SMLS is very excited to have been able to launch our LGBTIQA+ specialist legal service, Justice Q as part of evolving our overall practice to be community aware and responsive. We are looking for dynamic, creative and community aligned staff to join us as we roll out the new practice in the south-east metro region. SMLS is establishing spaces at our offices and an outreach location in the City of Dandenong. SMLS is a leader in integrated service models and as part of this practice, is the commitment to collaboratively servicing the legal needs of the LGBTIQA+ community in the south-east with key stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity to support the legal rights of the LGBTIQA+ community. You will be joining a small, but specialist team supported by an engaged and aligned steering committee.

About SMLS

Established in 1973, South-East Monash Legal Service (SMLS) is a community legal centre that provides free legal assistance to people in Southeast Melbourne. SMLS provides legal information, advice and case work including representation for people experiencing disadvantage on a range of legal matters, such as family law and family violence, employment law, debt and fines, civil litigation, wills, power of attorney, and tenancy.

SMLS aims to empower and support members of the community to understand and make use of the law and the legal system to protect their rights and to increase their awareness of their legal responsibilities. SMLS is a strong advocate of and committed to the use of integrated service models to address multifaceted challenges facing our community members.

SMLS is committed to advocacy and social change. SMLS is a leader in the provision of community and clinical legal education; advocacy through policy submissions and lobbying; outreach services; and targeted referral programs.

Our Vision 

A fair and inclusive community where people can access the resources, networks and support they need to resolve legal issues and overcome barriers to social, cultural and economic inclusion and participation

Our Purpose

To help resolve people’s legal and interconnected issues and ensure that laws and legal processes are fair.

Our Values

Our core values are Respect, Community, Excellence and Courage.

POSITION PURPOSE

Justice Q is SMLS’ specialist LGBTIQA+ legal service for people in south-east Melbourne. This new and exciting program will utilise SMLS’ integrated service model with a multidisciplinary team of lawyers, community development and peer workers. The program will also have an internal referral system, where clients are able to access services across SMLS practice areas. The program will be implemented across sites in the south-east metro of Melbourne.

The Justice Q Community Development Worker will undertake targeted community engagement and education to underpin the work of the Justice Q program. They will provide people and groups in the south-east with education regarding the legal system, and their rights to a safe environment – with a LGBTIQA+ focus.

Through engagement in local and state networks, they will facilitate LGBTIQA+ people’s access to legal assistance to support their access to legal remedies in a variety of practice areas including family and civil law. They will develop and implement a promotional strategy to ensure the success of the program.

They will connect with academic institutions, local councils (Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia), and various relevant organisations, providing a comprehensive network of support LGBTIQA+ people.

They will work collaboratively with the community development team to build internal capabilities within SMLS to ensure our organisation is equipped to understand and respond to the unique legal and social needs of LGBTIQA+ people.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Essential Selection Criteria

• Qualifications and/or extensive experience in community development or community engagement

• Strong, demonstrated commitment and/or connection to the LGBTIQA+ community, including knowledge of legal issues

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with services, community groups, and local government to align and progress common objectives

• Demonstrated project delivery experience and familiarity with project planning, monitoring and evaluation frameworks and approaches.

• Demonstrated understanding of community development principles.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team environment

• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate sensitively and build mutually beneficial relationships with internal and external stakeholders 

Desirable Selection Criteria

• Experience working in the community legal sector, community services or other settings that support communities who are experiencing disadvantage and/or injustice

• Entry level marketing and communications experience

• Data collection and analysis skills

Please read the Position Description below for more detailed information.

Any further enquiries can be sent to [email protected], using the subject line: Community Development Worker - Justice Q Program enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Please note: South-East Monash Legal Service is an inclusive employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. This is a special measures role and only members of the LGBTIQA+ community are eligible to apply, in line with the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

A position description is attached.