Organisational Context

Whittlesea Community Connections (WCC) is a place based community agency that strives for the empowerment of individuals and groups within the local community who face disadvantage, isolation and obstacles to effective social and economic participation. The agency is committed to developing responsive approaches to meet the challenges posed by Whittlesea's changing and emerging communities. We have a clear role in advocating to both services and different levels of government through both direct service and policy input. Our services and programs are free, confidential and impartial. We have broad range of integrated services including legal, social work, community information, community transport, settlement support, volunteer resources, community engagement, and strong partnerships with mental health, housing and family violence specialists.

Whittlesea Community Connections core objectives are to:

• Identify and address information and service needs of residents in City of Whittlesea
• Advocate for and with the community for increased participation in decision making
• Support formal and informal volunteer roles in the Whittlesea community
• Collaborate with agencies and Government to develop and sustain services that serve local community needs
• Continue to develop and improve the quality, efficiency and accessibility of our services
• Identify opportunities for greater community involvement and leadership so that community residents can contribute to decisions that affect their lives.

Position Rationale

This position is for a Community Lawyer who will focus on the provision of general legal assistance for clients seeking assistance from Whittlesea Community Connections. This position is a full time ongoing role.

Accountability

The Community Lawyer reports to the Principal Lawyer. Accountability will be through support & supervision sessions, conducted by the Principal Solicitor provision of regular reports, and participation in performance reviews & appraisals. This role is subject to a six month probationary period.

Like all WCC employees, the Community Lawyer is expected to participate in the life of the organisation, promote the objectives of WCC and adhere to articulated values, policies and procedures.

Overview of Duties

• Provide high quality and accessible legal information, advice, casework, advocacy, some court representation and referral services for clients in the areas of Civil Law, Criminal Law, Family Law and Family Violence;
• Develop links within WCC and with relevant external support agencies to assist with the varied and complex issues of clients;
• Provide warm referrals for related services;
• Provide practical assistance and support to volunteers and students;
• Develop and deliver community legal education and work in a range of service and community locations;
• Contribute to legal needs analysis, law reform, monitoring and evaluation;
• Ensure compliance with relevant professional and ethical standards relating to legal practice, including the Legal Profession Uniform Application Act 2014, the National Risk Management Guide of the National Association of Community Legal Centres and Whittlesea Community Connections’ policies and procedures including the Code of Ethics and Victorian child safety standards.
• Attend internal staff and planning meetings, supervision and performance review processes;
• Participate in networks, communities of practice and professional development, to engage and understand community needs and meet CPD responsibilities;
• Perform other duties as directed and necessary to the proper performance of the role.

Key Selection Criteria - Essential

• Tertiary qualifications, qualifying law degree or equivalent and admitted to practice as an Australian Legal Practitioner;
• Unrestricted practising certificate;
• At least 3-5 years’ experience in the provision of legal advice, advocacy, casework and/or court work in areas of law relevant to the community legal sector;
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to social justice and the values of Whittlesea Community Connections;

• High standard of interpersonal skills, with demonstrated experience communicating and negotiating with a diverse range of people, clients, community groups, agencies and government departments;
• Demonstrated capacity for resourcefulness, self-motivation with an ability to work independently and manage competing and complex work priorities;
• Excellent computer skills

Key Selection Criteria - Desirable

• Proficiency in a relevant community language

• Experience working as part of multi or inter-disciplinary team

Salary and Conditions

• Conditions will be in accordance with the Social, Community, Home and Disability Services (SCHADS) Industry Award 2010, Level 5, pay point to be determined based on experience
• This position is offered as a full-time 5 day a week position with flexible working arrangements
• Generous salary sacrifice arrangements, if taken up by the employee, can significantly increase the net value of the remuneration received.
• The successful applicant will be required to enter into an employment contract and have a current National Police Check and Working with Children Check

To discuss the position please contact Tanya on 9401 6666.

A position description is attached.