The successful applicant will be committed to social justice and be culturally competent, with a genuine interest in seeking just outcomes for migrant and refugee women and their children experiencing a range of legal issues.
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 20,000 women and children experiencing family violence throughout our 38 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 LEGAL CENTRE
The inTouch in-house Legal Centre was established in 2012 and provides high quality, free and accessible legal services to migrant and refugee who are experiencing family violence. Our legal team has a number of highly experienced Lawyers and Migration Agents who understand the additional barriers that our clients face when accessing the legal system.
ABOUT THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT
The successful applicant will practice an integrated model of service delivery in the Legal Centre, specifically working with inTouch Case Managers to provide a holistic service to migrant and refugee women. The Lawyer will conduct legal casework primarily in family law and family violence. Casework includes advice, drafting court documents, negotiating agreements, some court representation and providing legal education within the community.
The successful applicant will be committed to social justice and be culturally competent, with a genuine interest in seeking just outcomes for migrant and refugee women and their children experiencing a range of legal issues.
POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES
Legal Advice & Casework
Conduct legal casework primarily in family law and family violence. Work will include advice, drafting court documents, negotiating agreements, some court representation and administrative tasks associated with managing tasks.
Ensure that legal services operate within the Centre’s integrated practice guidelines 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 undertake and deliver community legal education for migrant and refugee women.
Regularly communicate with the Case Managers within the Direct Service Team to ensure successful implementation of the Legal Centre ‘s operational model.
Ensure relevant and appropriate client and practice records are maintained through the online Actionsteps management system.
Provide reports such as file documents, file outcomes, summaries and correspondence letters as requested by the Principal Lawyer.
Community Development & Partnerships
Operate legal outposts in the region, such as Magistrates’ Court duty lawyer services, legal clinics, and others projects as part of our Health Justice Partnership with partner organisations.
Provide community legal education presentations and workshops to our stakeholders including migrant community organisations, legal center’s 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 center’s, Victoria legal aid trainings and consultations and other networking groups.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential
A current Australian Practicing Certificate which entitles you to practice in Victoria as a Legal Practitioner without restriction.
Demonstrated capacity to work as an advocate and conduct case work, preferably within the scope of Legal Centre’s Program such as family law and family violence. Position Description Lawyer Effective Date August 2018 Version: 1.0 Authorised by: Chief Executive Officer Review Date November 2023 Page 3 of 6
Knowledge or practical experience within the scope of Legal Centre’s Program with a focus on family law and family violence.
Capacity to positively engage with key partner agencies and/or their workers, to appropriately manage referrals and to promote the service within community settings.
Demonstrated ability to delivery community legal education sessions.
Ability to mentor and train staff to develop 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 familiarity with the NACLC risk management guidelines and cross check procedures.
Understanding of the Victoria Legal Aid funding guidelines and legal aid system.
Understanding of Migration law and the family violence exemptions.
HOW TO APPLY
inTouch has a pending renewal of an Equal Opportunity Exemption (A123/2012) and requests applications from women only. Candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
To submit an application, please send a short covering letter explaining why you are interested in this position, and attach your CV to recruitment@intouch.org.au using the subject line: Lawyer – Legal Centre
Application closing date: 21st December 2023
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