WHO IS WCC

Whittlesea Community Connections (WCC) is a place based community agency that strives for the empowerment of individuals and groups within the local community who face disadvantage, isolation and obstacles to effective social and economic participation.

The agency is committed to developing responsive approaches to meet the challenges posed by Whittlesea's changing and emerging communities. We have a clear role in advocating to both services and different levels of government through both direct service and policy input.

Our services and programs are free, confidential and impartial. We have broad range of integrated services including legal, social work, youth work, community information, community transport, settlement support, volunteer resources, community engagement, and strong partnerships with mental health, housing and family violence specialists.

Whittlesea Community Connections core objectives are to:

• Identify and address information and service needs of residents in City of Whittlesea
• Advocate for and with the community for increased participation in decision making
• Support formal and informal volunteer roles in the Whittlesea community
• Collaborate with agencies and Government to develop and sustain services that serve local community needs
• Continue to develop and improve the quality, efficiency and accessibility of our services
• Identify opportunities for greater community involvement and leadership so that community residents can contribute to decisions that affect their lives.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

One of WCC’s key strategic priorities is that young people have a sense of belonging and voice in their community. In response the Youth Lawyer position has been established to focus on the legal needs of young people living in and connected to the City of Whittlesea.

The Youth Lawyer will provide legal assistance to young people and support initiatives that increase awareness of legal issues impacting on young people. This will include community legal education, developing legal information resources and partnerships with relevant youth organisations.

The Youth Lawyer will develop and implement strategies to increase engagement of young people with the legal service through for example engagement and outreach service provision.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Youth Lawyer reports to the Children & Youth Lead and will receive legal support from the Principal Solicitor. Accountability will be through support and supervision, client file reviews, compliance checks and participation in performance reviews and appraisals. This position is subject to a three month probationary period.

Key Selection Criteria:

Essential

• Tertiary qualifications, qualifying law degree or equivalent and eligible to be admitted to practice as an Australian Legal Practitioner
• Experience in the provision of legal advice, advocacy, casework and/or court work
• Demonstrated ability or willingness to work with people who are experiencing disadvantage and an understanding of the legal and other issues that impact on access to justice
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and cross cultural competency

• Knowledge and experience working with young people including an understanding of the Victorian Child Safe Standards
• Demonstrated capacity for resourcefulness, self-motivation with an ability to manage competing and complex work priorities
• Commitment to social justice and the values of Whittlesea Community Connections and understanding of the benefits of integrated work practices

Desirable

• Applicants with culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply
• Proficiency in a relevant community language
• Experience working as part of multi or inter-disciplinary teams

A position description is attached.

For enquiries contact Dean Marando Children & Youth Lead [email protected] using the subject line: Youth Lawyer enquiry via EthicalJobs.