Job: 2024-141 | Full-Time | Permanent | Canberra, ACT

This is an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander identified position which is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Primary Purpose of the Role

The primary purpose of the role of the Client Support Officer, ACT Justice Support Programs is working alongside the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Field Officers, Lawyers, and staff from other justice stakeholders or community agencies, to reduce the rate of incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT.

Why Join the ALS Team?

At the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) you can make an impact. You will join a strong movement fighting for social justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.

Our focus is our people: the people we support and the people we employ. We offer a career you can be proud of and a place where you feel safe to be yourself. We invest in our people and appreciate the rich diversity of lived experiences, languages, and culture.

Born out of a protest movement over 50 years ago, the ALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation delivering high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW and the ACT. It’s an exciting time to be joining us. We recently received additional funding to deliver a range of new programs aimed at addressing systemic issues and driving structural reforms. This is creating significant opportunities for the ALS, our staff and communities.

As well as the satisfaction of working in a job that really matters, we offer our staff benefits including:

• Not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximise take-home pay
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• Career and professional development opportunities
• Access to personal counselling for you and your family
• Additional paid leave of up to 6 days per year, paid parental and study leave
• Flexible work options – talk to us about how we can make this role work for you

About the Role

The Client Support Officer is part of the ACT Justice Support Programs team within our Criminal Law Practice based in Canberra, ACT.

The Client Support Officer will be responsible for:

• Identify eligible clients and seek consent to successfully participate in the Ngurrambai Bail Support Program & Front Up Program.
• Implement the Ngurrambai Bail Support Program in four focus areas covering:
  • Court support
  • AMC bail support
  • Case management of the support plan
  • After-hours support
• Provide comprehensive and meaningful appropriate culturally sensitive assistance and support to clients and their families.
• Establish and maintain working and meaningful relationships with clients, their families and their lawyers, service delivery agencies, government and community agencies and other stakeholders.
• Promote and support the Ngurrambai Bail Support and Front Up programs by actively communicating their purpose and benefits to stakeholders such as ACT Corrective Services, the Law Society and Bar Association as well as community members.
• Provide continuity and consistency when developing a bail support plan with the client and their lawyer to assist with bail being granted.
• Gather, collect, and input all relevant information and data on the outcomes and outputs of the Ngurrambai Bail Support and Front Up programs into the programs client management systems and prepare reports re same.
• Provide case management support to clients immediately following the granting of bail by the court.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Demonstrated working knowledge and understanding of the court and criminal justice system including outstanding warrants and bail arrangements.
• Demonstrated confidence and resilience to deal with clients who may be challenging in their behaviour.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the capacity to communicate and support clients under difficult circumstances.
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary team, well-developed, conceptual, and analytical skills, ability to meet deadlines, and work without close supervision.
• Current valid drivers license and a willingness to drive or travel.
• Relevant formal qualifications in community justice or related areas such as health or welfare (desirable)

Pre-Employment Requirements

ALS is committed to implementing safe recruitment practices. Your application may be subject to pre-employment checks such as reference checks, Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check, Right to work in Australia, COVID-19 vaccinations and National Police History check.

How to Apply

Please click Apply Now. Before you begin, make sure you have an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

If you have questions about this role, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Client Support Officer, ACT Justice Support Programs enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.

Please apply promptly, as we may shortlist and commence interviews within the advertising period.