About Us

QIFVLS is a state-wide Community Legal Practice with offices across 8 regions in Queensland. We are a not-for-profit organisation that provides free legal services, including court and tribunal representation, welfare support, advocacy and community education to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims of family violence and/or sexual assault.

About You

We are looking for a passionate, personable Senior Deputy Principal Legal Officer for our Cairns Office. You will have experience in the areas of Family Law, Child Protection and Domestic & Family Violence and victims assistance applications.

The Senior Deputy Principal Legal Officer is responsible for overseeing their designated Region's service delivery arm of the legal practice, as well as its compliance and for providing high quality legal representation and advice to clients, in the family law jurisdictions (as and when the case arises).

In addition the role provides a high level of support to the Principal Legal Officer.

Responsibilities

• Member of the Management team responsible for operational business objectives.
• In consultation with the Principal Legal Officer, communicates the operational, strategic and business plans to Deputy Principal Legal Officers, setting and clarifying expectations, KPIs and targets.
• Monitor the Service Delivery team’s achievement of performance targets and agreed standards.
• Undertake regular file reviews and audits of all Service Delivery Offices to ensure compliance with NACLC Risk Management Guide; QIFVLS Legal Case Management Standards and legislation. Regular reports are to be provided to the PLO.
• Manage and monitor the Service Delivery team’s client files (which include electronic files) and other documents, as well as ensuring compliance with NACLC Risk Management Guide, QIFVLS Legal Case Management Standards and legislation.
• Review and monitor the Service Delivery team’s productivity and the quality of advice administered by reviewing stakeholder and client feedback, Action Step and travel plans.
• Supervise, lead, support and guide the Deputy Principal Legal Officers to ensure that the service delivery team provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are victims of family violence and/or sexual assault are provided with quality legal services, representation, advice and casework.
• Draft business reports and submissions.
• Develop and implement operational policies, processes, precedents, templates and forms.
• Network and liaise with community organisations, men’s and women’s groups, legal service providers, government departments and community justice groups to enable QIFVLS to effectively promote its services.
• Represent QIFVLS within the community by attending and presenting at meetings, functions, and forums in a manner consistent with QIFVLS’ professional standards and code of conduct.
• Lead by example, treating stakeholders and colleagues with respect and tact, encouraging a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Regular and extensive domestic travel.

Selection Criteria

• Tertiary qualified in Law.
• Admission as a legal practitioner within the State of Queensland.
• Holder of (or eligibility for immediate acquisition of) a current unrestricted Practising Certificate.
• Demonstrated expertise in QIFVLS practice areas; Family Law, Child Protection, Family and Domestic Violence and Victims Compensation and Assistance.
• Proficiency with the Family Law Act 1975 and relevant amendments.
• In-depth knowledge of legal developments within QIFVLS practice areas
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, including the ability to motivate both legal and non-legal employees to achieve defined business objectives.
• Proven experience in maintaining and encouraging best practices in the delivery of legal advice, information and casework services.
• Proven legal experience including file management, case negotiation, initiating or defending court actions and court representations.

A current drivers licence, and COVID vaccination is mandatory and you must be eligible to work in Australia, along with a willingness to provide a national police clearance and eligibility to apply successfully for a Queensland Working with Children Check (Blue Card).

Working at QIFVLS

Benefits of working at QIFVLS:

• Optional salary packaging scheme
• 5 weeks paid annual leave
• Employee assistance program
• Study opportunities

Questions regarding the role can be sent to [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Deputy Principal Legal Officer - Cairns enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Previous Applicants need not apply.

QIFVLS acknowledges that this position is funded by the Australian Government through the National Indigenous Australians Agency.