• LA24170
• PSCA 2022 Specified Calling Level 1 or 2, up to $112,645 gross per annum + super + benefits
• Fixed Term - Full Time

Our NDIS Appeals team is growing, and we are looking for a Solicitor (Specified Calling Level 1 or 2) to join our team until 30 June 2025, with the possibility of extension (up to 2 years total appointment) and/or permanency (to occur within two years of appointment), subject to business requirements.

Our NDIS Appeals team provides accessible legal assistance to support people with disabilities and their families to navigate appeals of decisions of the National Disability Insurance Agency at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Solicitors in our team deliver legal advice, assistance with legal tasks, minor assistance and representation to Applicants in the NDIS Division of the Tribunal. The roles includes working closely with disability advocates, the Tribunal and other stakeholders to build effective relationships which improve outcomes for people with disabilities and their families. Community legal education and contributing to law reform initiatives through National Legal Aid may also form part of this role.

About you

We are looking for dynamic lawyers who can work cooperatively with our team to provide advice and representation services to clients, as well as engaging with key stakeholders.

You will have experience working with people with disabilities, people with histories of trauma and/or mental illness, and/or people experiencing entrenched disadvantage. Good interpersonal skills and a proven ability to manage competing priorities and work autonomously and cooperatively in a team environment is essential.

The ideal candidate will have administrative law experience, or transferrable skills developed through working in another area of civil law, alternative dispute resolution or advocacy experience. Demonstrated ability to deliver trauma-informed legal services will be very highly regarded.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Put our clients at the centre of everything you do;
• Enjoy working collaboratively with our stakeholders;
• Communicate in Plain English and have an ability to build rapport with clients for a variety of backgrounds;
• Organise yourself so that your time is managed effectively and deadlines are met; and
• Be energetic and enthusiastic about the services we provide.

About us and what we can offer you

We offer a strong team working environment, the satisfaction of adding value to the community, and a range of benefits in line with business requirements, which may include professional development opportunities, flexible working and leave arrangements, including opportunities to purchase leave, and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives. Click here to learn more about the benefits we offer employees.

Legal Aid WA is an independent statutory authority funded by the State Government and Commonwealth Governments. We provide over 100,000 legal services to clients each year in the areas of criminal, family and civil law across Western Australia.

Legal Aid WA is a provider of customer centred services and fosters a culture of inclusion. We appreciate differing viewpoints and cultural diversity and value all perspectives as we strive for excellent customer service through process improvements and innovation.

Further information

Please visit www.legalaid.wa.gov.au to find out more about us.

Download the attached Job Description Form for more information about the role. We recommend you review our guide on applying for a job at Legal Aid WA, including eligibility, preparing your application and the selection process, prior to submitting your application.

If you would like to talk to someone about the job, please contact Claire Faulkner, Senior Solicitor and Team Leader NDIS Appeals, (08) 9261 6802 or [email protected] using the subject line: Solicitor enquiry via EthicalJobs.

For First Nations specific information regarding working at Legal Aid WA, including our First Nations Staff Network, please visit First Nations Employment.

If you are a First Nations person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA online or call them on 13 64 64.

Assessment

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides an overview of the role, along with the selection criteria against which you will be assessed throughout the selection process. Alignment with Legal Aid’s values will also be considered in the panel’s assessment of candidates.  Please take time to familiarise yourself with the role prior to applying.

How to Apply

Applications are made online. In addition to the questions being asked in the online application, you should also submit:

• A comprehensive CV (max. 5 pages) that showcases your talents and key achievements relevant to the role; and
• A cover letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant experience and demonstrating your ability to meet the selection criteria, paying particular attention to the criteria in bold text in the JDF. (Tip - your written communication skills will also be assessed so be sensible with font and margin sizes).

Qualifications and minimum experience required for the role will also be assessed by the panel at application stage. 

To apply for this position you must have successfully completed an undergraduate Law degree and be admitted, or eligible for admission to practice in Western Australia, at the time of completion of this recruitment process.

Click the “Apply Now” button at bottom of this page to submit your application.

Please allow enough time to submit your application, as late applications will not be accepted.

Failure to submit the required information may result in the selection panel being unable to fully assess your application.

If you experience technical difficulties submitting your application online, contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 and quote recruitment ID number 890068.

Substantive Equality

Legal Aid Western Australia is an equal opportunity employer, we recognise the value that people of diverse backgrounds bring to the workforce. We are committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes through the recruitment, development and retention of people from all diverse backgrounds. Suitable Australian First Nations applicants may be given priority consideration over other applicants to achieve our vision of widening access to justice in a culturally safe and inclusive environment. 

People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace.  If you require adjustments to submit your application, please contact Janice Green on tel (08) 6373 5297 or email [email protected]

Other Conditions

This selection process may also be used to fill other similar vacancies throughout our organisation. Alternatively, should the successful candidate decline or vacate the advertised position, the next most suitable candidate may be selected from this process. Both options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months (unless otherwise stated) from the completion date of the initial selection process. Should no suitable candidate be identified, or an offer declined, the panel may search for further candidates beyond the closing date. 

Appointment to all positions at Legal Aid WA is subject to a satisfactory national criminal history check, integrity and conflict checks, and 100-point identification check.

A position description is attached.