• Location: Melbourne
• Reporting to: Managing Lawyer and Volunteer Coordinator
• Position type: Unpaid

About knowmore

knowmore is a nation-wide, free and independent community legal centre providing legal information, advice, representation and referrals, education and systemic advocacy for victims and survivors of child abuse. Our vision is a community that is accountable to survivors and free of child abuse. Our mission is to facilitate access to justice for victims and survivors of child abuse, and to work with survivors and their supporters to stop child abuse.

Our service was initially established in 2013 to assist people who were engaging with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (‘the Royal Commission’). knowmore was established by and operates as a program of the National Association of Community Legal Centres (NACLC), with funding from the Australian Government, represented by the Attorney-General’s Department. knowmore also receives funding under a grant from the Financial Counselling Foundation.

From 1 July 2018 NACLC has been funded to operate knowmore to deliver legal support services to assist survivors of institutional child sexual abuse to access redress under the National Redress Scheme. knowmore assists survivors by providing information and advice about the options available to them, including claims under the NRS, access to compensation through other schemes or common law rights and claims.

knowmore uses a multidisciplinary model bringing together intake officers, lawyers, social workers and counsellors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement advisors and financial counsellors to provide trauma-informed, client-centred and culturally safe legal assistance to clients. Services are provided through a national phone line and face-to-face services in key locations, supported by a comprehensive program of outreach and community engagement across Australia. knowmore currently has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Role

Will work alongside other Paralegals and Administration Officers to support the Melbourne Legal Team.

Duties and responsibilities

• Under the supervision and direction of the Managing Lawyer and volunteer coordinator, provide support to the legal team, including but not limited to:
  • Assisting lawyers and paralegals with the day-to-day management of client files including the recording of information into the database and drafting of correspondence and documents;
  • Undertaking legal and other required research;
  • Coordinating record requests and related enquires;
  • Collating records for personal injury compensation referrals;
  • Liaising with knowmore panel lawyers in relation to arrangements for referrals;
  • Analysing client records to assist with statement and National Redress Scheme applications preparation;
  • Assisting clients with enquires and coordinating both internal and external appointments;
  • Assisting with drafting and revision of community legal education materials

• Perform routine and general office and administration duties in accordance with policies and procedures.

• Undertake other duties and projects as directed by the volunteer coordinator and/or Managing Lawyer.

Organisational obligations

• Demonstrate an active and dedicated commitment to knowmore’s Mission, Vision and Values.
• Commitment to working within knowmore’s practice framework (trauma-informed culturally safe, person-centred).
• Ensure a high level of confidentiality and integrity.
• Liaise with others in a professional, respectful and constructive manner.
• Comply with knowmore’s Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all legal and legislative requirements.
• Assist in the development of, and participate in knowmore’s initiatives, projects and events.
• Cultivate productive and collaborative working relationships and outcomes through open and inclusive planning, continuous improvement and transparent work practices.
• Take reasonable care to protect their health and safety and the health and safety of others.
• To engage in professional supervision and other reflective practice opportunities as required.

Selection Criteria

• Applicants should have completed or be completing a Bachelor of Laws or equivalent postgraduate degree to be eligible to apply.
• Be available to work unpaid, for a minimum of one day a week, for a period agreed with the Managing Lawyer and volunteer coordinator.
• Maintain a flexible collegial and professional approach to working within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Maintain ability to work independently and also contribute positively as a part of a team.
• Maintain a high level of attention to detail in all activities but especially in record keeping, data entry, drafting legal correspondence and filing.
• Maintain high standards of discretion and show ability to handle difficult situations with tact and sensitivity and when appropriate refer to a more appropriate colleague.
• Work creatively to develop or adapt systems to increase efficient working. 

Qualifications and other requirements

A relevant tertiary qualification is relevant (or working towards).

The successful candidate will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Records Check and a Working with Children Check.