Full-Time | Fixed-Term (To June 2025) | Redfern, NSW

Primary Purpose of the Role

The purpose of The Custody Notification (CNS) Coordinator is primarily responsible within this service for managing and coordinating a 24-hour legal advice and support phone line for Aboriginal people taken into police custody.

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

About the role

The Custody Notification Service Coordinator will:

• Manage, coordinate and prepare CNS rosters including shift availabilities and shift changes.
• Respond to and action any emerging notifications related issues.
• Be on call to manage and address CNS emergencies regarding solicitor unavailability or IT difficulties.
• Liaise with solicitors (internally and externally) regarding requests for CNS advice forms.
• Action any notifications concerning police failing to notify the CNS regarding clients.
• Maintain carriage a criminal practice (including an EAGP practice) and appear in court as an advocate in the Local Court, Children’s Court and the District Court.

About you

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Legal qualifications and an NSW Practicing Certificate (or be able to obtain one immediately).
• Up-to-date knowledge of Criminal Law, including practice and procedure.
• Proven capacity to identify and understand legal issues facing socially and economically disadvantaged Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islanders peoples.
• Ability to manage, coordinate and prepare CNS rosters and address related issues.
• A willingness and ability to travel to ALS’ various offices (regional and metropolitan), conferences (local and interstate) and events.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families, communities and staff.

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 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: Custody Notification Coordinator - Criminal Law Practice enquiry via EthicalJobs.

At ALS NSW/ACT, we are committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates. If you identify as a person with a disability and need any adjustments or support with your application including throughout the recruitment process, please let us know by reaching out to our Recruitment Team at [email protected].