This role will see you working in an integrated model of service delivery working with inTouch Case Managers and its Women’s Legal Centre to provide a holistic service to migrant and refugee women on their journey to safety.
This position is a 12-month maternity leave cover for full-time candidates. Part-time candidates will also be considered.
Status:
Fixed Term
Hours:
Full time or Part time
Location:
Melbourne / Hybrid
Pay rates:
SCHADS 6 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging
ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence (inTouch) provides person-centred, integrated and culturally responsive family violence services to people from migrant and refugee communities across Victoria. We have assisted over 30,000 women and children experiencing family violence throughout our 40 years of operation, providing a holistic service that centres the experiences of victim-survivors in everything we do.
inTouch works across the family violence continuum, providing culturally informed early intervention, case management, programs for men who use violence, legal advice, crisis recovery and enhanced capacity-building across the sector and community. We are proud to provide high-level leadership and guidance to all levels of government with our evidence-based, victim-survivor informed advocacy and policy work.
We are a unique and vital service, with specialist expertise working with people of migrant and refugee backgrounds. This is reflected in our workforce, which is comprised primarily of people who are migrants and refugees themselves – the inTouch team is from over 20 different countries and communities globally.
ABOUT THE ROLE
You will conduct legal casework primarily in family law and family violence. There will be scope to practice in other practice areas including migration and victim’s of crime however this position will be situated within our family law program. Your work will include legal advice, family law litigation, liaising with case managers, stakeholder engagement and Health Justice Partnership engagement
The successful candidate will be committed to social justice, be cultural competent with a genuine interest in seeking just outcomes for migrant and refugee women and their children experiencing a range of legal issues.
Key focus areas include:
Legal Advice & Casework
You will conduct legal casework primarily in family law and family violence law. Your work will include legal advice, liaising with case managers, case work including litigation in family law and family violence.
Ensure that legal services operate within the Women’s Legal Centre’s guidelines and integrated practice and in accordance with professional legal practice, including government and professional indemnity insurance requirements.
Provide high quality legal advice and casework at inTouch head office and outposts as scheduled and/or required.
Regularly communicate with the Case Management Team to keep the relevant Case Managers up to date to ensure successful implementation of the Women’s Legal Centre‘s operational model.
Ensure relevant and appropriate records are maintained online Actionsteps management system in order to ensure we maintain client and practice file management systems.
Provide reports such as file documents, file outcomes, summaries and correspondence letters as requested by Principal Lawyer.
Community Development & Partnerships
Operate legal outposts and legal clinics as part of our Health Justice Partnership and other legal projects we run with partner organisations.
Provide community legal education presentations and workshops to our stakeholders including migrant community organisations, legal centres and community health organisations so as to raise awareness of family violence within migrant communities.
Represent the Centre in a variety of forums such as government run forums and consultation groups, legal consultations, community legal centres, Victoria legal aid trainings and consultations and other networking groups we are part of.
ABOUT THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT
Essential
A current Australian Practising Certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a Legal Practitioner without restriction.
Demonstrated capacity to work as an advocate and case work preferably within the scope of Legal Centre’s Program including family law and family violence law.
Knowledge or practical experience within the scope of Legal Centre’s Program with a focus on family law.
Capacity to positively engage with key partner agencies and/or their workers, to appropriately manage referrals to and from those agencies and to promote the service within community settings.
Ability to mentor and train staff and contribute to the development of individuals and their knowledge and skills within the scope of Legal Centre’s Program.
Ability to work collaboratively with others and foster a cooperative and supportive team environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in working with clients from diverse backgrounds in an emphatic and culturally competent manner.
Demonstrated time management and organisational skills.
Desirable
Experience in working in a Community Legal Centre environment and are familiar with the NACLC risk management guidelines and cross check procedures.
Understanding of family violence practice including MARAM.
Knowledge of or spoken language other than English
Personal Attributes
High ethical standards and alignment to inTouch values, acting with integrity and maintaining confidentially.
Solutions-focused with a curious mind and a natural problem-solving ability.
Pro-active and accountable, leading with emotional intelligence and the ability to provide constructive feedback and have sensitive discussions.
HOW TO APPLY
Please apply with your resume and a short cover letter referring to the key selection criteria in the Position Description found here.
Candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, particularly with experience of migration or refugee journeys are strongly encouraged to apply.
For further information or to submit an application, contact recruitment@intouch.org.au using the subject line: Lawyer
Application will close on Wednesday 25 September 2024.
All applicants must have the right to work in Australia and will need to undergo a National Police Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencing employment.
