• Part time (28 hours per week)

Organisation overview

Illawarra Legal Centre Inc (ILC) exists to support vulnerable and disadvantaged people to access free legal services and to recognise their legal rights.

ILC’s people are dedicated, driven, person focused and committed to the principles of social justice and human rights.

Primary purpose of the role

The primary purpose to of the Welfare Rights Solicitor is to provide advocacy and casework in Social Security (Centrelink) matters as part of the Generalist Solicitors Service. The Welfare Rights Solicitor undertakes policy and law reform work in this area of legislation, as well as provides community legal education to both community workers and clients.

Key accountabilities

• Provide advice and information focused on resolving Social Security legal issues and increasing client capacity. This includes assistance and/or representation with appeals to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
• Provide casework support to vulnerable people requiring legal support.
• To provide community education and training on the Social Security system and related matters to the general community and community sector workers.
• Work effectively as part of the multidisciplinary team of ILC.
• Undertake all necessary administrative, clerical and Centre processes to ensure timely and accurate information is stored to minimise potential conflict issues and meet funding body requirements.
• Identify gaps in community knowledge, and plan, develop and deliver community legal education.
• Participate in local networks to promote the service and strengthen links with key contacts that improve access for clients.
• Identify policy and law reform issues, within the Illawarra Region, and as a part of Economic Justice Australia, and contribute to and assist in the preparation of policy documents and law reform submission on issues affecting clients.

Essential knowledge and experience

• An Australian practising certificate.
• Demonstrated understanding of the legal needs of disadvantaged groups.
• Ability to work within a trauma informed and culturally aware framework with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated Advocacy and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated capacity in developing and delivering Community Legal Education to Community members and networks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to negotiate tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and also within a team environment.
• Demonstrated experience in administration and ability to undertake own administrative duties in accordance with policy.

Essential requirements

• Demonstrated understanding and experience in complying with regulatory, ethical, privacy and other relevant guidelines.
• Superior interpersonal skills including ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, colleagues and stakeholders and exercise tact and sound judgement.
• Commitment to the philosophy of Community Legal Centres.
• Commitment to collaboration and team based work.
• Commitment to social justice, access and equity.
• A current driver's license and access to a comprehensively insured motor vehicle or other mode of transport that ensures ability to attend outreach/ community locations.

About ILC and our benefits

• A clear commitment to providing a safe, welcoming workplace. We provide equal opportunities regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or age.
• A flexible work environment, including work from the office and home
• 5 weeks annual leave, plus 17.5% leave loading
• Salary Sacrifice
• Additional week off over Christmas/ New Year, in addition to annual leave
• Generous personal leave entitlements
• Employee Assistance Program
• Continued training and professional development opportunities

Salary

• $98,555 - $103,017 (pro rata) (plus 11% Super + 17.5% Leave loading)
• Up to $16000 salary sacrifice

A position description is attached.