Job Description

Family Lawyer - Temporary Visa Program

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, migration law, financial abuse legal protection and sexual assault though our counselling notes protect program. The Service 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 position is responsible for providing direct client services to WLSQ clients in the areas of family law, domestic violence and child protection. The role forms part of the Migration Law Team, working with a team of solicitors and paralegals under the Temporary Visa Program.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Undertake the delivery of WLSQ legal services within the Temporary Visa Program as part of the Migration law team:

• Provide legal advice, case work and representation in the areas of family law, domestic violence.
• Represent clients in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and Magistrates Court as a solicitor advocate or briefing counsel where appropriate.
• Prioritise eligibility for the services of the Temporary Visa Program (“TVP”) by reference to WLSQ policy, including priority access for women who are on Temporary Visas experiencing domestic violence and are of a Culturally or Linguistically Diverse background or have a disability (priority access groups).
• Develop and maintain stakeholder engagement with key agencies who work with priority access groups.
• Work collaboratively with TVP staff to provide holistic case management support to vulnerable women on Temporary Visas experiencing domestic violence.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of community legal education and law reform activities of WLSQ.
• Provide services to women through a trauma informed practice framework.
• Undertake the provision of legal services in accordance 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.
• Provide duty lawyer services for domestic violence matters in designated Magistrates Courts.
• Advise the Supervising Solicitor and 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.
• 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 Supervising Solicitor and/or Practice Director.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENT:

This role requires the incumbent to have a clear National Police Check.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

1. Eligibility to hold an Unrestricted Solicitor’s Practising Certificate and a minimum of 4 years’ post admission experience in family law and domestic violence law.

2. Migration Law experience and knowledge and/or interest is desirable.

3. Accreditation as domestic violence duty lawyer is highly desirable.

4. High level of computer literacy including Microsoft Office.

5. High level of knowledge of referrals both legal and non-legal that are appropriate for women who experience domestic violence and require assistance with family law and migration matters.

6. 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;
• From culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and/or
• With a disability

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 the WLSQ and an ability to work within a feminist framework.

10. It is a genuine occupational requirement for this position that the incumbent be a woman (section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

• Salary Packaging: Take advantage of not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximize your take-home pay.
• Remuneration package: from $110,103 plus super per year plus statutory super and Attractive salary sacrifice options.
• Career Development: Access to career and professional development opportunities, including conferences, events, and a dedicated training and supervision budget.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling services available for you and your family.
• Additional Leave Entitlements: Enjoy additional paid parental leave and extra leave during the Christmas and New Year period.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: We’re open to discussing how we can tailor this role to fit your needs.
• Inclusive Work Culture: Be part of a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
• Ongoing Training: Participate in continuous training programs throughout the year to enhance your skills.
• On-Site Amenities: Enjoy complimentary snacks and fresh fruit available in the workplace

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.

Should you have any questions or would like a copy of the Position Description for the role, please feel free to contact the People and Culture team by phone on 07 3392 0644 or email at peopleandculture@wlsq.org.au.