• Full Time 38 Hours a week

Binaal Billa Family Violence Legal Prevention Service (BBFVPLS) is based in Forbes, NSW and is auspice by Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre and as a unit provides legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in regard to family/domestic violence and sexual assault and related areas of law and in accordance with the operational framework and casework guidelines established by BBFVLS.

This position requires a highly motivated person, with the capacity to work across cultures to provide services to ATSI victims / survivors of family/domestic violence and sexual assault. Regular travel is required to cover the following service areas; Forbes, Parkes, Peak Hill, Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo, Murrinbridge, West Wyalong, Cowra, Grenfell and Young.

Accountable to the Principal Solicitor, the Generalist Solicitor provides professional legal services that are strategic, reasoned, ethical and compassionate.

General duties include:

• Providing legal information
• Advice and referrals to clients
• Representation including court advocacy
• Managing personal caseload of legal and non-legal matters
• Developing and delivering legal education materials
• Participating in networking activities with the local community and service providers
• Participating in law reform activities
• Working effectively as part of the broader BBFVPLS team

BBFVPLS GENERAL STAFF EXPECTATIONS

• Familiarity and application of all relevant policies and procedures
• Clear and effective communication
• All set duties carried out
• Participation in annual performance review
• Effective, professional and supportive working relationships with other staff members
• Respectful, collaborative and constructive contributions to all areas of work
• Utilise development opportunities to improve knowledge and skill base for self and others
• Understanding and adherence to WHS, confidentiality and conflict policies and procedures

POSITION EXPECTATIONS

• Tertiary qualifications in law
• Admission as a NSW Legal Practitioner
• Current NSW legal practising certificate and compliance with related professional and ethical obligations
• Previous experience in the NSWCLC sector
• Participation in law reform activities
• Work respectfully and effectively with ATSI clients and community
• Work respectfully and effectively with clients who have experienced domestic and family violence and/or sexual assault
• Regular attendance and participation in appropriate cultural and professional training
• Work collaboratively and effectively with other service providers to deliver holistic services to clients
• Work respectfully and effectively with clients with disabilities and clients experiencing social and economic disadvantage
• Clear, respectful and effective communication skills utilised when communicating with staff, clients and other organisations
• Effectively deliver advice, casework and representation to clients via phone, email and in person
• Develop and deliver legal training materials
• Draft court documents, letters and other correspondence
• Excellent English language skills
• Excellent plain language drafting skills
• Adherence to all BBFVPLS policies and procedures
• Effectively use the full range of Microsoft office programs
• Effective use on in-house databases
• Active participation and contribution to staff meetings and planning events
• Effectively meet timeframes set by Principal Solicitor or Program Coordinator
• Compliance in drafting and filing relevant court documentation
• Prioritise caseload according to importance/urgency
• Meet average individual targets for progress towards legal team and organisation targets for information, advice, casework, representation, referrals and CLE’s
• Effectively manage personal caseload and non-legal activities so that all work is completed in a timely manner
• Provide legal advice both on-site and at outreaches
• Provide court representation and advocacy
• Work to develop areas of specialist legal knowledge, as agreed with the Principal Solicitor, and in accordance with personal preferences/strengths
• Ensure compliance with all necessary requirements of the position at all times

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Tertiary qualification and admission as a New South Wales Legal Practitioner, and preferably hold a current practising certificate.
• Demonstrated experience providing high quality legal advice, casework and representation.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in plain language legal information to our diverse community.
• Awareness and understanding of the issues facing those subjected to domestic and family violence and sexual assault and demonstrate empathy in dealing with this client group face to face and on the phone.
• Well-developed written and verbal interpersonal communication skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Clearance for Working with Children and Prior National Criminal History Check
• Excellent organisational skills together with a preparedness to be flexible and adaptable to meet the organisational needs
• Capacity to work unsupervised
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to social justice issues and those experiencing economic, social and cultural disadvantage and their lack of access to justice.
• Understanding of issues facing ATSI people and ability to develop and maintain relationships and effectively work with the local ATSI communities, client groups and other support organisations.
• Capacity to develop and deliver community legal education materials to community groups and workers.
• Commitment to social justice and capacity to participate in law reform activities.
• Demonstrated understanding of the role of Family Violence Prevention Legal Services.
• Ability to work effectively in an electronic environment, including the use of databases and Microsoft programs.
• Good time management skills
• A current NSW driver’s licence (unrestricted)

Please submit an application via the "Apply Now" button.

Call (02) 6850 1234 for more information.