Ruah aims to promote measures to achieve equality. Section 51 of the Equal opportunity Act applies to this role.

Lawyer

Our mission is open hearts and bold strides.

About the role:

The federal government is funding three locations across Australia aimed at improving the justice system for victim-survivors of sexual assault. WA was selected as one of those locations.

The Sexual Assault Legal Service WA pilot (SALSWA) is a partnership between Women’s Legal Service WA (WLSWA), Aboriginal Family Legal Services (AFLS) and Ruah Legal Services (RLS), all specialist community legal services.

SALSWA will deliver state-wide, integrated, culturally appropriate and trauma-informed socio-legal assistance to victims-survivors in Western Australia.

RLS specialises in the provision of end-to-end legal representation with integrated psycho-social support. RLS also trades as the Mental Health Law Centre (MHLC) for the provision of legal services to clients experiencing severe mental illness. Key practice areas include Criminal Law, Care and Protection, Restraining Orders, the Mental Health Act and Guardianship and Administration Act matters.

The primary focus of the SALSWA lawyer’s role is the provision of legal information, advice, advocacy, representation and support to victim-survivors of sexual assault. This will include supporting clients to navigate and engage with the legal system by ensuring they are aware of their rights and entitlements and understand the different stages and procedures in the justice system. The role also supports clients to manage intersecting and concurrent legal problems and facilitates access to supports and programs to address non-legal needs.

This role is fixed-term for a period of 12 months with the possibility of extension. In addition to your client and advocacy work, you will work in the team to participate in the community legal education services and policy work of the Centre. You will also be responsible for building collaborative, constructive relationships with key sector peers, stakeholders and service providers.

Selection Criteria:

Essential

It is expected that the successful applicant will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Be admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Western Australia with a minimum of 3 years post admission experience.
• Have recent and relevant legal experience.
• Sound understanding of the social, cultural and economic drivers of sexual assault.
• Demonstrated competence in advocacy in various settings.
• Exceptional time management skills and demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work co-operatively.
• Willingness and ability to work within and contribute to the vision, mission, core values and the guiding principles of the organisation.

Desirable

• Experience working in a community legal centre.
• Experience working with people with living with multiple disadvantages
• Experience with integrated approaches to legal practice which involve collaboration with non-legal support services.

Required Compliance Documents

• WA Practising Certificate (or eligible to obtain one)
• Current drivers’ license
• Working with Children Check
• National Police Certificate
• Immunisation requirements in accordance with Ruah’s Immunisation Procedure

Candidate Notice: Ruah works with vulnerable clients in a range of health/hospital, public access, and client home locations. As a result, employees are required to have certain immunisations, including for COVID-19 even in the absence of public health orders. The is important for both client and staff health and safety controls. An applicant and/or new employee will be required to provide evidence of their immunisation status in accordance with Ruah's Immunisation Procedure - a copy of which can be provided upon request.

What do we offer?

• An opportunity to work with a passionate and highly skilled team.
• A chance to work alongside supportive human beings who genuinely want the best for you and your career.
• 5 weeks annual leave.
• Our technology is pretty awesome.
• 16 weeks paid parental leave, with flex to take at 32 weeks half-pay (uniquely, new staff can access 4 weeks paid parental leave after just 6 months’ service).
• 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave.
• Salary packaging up to $15,900.
• Flexible working hours and office locations (if applicable).
• An extensive learning and development program.
• Opportunities to be active in the Ruah Community such as participating in a wide range of working groups, joining us at Pride events, being a part of a range of cultural events to promote and support reconciliation and much much more!

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.

Ruah has a zero tolerance against child abuse and are committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, and their right to feel safe and be safe across all areas of our organisation.

Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs.

For further information about the position please contact:

Kirsten Gammer - Principal Lawyer

kirsten.gammer@ruah.org.au, using the subject line: Lawyer - Sexual Assault Legal Service WA enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.

If the suitable candidate is successful prior to this date the ad will close early.  If you feel this is the perfect role for you, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible as this role will be filled if a suitable applicant is identified.