• Full-time position - 38 hours per week 
• SCHADS Award level 5. Annual base salary range $95,756 - $100,087 plus superannuation, leave loading and salary packaging
• Five weeks annual leave and three free leave days between Christmas and New Year

The Organisation

Barwon Community Legal Service is an independent not-for-profit organisation providing free legal services to vulnerable community members experiencing disadvantage. Our main office is in Belmont and we assist clients at a number of outreach locations in the Barwon region, and at Geelong and Colac Magistrates Courts.

Our Vision

A just society in which all people have equal access to, and status under, the law; and a legal system which is humane, fair, and equitable.

Our Mission

To challenge systemic disadvantage and enable our priority communities to access the support they need to understand their legal rights and overcome their legal problems.

The Role

This role has resulted from the Victorian Government's Rental Stress Support Package to address the housing crisis in Victoria by supporting renters in maintaining their tenancies. The Rental Stress Hub initiative, led by Tenants Victoria, comprises a network of place-based lawyers in key locations across Victoria to  provide legal advice, financial counselling and advocacy.

The Community Lawyer – Rental Stress will work as part of an integrated multi-function team delivering tenancy services and working alongside Tenancy Stress Hub partner Community Legal Centres and tenancy services providers in the Barwon region. Assisting in the delivery of a holistic legal service to clients and the community, our legal practice team undertakes a range of activities including community legal education, community development activities as well as law reform and legal policy work.

We provide a varied, professional, engaging and supportive work environment. Our staff are valued for their contribution and commitment and supported in their professional development aspirations.

About You

You are someone who possesses a strong commitment to social justice and a genuine desire to make a difference in the community. You hold a current practicing certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria) Act, have experience in a broad range of legal matters, experience in dispute resolution processes, previous experience in the Magistrates' Court and advocacy experience at VCAT preferred.

You may have:

• Understanding of the areas of law that are commonly encountered in community legal centres
• Understanding of the principles and practice of the community sector
• Experience working with people from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds
• An understanding of the principles of trauma informed practice
• Knowledge of Residential Tenancy legislation would be an advantage.

APPLICATION INSURCTRUCTIONS

For enquires contact Geordie Stapleton, Principal Lawyer, on 1300 430 599.

To Apply

Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted and candidates may be interviewed progressively, therefore the position may be filled before the advertised closing date.

• To apply, click the "Apply Now" button.
• Provide a maximum two-page cover letter addressing the selection criteria addressed to Geordie Stapleton, Principal Lawyer, along with your resume.
• Late applications and applications that do not include a cover letter will not be considered.
• Please note, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Please note that the successful applicant may be required to provide a reference from their current employer. This can be done after a conditional offer has been made.

Our organisation is committed to child safety. We have zero tolerance of child abuse.

BCLS is an inclusive employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQ+ and culturally diverse communities are encouraged to apply.

A position description is attached.