonable duties as required.
SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES
* Minimum of 4 years’ post admission experience in family law and domestic and family violence.
* Experience in child protection and child support matters (desirable).
* High level computer literacy and competency using Microsoft Office Suite and Client Management Systems.
* Communicates clearly and effectively with clients, often in emotionally charged or high-stress situations, ensuring they feel heard and understood.
* Recognises and addresses complex, multi-faceted needs of clients, adjusting services to meet these needs while considering the client’s background, environment, and long-term goals.
* Successfully manages multiple tasks or projects simultaneously, balancing demands to ensure the delivery of quality outcomes.
* Provides evidence-based interventions, demonstrating expertise in handling complex cases and delivering effective outcomes for clients.
* Demonstrates an extensive knowledge of resources and services for information and referral of clients and families/carers.
* Offers expert legal advice that is specifically tailored to the unique challenges.
* Commitment to and ability to work within a feminist framework and to work independently and as a member of a team.
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
This role also requires the incumbent to hold and maintain the following:
* Open Queensland Driver’s Licence
* Unrestricted Practicing Certificate
* Accreditation as a domestic violence duty lawyer is highly regarded but not mandatory
It is a genuine occupational requirement for this position that the incumbent be a woman (Section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)).
REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
* Salary Packaging: Take advantage of not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximise your take-home pay.
* Remuneration package: from $110,103.00 plus super per year plus statutory super and Attractive salary sacrifice options.
* Career Development: Access to career and professional development opportunities, including conferences, events, and a dedicated training and supervision budget.
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counselling services available for you and your family.
* Additional Leave Entitlements: Enjoy additional paid parental leave and extra leave during the Christmas and New Year period.
* Flexible Work Arrangements: We’re open to discussing how we can tailor this role to fit your needs.
* Inclusive Work Culture: Be part of a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
* Ongoing Training: Participate in continuous training programs throughout the year to enhance your skills.
* On-Site Amenities: Enjoy complimentary snacks and fresh fruit available in the workplace
APPLY NOW!
To apply for this position, click on 'Apply Now' and upload a copy of your cover letter and CV.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.