Senior Solicitor - Caboolture Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) and Health Justice Partnership (HJP) Opportunity

Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) provides high quality legal and social support services to women, specialising in the areas of family law, domestic violence, child safety matters, financial abuse legal protection and sexual assault though our counselling notes protect program. WLSQ is committed to the creation of a society in which every woman:

• Is safe from violence;
• Is able to tell her story, have it heard and respected; and
• Receives a fair and just outcome from legal and social welfare systems.

This role is responsible for undertaking direct client services including providing advice, casework and representation in a case coordinated approach. The role is also responsible for maintaining the Health Justice Partnerships (HJP) in the Caboolture and Redcliffe regions.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Key Responsibilities:

• A. Supervising the Caboolture DVU and HJP team of employed solicitors and legal support staff:
  • Manage and supervise a team of professional and administrative staff including:
    • Developing and maintaining professional develop plans (PDPs).
    • Providing support and consultation for staff on complex legal matters.
    • Management of staffing issues, including legal support staff issues in consultation with the Practice Director.
    • Ensuring the provision of and compliance with mandatory training and CPD requirements to develop the skills of all team members.
    • Coordinate workflows and workloads to ensure the smooth running of the team, appropriate utilisation of people and performance against case work and task targets.
    • Oversee the provision of quality legal and non-legal work, including conducting file reviews and quality audits, facilitating case management meetings and investigating client complaints.
    • Participate in the recruitment, selection, induction and training of solicitors and legal support staff in consultation with the Practice Director and ensure that clear performance expectations are set on commencement.
    • Develop, deliver and facilitate continuing professional development to WLSQ employees, volunteers and external stakeholders.
• B. To undertake direct client services, including significant and complex casework and legal representation as required:
  • Provide legal advice, casework and representation in the areas of domestic violence, family law and child protection.
  • Represent clients in the Family Court, Federal Circuit Court, Magistrates Court and Children's Court as a solicitor advocate or briefing counsel where appropriate.
  • Prioritise eligibility for the services of the domestic violence unit by reference to WLSQ policy, including priority access for women who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or of a Culturally or Linguistically Diverse background or have a disability (priority access groups).
  • Provide services to women through a trauma informed practice framework.
  • Provide legal services in accordance with WLSQ policy and practice according to the Risk Management Guide.
  • Performing Duty Lawyer Services in the Caboolture Magistrates Court.
• C. To work collaboratively with Domestic Violence unit staff to provide case management support to vulnerable women experiencing domestic violence including:
  • Providing holistic services to clients of the domestic violence unit, taking into account the legal and social needs of the client while supporting her to obtain safety from domestic violence.
  • Develop and maintain stakeholder engagement with key agencies who work with priority access groups.
• D. Assist with and maintain the Health Justice Partnerships in the Caboolture and Moreton Bay Regions and other health provider sites as deemed appropriate:
  • Assist with the promotion of the partnership(s) and increase use and accessibility of the legal service that WLSQ provides.
  • Liaise with relevant stakeholders at both the Caboolture and Redcliffe hospitals and other allied health service sites in the catchment and at other health provider sites as may be deemed appropriate from time to time.
  • Identify and build professional relationships within the health partnership setting(s).
  • Work with health partners to identify and document trends and systemic issues arising from the partnership(s), which may have implications for policy, program or law reform.
• E. Undertake management and leadership functions in accordance with the WLSQ policy:
  • Ensure that the provision of the legal services by the Brisbane Case Work team complies with the laws and regulations governing the legal professional and the mandatory requirements under the National Association of Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) Risk Management Guide.
  • Advise the Practice Director on issues relating to operational and/or legal risk.
  • Work collaboratively with WLSQ social workers and other staff to provide legal information and guidance and to consult with other staff to provide appropriate non-legal referrals as required.
  • Ensure risk assessment and safety considerations are routinely and comprehensively addressed in legal work undertaken providing support, information and advice to clients experiencing domestic violence.
  • Liaise with external agencies and make client referrals where services are more appropriately provided or should be supplemented through accessing another service.
  • Contribute to the development and delivery of community legal education and law reform activities of WLSQ as required.
  • Foster a collaborative team culture for staff and volunteers which is professional, productive and supportive and consistent with the WLSQ Values and feminist principles.
• Any other tasks as requested by the Practice Director.

Skills and Capabilities:

1. Eligibility to hold an Unrestricted Solicitor’s Practising Certificate and a minimum of 5 years’ post admission experience in family law and domestic violence, is a requirement.
2. Demonstrated knowledge and legal practice experience in family law and domestic violence, including drafting relevant court documents and management of files is required. Experience in child protection and child support is desirable.
3. High level of knowledge of referrals both legal and non-legal that are appropriate for women who experience domestic violence and family law matters.
4. Ability to communicate effectively and work sensitively with clients from diverse backgrounds including vulnerable clients including those:
   • Who may have experienced domestic violence and/or trauma;
   • With a disability;
   • From culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and/or
   • From Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
5. Demonstrated experience in managing and supervising a team of professional and administrative staff, including the provision of performance management and feedback, recruitment and other personnel or workforce requirements.
6. Demonstrated leadership experience in delivering legal service and meeting organisational objectives while fostering a respectful and inclusive working environment where health, safety and wellbeing are promoted and prioritised.
7. Well-developed relationship management and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to engage with a range of audiences and stakeholders internal and external to WLSQ with the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
8. Sound knowledge and understanding of legal and social issues affecting women, particularly the gendered nature of domestic violence.
9. Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of WLSQ and an ability to work within a feminist framework.
10. Being a woman is a genuine occupational requirement for this position (section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

In addition to having a meaningful and rewarding career, you will receive:

• An attractive remuneration package from $110,913 to 115,537 per annum plus super;
• Generous leave entitlements with additional paid leave over Christmas and New Year;
• Attractive salary sacrifice options.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

Successful applicants will be required to complete a National Police Check.

APPLY NOW!

To apply for this position, click on 'apply' and upload a copy of your cover letter and CV.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.