Paralegal s50(d) - Civil Law & Human Rights Unit
Salary Commensurate with experience from $58,005 to $71,993
Full-time or Part-time. Fixed-Term contract (30 June‑30 June).
Additional 2 weeks paid leave for end of year closure.
Attractive employee benefits including salary packaging. Supportive work environment plus 5 weeks annual leave (at 1.0FTE), and access to additional paid leave for health and well‑being.
This is an identified position open to Aboriginal applicants under section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act (WA).
About the role
We have an excellent opportunity for a motivated and passionate person to join the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia (ALSWA) team as a paralegal in the Civil Law and Human Rights Unit based in Perth. The position is well suited to a law student and will provide the successful applicant with significant practical legal experience, with the possibility of also completing their Practical Legal Training as part of the position. We are happy to consider both full‑time and part‑time applicants.
The Civil Law and Human Rights Unit focuses on human rights and state government accountability matters, including coronial inquests, civil litigation and complaints in relation to police, prisons and other government agencies, and racial discrimination complaints. Our core objectives are to empower the Aboriginal community by providing first‑class legal advice and representation and to work with our clients to achieve systemic law and policy reform. We also operate a telephone advice line and walk‑in service where we provide initial advice and referrals to Aboriginal people on any civil law matter.
Responsibilities
* Take a key role in working on the Unit's telephone advice line and walk‑in service, as a first point of contact for people seeking access to legal services;
* Take instructions from and provide preliminary legal advice and referrals to clients under the supervision of a lawyer (by telephone and in‑person);
* Undertake welfare checks for clients in custody and provide support for clients in custody (for example, assisting with letters of support for medical assistance, funeral attendances and transfers to other prisons);
* Assist clients to understand their legal rights and options for support with civil law matters;
* Assist lawyers in taking instructions from and advising clients;
* Undertake legal research and drafting tasks for lawyers;
* Participate in community legal education projects, law reform and other ALSWA projects as required.
This position requires a candidate who is highly organised and self‑motivated and has a commitment to social justice. A sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, society and the issues affecting Aboriginal people is required.
Selection criteria
* A knowledge and understanding of the Western Australian Aboriginal community and issues affecting them;
* Demonstrated sound communication skills (interpersonal, written and verbal) and ability to maintain confidentiality;
* Demonstrated high level organisational and time‑management skills with the ability to work under pressure;
* Demonstrated ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Benefits
We have a friendly, caring and diverse work environment. We offer attractive employment benefits including salary packaging (making part of your salary tax‑free), free counselling services to employees and immediate family through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development. We also provide five weeks of annual leave per year with leave loading, and access to additional paid leave for health and well‑being.
About us
ALSWA is an not‑for‑profit independent government‑funded organisation working to provide high‑quality representation and assistance to the Aboriginal community in WA. Our aim is to deliver a quality legal service and education which contributes to participation, empowerment and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout WA. ALSWA has 11 offices across regional WA and practices in the areas of criminal, civil, human rights and family law, as well as law reform, community legal education, diversionary programmes for Aboriginal youth, prison support services and the custody notification service. We live our values of caring, sharing and respect.
ALSWA strongly encourages applications from Indigenous Australians. We also encourage applications from people with a disability. We provide an environment that values diversity and supports all staff to reach their full potential. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
How to apply
To submit your application, please send it to
* Your application must include a CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria.
* If you wish to discuss this opportunity in further detail, please contact Human Resources on.
* All applications are treated with confidence.
Applications Close: 16 January
Please note that applications will be considered on a rolling basis and the position may be filled before this date.
For full position details, roles and responsibilities please visit the employment section of.
Job ID
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