Job: 2024-159| Full-Time | Fixed Term (To June 2026) | 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

Provide culturally appropriate legal advice and representation in care & protection/family law as part of a multidisciplinary team. The ALS Child and Family Advocacy Support (ACFAS) program in Dubbo and Moree is a new initiative of the ALS NW/ACT providing early intervention advocacy and legal services for families having contact with the child protection system. The role is an opportunity to contribute to reducing Aboriginal child overrepresentation in the child protection system and supporting self-determination for families impacted by the system. 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 that is based in Dubbo and Moree.

The Solicitor will be responsible for below key accountabilities but are not limited to:

• Provide early intervention legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in child protection and family law matters.
• Conduct community legal education, engagement activities, and maintain stakeholder relationships to support early intervention initiatives.
• Deliver timely, professional legal advice while respecting and supporting Aboriginal cultural practices in all client and community interactions.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, procedures, and ALS policies while enhancing professional competence and adapting to new systems and technologies.
• Manage caseloads efficiently, including maintaining organized files, recording data, and coordinating schedules to ensure effective legal practice.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders, providing guidance and support to team members while fostering productive working relationships.
• Ensure compliance with ALS policies, procedures, and applicable legislation, upholding high standards of ethics and probity in all activities.
• Travel to regional areas as required, including Moree and Dubbo, to deliver legal services and support community engagement initiatives.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Legal qualifications with a current NSW Practising Certificate and demonstrated knowledge of NSW care and protection law and family law.
• 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 diverse workloads, and seek appropriate advice when necessary.
• Competence in using Microsoft Office Suite and adapting to new technologies in legal practice.
• Possession of an unrestricted NSW driver's license, willingness to be based in Dubbo or Moree, with the ability to travel independently throughout the ACFAS region.

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: Solicitor Grade 1 - ACFAS 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].