Job: 2024-89 | Full-Time | Fixed Term | Flexible (Dubbo or Moree)

• Contribute directly to reducing Aboriginal child overrepresentation in the child protection system.
• Provide culturally appropriate legal services to Aboriginal communities in NSW.
• Develop expertise in Care & Protection/family law while working with diverse stakeholders.

Primary Purpose of the Role

To deliver culturally appropriate legal advice and representation in care & protection/family law matters for the ALS Child and Family Advocacy Support (ACFAS) program in Dubbo and Moree, NSW. This role requires close collaboration with internal ALS team members and external stakeholders, including legal services, the Department of Communities and Justice, and non-government organisations.

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 Solicitor is part of the ALS Child And Family Advocacy Support program based in Dubbo and Moree.

The Solicitor's duties include, but are not limited to, the following key responsibilities. Please review the attached full job description for comprehensive details:

• Provide early intervention legal advice and representation in child protection and family law matters.
• Work as a collaborative team member with staff across all teams, guide and support team members (including legal and non-legal staff).
• Make effective referrals for clients to assist them in resolving their legal matters including civil law referrals.
• Conduct community legal education and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws and procedures.
• Effectively communicate with and represent Aboriginal clients in complex legal matters.
• Maintain organised case files and utilise legal practice management systems.
• Collaborate with team members and make appropriate referrals for clients.
• Travel to regional areas as required for work purposes.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Strong cultural competence and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, combined with a commitment to social justice principles.
• Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide high-quality legal advice and representation to Aboriginal clients.
• Proficiency in preparing legal documents, correspondence, and submissions, with strong attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Capacity to work independently, manage a diverse workload and to provide support and advice to other team members.
• Competence in using Microsoft Office Suite and adapting to new technologies in legal practice.
• Possession of an unrestricted NSW driver's license, the willingness to be based in Dubbo or Moree and the ability to travel independently throughout the ACFAS region.
• Legal qualifications with current NSW Practicing Certificate and a minimum of 4 years' experience in care & protection/family law.

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.