• Community legal centre specialising in international parental child abduction and international family law
• Hybrid role, mostly working from home with some time in either Sydney or Melbourne office
• Supporting a warm and welcoming team of lawyers

ISS Australia is seeking a part-time paralegal to support its community legal centre specialising in international parental child abduction law and the 1980 Hague Convention. We have offices in both Sydney (Barangaroo) and Melbourne CBD and we are seeking a proactive applicant who can work in the office and remotely. Supervision and training will be provided.

We are seeking someone who is available to work 0.6 FTE (22.8 hours) 3 days per week (days negotiable).

Your salary will be based on the national Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHCADS) Award at $88,099.44 p.a pro rata plus superannuation and fringe benefits available to charities.

Applications must address all the selection criteria below under individual subheadings. Any application which fails to do this will not be considered and will not receive a response.

ABOUT US 

ISS Australia is a small not for profit organisation providing inter-country casework services to families separated by international borders, with a special emphasis on the rights and interests of children. We have an office in Melbourne and an office in Sydney. We form part of the ISS international network represented in over 130 countries worldwide.

 ISS Australia’s Legal Service is a community legal centre specialising in international parental child abduction law and the 1980 Hague Convention. The Legal Service primarily provides legal advice and assistance by telephone and email, with some face-to-face contact with clients.

For further information about ISS Australia, see our website www.iss.org.au. 

THE ROLE 

Reporting to the Managing Lawyer and the Senior Lawyers as directed, you will be responsible for client intake, preparation of legal documents including drafting affidavits, legal research, supporting lawyers in ongoing casework and assistance with administrative tasks.

You will be working closely with a small team in a supportive environment. The Legal Service is comprised of five lawyers and one paralegal working across several states to deliver a nationwide service. The team connects online on a daily basis.

ISS Australia welcomes and encourages applications from people with suitable skills from diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability and other diverse groups in our society.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Applications must address all of the following selection criteria under individual subheadings. Any application which fails to do this will not be considered and will not receive a response.

Essential

• Nearing completion of a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor

• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to draft complex written material and client communications
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate well to a wide range of clients in considerably distressing circumstances and the ability to build relationships with colleagues despite physical distance
• Proven ability to learn quickly and accept feedback
• Proven ability to work proactively and independently
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice

Desirable

• Experience in previous paralegal or administrative positions
• Completion of a family law unit of study and/or experience in a family law firm
• Experience in Adobe Acrobat and Actionstep

WRITTEN TASK

We  require a candidate who has excellent legal drafting skills. With a view to finding the right candidate, applicants who are short-listed will be provided with a written task to complete before being considered for an interview.  The use of AI in the completion of this written task will be prohibited and disqualifying.    

If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Raffal, Managing Lawyer on 1300 657 843.

Additional matters

You will be required to complete a National Police Check and a Working With Children Check prior to being offered a position. ISS Australia will reimburse the cost of these checks for the successful candidate. You will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement and comply with the centre’s policies and procedures.

A position description is attached.