Job: 2024-89 | Full-Time | Fixed Term (Contract Ending 30 June 2026) | Flexible (Dubbo or Moree/Surrounding areas)

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 Service (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 Service - Care & Protection / Family Law Team.

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:

• Understanding of Aboriginal cultural needs and commitment to social justice principles
• Legal qualifications with current NSW Practicing Certificate
• Minimum 4 years' experience in Care & Protection/family law
• Strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment
• Sound judgment and high-quality legal representation skills
• Interpersonal and influencing skills
• Unrestricted NSW driver's license and willingness and ability to independently travel to regional locations by car 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, 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: Senior Solicitor - Aboriginal Child & Family Advocacy & Support 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].