Aboriginal Field Officer
Legal Aid Commission, Office of the
Reference number: 82380-44109917
Occupation: Casework Aboriginal, Case Work
Work type: Full-Time
Location: Newcastle, Hunter & Region
Closing date: 13 May 2026 at 11:59pm
Salary:
* $99,938 – $110,271 per annum (plus superannuation and leave loading), Clerk Grade 5/6
* Ongoing full‐time role
* Location: Hunter Street, Newcastle Office
This vacancy is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identified recruitment under Part 5, clause 26 of the Government Sector Employment (General) Rules 2014.
If you are an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and are thinking about applying you can contact the Aboriginal Services Branch for a confidential discussion by emailing: aboriginalservices@legalaid.nsw.gov.au.
About Us
Legal Aid NSW helps people with their legal problems. We can help people with most areas criminal law, family law and everyday civil law legal issues. We give legal advice, help at court and do family dispute resolution. We can do this over the telephone or at one of our 28 offices.
About The Role
Based in our Newcastle office, this role operates within a practice delivering criminal law services exclusively. As the Aboriginal Field Officer (AFO), you will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and work closely with solicitors to progress criminal matters.
The role provides practical, cultural and client‐centred support, including assistance in court and throughout the lifecycle of a matter. You will assist with client engagement and court attendance, acting as a key link between clients, solicitors and the criminal justice system. Working in a fast‐paced environment, you will apply initiative, sound judgement and a solutions‐focused approach to support positive client outcomes.
About You
You are committed to supporting clients through the criminal justice system and enjoy working in a practical, client‐focused role. You have strong written and verbal communication skills and are comfortable assisting solicitors and clients to progress criminal law matters.
You are well organised, resilient, and able to navigate complex situations with professionalism and cultural awareness. You work collaboratively with legal teams and community stakeholders, contributing to culturally safe service delivery and improved access to justice for Aboriginal communities.
Legal Aid NSW considers that being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational qualification under s 14 of the Anti‐Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
Applicants for this role must satisfy the Aboriginality criteria. Aboriginality is defined by descent through parentage, identification as being Aboriginal and being accepted in the community as such. In the pre‐screening questions you will need to provide information on how you satisfy the Aboriginality criteria.
Why You Should Join Legal Aid NSW
We are committed to creating a culturally safe and genuinely inclusive organisation and workplace for everyone who works and interacts with us. We strive to be a place where people from diverse backgrounds want to work, where voices and cultures are valued and where people feel valued, welcomed, respected and heard.
We want a workforce that reflects our clients, so we can deliver a service that meets the needs of the community. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, the LGBTQI+ community, culturally diverse people and other diverse communities.
We acknowledge, support and accommodate the diverse access needs of people with visible and invisible disabilities.
For application support or recruitment adjustments please contact the Talent Acquisition Team at erecruitment@legalaid.nsw.gov.au or 02 9134 9347. To learn more about Recruitment and Workplace Adjustments please visit Adjustments for individual needs | I Work for NSW.
Benefits
* You will have access to training, development and mentoring opportunities.
* We are an accredited Flex Ready certified employer and are recognised as leaders in the area of flexible work. Most of our staff work flexibly – for example, from home some of the time or in a way that helps them balance family and work life.
You Must
* Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
* Be willing to do a Criminal Record Check and a Working With Children Check.
* Have a valid NSW Driver's Licence.
How To Apply
You must submit your application online. Applications received late or by email will not be accepted. Please make sure your application is complete, and that you have answered all questions before submitting.
Your Application Must Include
* Your resume (no more than 5 pages).
* Cover letter (no more than 2 pages). In your cover letter, please respond to the following targeted question:
Target Question 1 – How have your skills and experience prepared you to thrive in this role?
We may use this recruitment to create a talent pool for similar ongoing or temporary vacancies we have over the next 18 months.
If you have questions about the role, you can contact the Hiring Manager – Robyn Fraser on 04908 6156 or email: Robyn.Fraser@legalaid.nsw.gov.au. If you are an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and are thinking about applying, you can contact the Aboriginal Services Branch to arrange a confidential conversation about any questions you may have.
Closing Date: Wednesday, 13 May 2026 at 11.59pm.
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