• Job: 2024-157 | Full-Time | Fixed-Term (Up To 2 Years) | Moree, 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 purpose of this role is to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young people as part of the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited’s (ALS) children’s criminal law practice.

The role will work with solicitors in the crime practice to holistically support children and young people and improve their criminal and non-criminal outcomes through the provision of practical support and internal and external referrals to support 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 Youth Officer is part of the Children’s Criminal Law Practice based in Moree, NSW.

The Youth Officer will be responsible for:

• Deliver professional and culturally appropriate support, referral services and basic legal information to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young peoples and their families, including where clients may be distressed.
• Provide brokerage and transport support to clients and their families, including transport to and from police stations, court and appointments.
• Follow up referrals with external agencies, clients and their families.
• Attend clients’ homes and other community locations to assist in locating clients, providing services and facilitating communication with legal representatives.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young peoples, including clients who are LGBTIQ+ or who have a disability.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal peoples combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices when considering service delivery and other support for clients, their families, communities and employees.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and deliver community legal education.
• Current NSW driver’s licence with the ability to travel independently and with passengers

Desirable

• Certificate IV in Youth Work, Community Services or similar

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.

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] using the subject line: Youth Officer, Children's Criminal Law Practice enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.