• Job: 2024-113
• Full-Time, Fixed Term (To March 2025)
• Wagga Wagga, NSW

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 responsibility of the Field Officer, Criminal Law Practice is to provide high quality support and referral services to ALS clients. The Field Officer also works closely with ALS solicitors to provide holistic legal services.

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 Field Officer is part of the Criminal Law Practice.

The Field Officer will be responsible for:

• Delivering professional and culturally appropriate support, referral services and legal information to communities and clients.
• Understanding and seeking to meet the demands and expectations of clients, their families and the broader Aboriginal community in which they work.
• Attending client enquiries and providing appropriate support services including taking statements, identifying and arranging appropriate follow-up through ALS or other agencies.
• Proactively engaging with communities to provide them with information and Community Legal Education using a variety of engagement techniques including using technology to assist in effectively delivering services.
• Communicating with and effectively supporting Aboriginal clients who may present themselves as distressed, when the legal concepts involved are complex and difficult for the client to understand.
• Supporting clients to ensure appointments are attended as required, ensuring that clients receive relevant information.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Knowledge and understanding of social justice issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people involved in the legal system.
• Knowledge of support and referral services available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients involved in the legal system.
• Ability to produce high-quality, accurate and relevant reports regarding client engagement, and outcomes of client support and referrals
• A willingness and ability to travel to regional, metropolitan and interstate locations for work purposes.

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.

A position description is attached.

If you have any enquiries or would like to discuss the role, please contact our recruitment team at [email protected], using the subject line: Field Officer - Criminal Law Practice - Wagga Wagga enquiry via EthicalJobs.