• Classification: Level 3
• Remuneration: $78,969 per annum (pro rata) plus attractive salary packaging options
• Type: Part-time permanent role - 17.5 hours per week (flexible distribution of hours as agreed)
• This is an identified position

An opportunity to make a difference

This role supports the activities of the Seniors Legal and Support Service (SLASS) which provides case managed legal assistance and social supports and community engagement activities across the Greater Brisbane Region to assist older people experiencing or at risk of experiencing elder abuse.

The service partners with the Institute of Urban and Indigenous Health and also employs a First Nations Older Clients Liaison and Engagement Officer. This is a specialist role, performed at the Caxton office, to provide culturally appropriate intake, triage, information and referrals to older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their communities and organisations who support them. The role also performs paralegal duties within the multi-disciplinary team as a way of supporting First Nations law students to complete tertiary studies in law and gain relevant experience for career development.

We are seeking to interview and appoint swiftly, and would encourage suitable and interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.

Key accountabilities

• Conduct culturally appropriate intake processes to establish client rapport, identify client need, assess against eligibility criteria, triage for appropriate service access, book appointments and provide tailored information and referrals.
• Liaise with key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, groups, and networks to support intake and referral processes.
• Provide paralegal supports to the lawyers and social workers including by assisting with legal/advocacy tasks, providing court assistance, undertaking legal and policy research, and providing practical assistance as they deliver services to clients.
• Undertake administrative tasks including data entry, file management, conflict checking, and administering an intake inbox.
• Identify emerging issues associated with preventing and responding to older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at risk of or experiencing elder abuse.
• Participate in the development and implementation of appropriate strategies to enhance access to the Seniors Legal and Support Service and ensure its services/activities are delivered in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Contribute to the development of resources to raise awareness of elder abuse in First Nations communities.

Essential requirements

It is a genuine occupational requirement that this position be filled by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person as permitted by and arguable under Section 25, 104 and 105 of the Anti-Discrimination Act (1991). Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they:

1. Are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
2. Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; and
3. Are accepted as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in which they live; and
4. Possess knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history.

To allow confirmation of eligibility to be considered for this role, the successful applicant will be required to assert their status in writing and also nominate a referee who is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander who can confirm their status.

Other requirements of the role include:

1. A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with and within First Nations communities, to achieve defined outcomes
2. Undertaking a tertiary qualification in law or justice studies.
3. A driver’s licence is required. However, reasonable adjustment will be considered.
4. A criminal history check, and a Working with Vulnerable People / Blue Card check will be undertaken for this position due to the nature of the work involved.

Depending on health laws and regulations, vaccinations can be mandatory in order to work with vulnerable clients and/or be in the workplace. For example, some clients live in residential age care facilities which at times are required by law/regulation to ensure visitors are vaccinated and wear personal protective equipment.

WHY CAXTON LEGAL?

Caxton Legal Centre has played a central part in Queensland’s legal landscape over the past 40 years, leading the state’s first Stolen Wages case, successfully representing well over 100 victims of the 2011 floods, and paving the way for multidisciplinary service delivery to people experiencing elder abuse.

We are an engaged, passionate and talented group of lawyers, social workers, and administrative staff with whom you are encouraged to collaborate with and learn from in order to meet our client’s needs.

Our full-time staff enjoy a 35-hour working week paid at the full-time Award rate, with time off in lieu if additional approved hours are worked. Paid Christmas leave is provided during the office shut-down period to New Years in addition to four weeks paid annual leave.

Caxton is currently experiencing significant growth and change across many of its programs; these roles represent investments into the future of our service delivery and capabilities across South-East Queensland.

If you are interested in joining a team who are highly committed to social justice and value diversity and human rights, please submit your cover letter addressing the key accountabilities and essential requirements along with your CV below, to Damian Kelleher, COO.

A position description is attached.