The role

The Senior Coordinating Lawyer – Health Justice Partnership is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the legal advice provided under the Health Justice Partnership, ensuring a high-quality service that responds to people experiencing co-occurring mental health and legal needs across the State of Victoria. The position will have approximately 3-4 reports, as well as play a significant role in service coordination and is part of the MHLC Leadership Team.

The Senior Coordinating Lawyer – Health Justice Partnership provides supervision, mentoring and strategic case direction to other lawyers within the MHLC. This includes the supervision of paralegals, students, volunteers or contractors as required.

The Senior Coordinating Lawyer – Health Justice Partnership provides legal assistance to clients in our key practice areas of law including mental health, infringements, NDIS, tenancy, guardianship and administration, child protection, intervention orders, freedom of information, Commonwealth benefits and family law, along with other areas relevant to disadvantaged communities, such as summary crime and civil law.

This includes attending outreach court and tribunal locations and stakeholder venues to provide advice, consultations and casework in various practice areas. The incumbent will be innovative and collaborative, and will lead best practice in legal service, while overseeing project and program coordination to ensure deliverables are met.

The incumbent will have the opportunity to provide their clients with a wraparound legal service, working collaboratively with community services and partners. This role involves proactive networking and community engagement, and the opportunity to identify systemic issues, in turn contributing to access to justice in Victoria.

Mental Health Legal Centre Overview

The Mental Health Legal Centre (MHLC) is an independent, not-for-profit, specialist legal centre in Victoria.

For over 35 years, MHLC has delivered accessible legal services to consumers of mental health services and to people who are incarcerated. We deliver community education and advocate for systematic change that enhances the rights of people experiencing mental health issues.

Our multidisciplinary team (law, paralegal, and financial counselling) provide a range of innovative services in the community, in treatment facilities and in prisons. We recognise that health and legal issues do not occur in isolation, and we work in partnership with other agencies to provide integrated services that address the needs of some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

About you

You are a lawyer with a passion for human rights and providing legal assistance to clients in disadvantaged communities.

You have experience supervising and supporting other lawyers.

You are able to:

• Deliver high quality, accurate legal advice and manage casework
• Develop strong relationships with other supporting organisations/services
• Communicate with clients and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

You will be joining an established and cohesive team that has a strong culture of collaboration and a framework of continuous improvement.

The Offer

• 1 FTE (76 hours per fortnight) ongoing position.
• SCHADS Level 6 Award salary subject to skills and experience.
• Salary packaging.

MHLC is an inclusive employer. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQ+ and culturally diverse communities encouraged to apply. Enquiries can be directed to Kate Windmill, Principal Lawyer via [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Coordinating Lawyer - Health Justice Partnership enquiry via EthicalJobs or via 03 9629 4422.

A position description is attached.

Interviews to take place as applications are received.