POSITION SUMMARY

Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) is a specialist, state-wide Community Legal Centre which helps to prevent and respond to elder abuse. The position is part of a small SRV legal team, which works alongside the Advocacy team, to deliver an integrated and holistic service to older people experiencing abuse. SRV’s Community Lawyers provide legal advice, casework and representation to SRV clients. In addition, a key component of this role will be to work in partnership with SRV’s Community Legal Education officer to establish and deliver on SRV’s new rural and regional outreach project encouraging supportive decision-making practices and helping older people plan for their legal future.

ORGANISATIONAL OVERVIEW

Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria is the leading not-for-profit organisation representing the interests and rights of people aged over 50 in Victoria. For nearly 70 years in Victoria, we have led government, corporate and community thinking about the positive aspects of ageing.

COTA Victoria's focus is on promoting older age as a time of opportunities for personal growth, contribution and self-expression. We believe there are obvious National, State, community, family and individual benefits from this approach.

Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) is a program of COTA Victoria.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) addresses and responds to older people experiencing elder abuse. Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person, carried out by someone they and trust such as family or friends. Elder abuse may be physical, sexual, financial, psychological, or social abuse, or neglect. As a specialist community legal centre SRV’s services to older people experiencing abuse include a Helpline, specialist legal services, short term support and advocacy, and community and professional education. In addition, SRV has broader policy, systemic advocacy, law reform and capacity building roles both in Victoria and nationally to raise awareness of elder abuse and promote prevention.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide high quality legal advice and information on elder abuse issues to clients (face to face and by telephone, in the SRV office, and at outreach locations).

1. In collaboration with the Community Legal Education Officer, lead in the development and delivery of legal and community education programs and materials or publications to raise awareness and promote prevention of elder abuse, with a focus on supportive decision-making and planning for your future.
2. Fulfil organisational responsibilities:
   1. Record client data and produce case notes and legal advice records as required in timely manner;
   2. Collaborate with Advocacy team to deliver an integrated service;
   3. Participate in team meetings and supervision, and in appropriate professional development and training;
   4. Collaborate with other COTA Victoria teams and staff as required.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES (AS TIME PERMITS)

Undertake legal casework for clients in areas of the law relating to elder abuse under the supervision of the Principal Lawyer and in accordance with SRV guidelines and COTA Victoria policies and procedures.

1. Represent clients where required and appropriate in family violence disputes and other civil matters relating to property, guardianship & administration, and various forms of financial abuse.
2. Prepare briefs to Counsel and instruct Counsel on a broad range of matters relating to elder abuse
3. Provide secondary consultation, legal information and advice to community workers or lawyers about options and legal remedies for their clients who may be experiencing elder abuse.
4. Contribute to systemic advocacy, law reform and other projects in collaboration with key partners and stakeholders.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Mandatory

1. Admitted to practice as an Australian Lawyer and the holder (or be eligible to hold) a current practicing certificate in Victoria under the Legal Profession Uniform Law

Professional

1. At least two years’ post-admission case work experience, preferably with experience in family violence and/or elder law, including court or tribunal experience.
2. Proven ability to deliver high quality professional and community legal education.
3. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
4. Strong information technology skills, including ability to produce and manage documentation and files electronically, and learn new systems as required.

Personal

1. High level interpersonal skills to build relationships with staff and stakeholders, including a demonstrated ability to collaborate and work in, and support, a cohesive multi-disciplinary team.
2. Demonstrated ability to stay focussed under pressure and appropriately prioritise competing demands
3. Demonstrated commitment to social justice including experience working, volunteering or participating in the community sector

SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS/CONDITIONS

Must be physically capable to carry out administrative duties, involving extended periods of VDU use;

• This role occasionally requires out-of-hours work and travel intra and interstate;
• Employment is subject to an ongoing satisfactory police check;
• Current Victorian driver’s license, including being accepted for insurance coverage;
• Must provide evidence of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

For further information about the position please contact Rebecca on 9655 2109.