• A unique opportunity for a community lawyer with knowledge and understanding of African Australian communities in Melbourne’s West and a passion for delivering culturally responsive legal services.
• Work within the Community Legal Sector in a dynamic multidisciplinary organisation
• Full-time or part-time (negotiable), ongoing position
• Classified at Level 5 of VCLC Multi Enterprise Agreement with salary packaging and generous leave entitlements

About the Organisation

Comm Unity Plus Services Ltd (operating as commUnity+) is a multidisciplinary community organisation that has provided services across Melbourne’s greater north and west regions for more than 40 years. We engage with communities rich in cultural diversity and are committed to empowering those who need help the most by unlocking pathways to learning connection, work and justice.

We enable positive change and growth for people through a range of prevention and early intervention programs including Community Education, Family Services, Legal Services (through commUnity+ Legal), Neighbourhood House and community engagement and development activities.

commUnity+ Legal, funded by State and Commonwealth governments and supported through philanthropic project funding, provides free legal services for people who live, work or study in the Brimbank, Melton and Bacchus Marsh communities.

About the position

The Community Lawyer plays a vital role in delivering high-quality legal advice, case work, advocacy, duty lawyer services, community legal education and other community activities. This position will support our African Australian Assistance Project, a project funded through the Victorian Legal Services Board Grant Program which aims to provide early intervention legal advice and legal education to African Australian youth in the Brimbank and Melton regions, with the aim of reducing the overrepresentation of this cohort in Victoria’s criminal justice system. This will involve conducting advice appointments with African Australian clients on a range of legal issues. The Community Lawyer is also responsible for the delivery of legal and community services through the Centre’s outreach-based clinics and services, including its Health Justice Partnerships.

In addition to direct service delivery, the Community Lawyer contributes to identifying systemic legal issues and supports law reform initiatives under the guidance of the Principal Lawyer, Generalist Lead Lawyer, or Family Law Lead. The Community Lawyer demonstrates a strong commitment to social justice and community impact, consistently delivering high standards of legal practice with a focus on meeting the legal needs of communities experiencing vulnerability and marginalisation.

Key Selection Criteria

• Bachelor of Laws/Juris Doctor and a current Victorian Legal Practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain the same) preferably with a minimum of 2 years post admission experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of the African Australian communities in Melbourne’s West, including demonstrated relationship building skills within these communities
• Demonstrated experience in providing legal advice, casework, and representation across relevant areas of law, including infringements, criminal law, family law, family violence, VOCAT, motor vehicle accidents, and civil/consumer law. Experience in duty lawyering and representing clients in courts and tribunals.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage effectively with clients from culturally diverse backgrounds and those experiencing social disadvantage.
• Strong case management capability, including managing large and varied caseloads, prioritising competing deadlines, and working effectively under pressure within a busy legal team.
• Ability to work independently in outreach settings, managing tasks and workloads related to mobile service delivery.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for a range of audiences and purposes, including legal advice, community education, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, with the ability to generate correspondence and manage communications independently.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability with a strong alignment to commUnity+ values.

Experience in community-based legal practice, including work in Community Legal Centres and social justice settings, supporting clients experiencing vulnerability and marginalisation, will be highly regarded.

Proficiency in a relevant community language (e.g. Dinka, Arabic, Tigrinya, Swahili) is highly desirable.

Expertise in family violence duty lawyering, with a strong understanding of the needs of diverse communities in Melbourne’s West will be considered an advantage.

A current Driver’s License and the ability to travel between offices and outreach locations is essential for this role. Additionally, a Working with Children Check and National Police Check with ongoing validity are mandatory for this role.

What we offer:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Salary packaging benefits up to $18550
• 40% off Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre (BAWC) membership
• Career development opportunities
• Supportive and Inclusive team
• Free parking at Deer Park, Keilor Downs and East Esplanade sites

commUnity+ is a child safe organisation that is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of children and young people and protecting them from harm. Applicants must hold a valid Working with Children Check and Police check or the ability to obtain the same.

Applications will be reviewed and considered as they are received. As such, we highly recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible.

To apply online, simply click on the Apply Now now button.

To be considered for this role, please submit:

• A cover letter that directly addresses the Key Selection Criteria, and
• A current resume outlining your relevant experience.

Please note: Applications that do not address the Key Selection Criteria may not be considered.

A copy of the Position Description is attached and can be found here: Community Lawyer - Australian African Assistance Project.

For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact

Nicholas Pagonis at [email protected] using the subject line: Community Lawyer - African Australian Assistance Project enquiry via EthicalJobs or phone 0436 005 955.

Lauren Avery at [email protected] or phone 0439 670 948.

commUnity+ is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.