Be a part of one of Australia's most dynamic, diverse, and challenging legal practices.

NAAJA provides legal aid for Indigenous people in the Northern Territory, with offices in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. We are considered to be a leading Australian legal service and have received both national and Norther Territory human rights awards for our work. 

We are committed to providing quality representation for our clients and bringing about long-term change in the justice system.

Our staff are motivated, dedicated and do work that matters.

NAAJA is seeking a Senior Client Services (CSO) Officer to join our Central Australian team. Based in NAAJA's Alice Springs office.

The right candidate will have:

• A commitment to providing access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Proven experience in providing administrative support.
• The ability to work well in a busy team environment providing leadership and good organisational skills.

This is a First Peoples Identified role only open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), s 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) and s 27 of the Discrimination Act 1991 (ACT).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are strongly encouraged to apply. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The CSO area is responsible for providing a culturally sensitive link between clients and solicitors of NAAJA as well as conducting administration and other office duties as required. 

The Senior CSO will have the following key responsibilities:

• Manage and supervise the team of CSOs in Alice Springs. 
• Provide advice and support to CSOs of NAAJA generally.
• Provide information, support and assistance to clients, including interpretation, translation or explanation of the proceedings or sentences regarding their case under the direction of a practitioner.
• Assist solicitors by providing relevant information regarding Aboriginal law, culture, custom and/or tradition, which may affect a client’s case.
• Contribute to good working relationships with all NAAJA clients and provide a cultural link between clients and legal officers.

DUTIES

1. Manage the work of CSOs in the Criminal Law Section, including through formal performance reviews in conjunction with the Office Manager.
2. Draw up a fortnightly roster for the CSOs.
3. Ensure that the jobs requested by the Criminal Law Section are distributed and carried out in a timely manner.
4. Supervise the CSO team and train new recruits in the CSO section.
5. Answer phone calls, take and pass on messages where required. 
6. Respond to client inquiries, provide legal information and assist communication between lawyers and clients.
7. Attend clients at the Alice Springs prison and juvenile detention centre based correctional services, including through audio-visual link and provide where necessary, support, information, referral and follow up.
8. Provide advice and information to lawyers and support staff as required about Aboriginal culture and society.
9. Liaise with CSOs to ensure that all files and court lists are available for the following day.
10. Develop and maintain community contacts to assist clients access services related to their problems.
11. Complete client referrals where appropriate.
12. Arrange assessments for rehabilitation and emergency accommodation.
13. Assist with developing bail proposals, including contacting places of accommodation, booking transport etc.
14. Ensure accurate and complete Duty and Advice sheets are completed. Obtain clear and accurate client information, including personal and family history.
15. Maintain accurate data entry standards and processing of Circuit court files by the CSO team.
16. Raise purchase orders as directed.
17. Organise client repatriations and other client and family follow up as directed by lawyers.
18. Ensure a high level of confidentiality is maintained at all times.
19. Ensure compliance with work health and safety requirements, including vehicle and equipment checks.
20. Travel to remote communities to provide services in connection with circuit courts as required.
21. Other duties as directed.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

1. Knowledge and understanding of contemporary Aboriginal culture and society, including knowledge and understanding of impact of colonisation on Aboriginal society.
2. A general understanding of the legal system in the Northern Territory and how it relates to Aboriginal people.
3. Good written and oral communication skills with a particular ability to communicate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
4. Experience/demonstrated ability in office procedures including word processing, filing and reception.
5. Availability to travel to remote communities to attend bush courts.
6. Ability/experience in liaising with other agencies, developing networks and contacts in other associated services such as emergency housing, policing, rehabilitation and community corrections/probation and parole.
7. Ability to work as part of a small team and meet deadlines without supervision.
8. A current ‘C’ Class driving license, with 4WD experience.
9. Satisfactory criminal history check and no history of disqualification from employment by a legal practice.
10. A current Ochre Card or the ability to gain.

Please submit your application via the form below, including your CV and a cover letter.

Please note: Applicants for this position must address the selection criteria in their written application.

For more information including duty statement and selection criteria, visit our website, or contact Sarah Shepherdson at  [email protected], using the subject line: Senior Client Services Officer (Identified) - Alice Springs enquiry via EthicalJobs.