About the position

The Mental Health Law Centre (MHLC) is a specialty centre of Ruah Legal Services (RLS). RLS is a not for profit community legal centre based in Subiaco providing a range of free legal services to the community. RLS is a division of the Ruah Group. We work closely with Ruah Community Services in order to provide integrated, wrap-around assistance to our clients.

We are looking for an enthusiastic advocate who is keen to join a great team. A willingness to learn and an ability to adapt to change in a fast paced environment is a must. You must love being in Court and advocating for your clients. You will have a desire to improve the lives of people who experience mental health issues.

This is a full time position whose role will be carry a caseload of criminal and civil matters and supervise younger lawyers. You will work in the team to mentor and train junior lawyers, supervise paralegals and volunteers, and to participate in the planning and manage the community legal education services and policy work of the Centre.

MHLC represents clients who experience mental health issues and require legal assistance primarily in the following areas:

• Mental Health Tribunal hearings & matters under the Mental Health Act 2014;
• Criminal matters; &
• Guardianship & Administration matters in the SAT
• Restraining orders.

Key responsibilities and selection criteria

Mandatory

• Be admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Western Australia with at least 4+ years PAE, holder of a current Practising Certificate and demonstrated competence in advocacy before Tribunals and Courts, preferably in criminal matters
• A strong commitment to social justice principles
• The capacity to work effectively, independently and collaboratively
• Exceptional time management skills and demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks in an under-resourced environment.
• Ability to communicate with disadvantaged and marginalised clients
• Experience supervising legal staff

Remuneration and benefits

• This role is a full time position (37.5 hours per week).
• Remuneration package includes salary package of $90-$110K, dependent on experience. We also offer beneficial salary packaging.
• MHLC works flexibly, with equipment provided for a home office and encouragement of flexible working practices.
• 5 weeks paid leave including paid leave during Christmas period shutdown.
• Ability to purchase additional leave
• Employee Assistance Scheme
• The position is a 12-month contract with the possibility of a permanent position

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

We are all better off, as a community, as a society, if we are all connected. At Ruah we believe true connection comes from a place free from judgement and discrimination, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are welcomed and treated with respect and their culture is celebrated.

Where everyone regardless of ability, age, culture, gender, race, sexual identity or intersex status are free to be themselves. Free to celebrate our differences.

We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged – and to do this, we need people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with, who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right.

Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs.

Please visit our website www.mhlcwa.org.au for the Position Description and download the Application Pack.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for all positions.