• St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
  
• Not-for-Profit, Community Services
  
• Attractive salary + super+ salary packaging, Part time (Fixed-term) 0.60FTE, Reporting to the Manager and Principal Lawyer
  
• As per SCHADS Level 5

ORGANISATIONAL OVERVIEW

Council on the Ageing (COTA Victoria) is the leading not-for-profit organisation representing the interests and rights of people aged over 50 in Victoria. For nearly 70 years in Victoria, we have led government, corporate and community thinking about the positive aspects of ageing.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) provides leadership across Victoria by addressing and responding to older people experiencing abuse. Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person, carried out by someone they trust such as family or friends. Elder abuse may be physical, sexual, financial, psychological, social and/or neglect.

The service provides information, advice and support relating to elder abuse to older Victorians, their friends and family members and services through telephone information and referral, specialist legal services, individual short-term advocacy and support.

SRV is a program of COTA Victoria.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) provides leadership across Victoria by using its expertise gained over 10 years to help prevent and respond to older people experiencing abuse. As a Community Lawyer you will part of a small team assisting older people who have experienced elder abuse by providing legal advice, casework, representation to SRV clients, referral and advocacy as required. You will work alongside the Advocacy team to deliver an integrated and holistic service to older people experiencing abuse.

As part of our Health Justice Partnership, you will be responsible for engaging with older people through our outreach legal advice clinic and providing training and education to community and professionals in the relevant catchments. You may also be required to contribute to organisational and sector-wide policy and advocacy initiatives related to elder law, family violence and elder abuse.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide high quality legal advice and information on elder abuse issues to clients (face to face and by telephone, and as part of a Health Justice Partnership) in accordance with SRV guidelines, and COTA Victoria policies and procedures.
• Undertake legal casework for clients in areas of the law relating to elder abuse under the supervision of the Principal Lawyer and in accordance with SRV guidelines and COTA Victoria policies and procedures.
• Represent clients where required and appropriate in family violence and other civil matters relating to property, guardianship, administration and powers of attorney.
• Prepare briefs to Counsel and instruct Counsel on a broad range of matters relating to elder abuse
• Provide secondary consultation, legal information and advice to community workers or lawyers about options and legal remedies for their clients who may be experiencing elder abuse.
• Provide information to family and community members on elder abuse issues in accordance with service guidelines.
• Develop and present community and professional education, information and training as part of a Health Justice Partnership.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of legal and community education programs and materials or publications to raise awareness and promote prevention of elder abuse.
• Contribute to systemic advocacy, law reform and other projects in collaboration with key partners and stakeholders.
• Fulfil organisational responsibilities:
  • Record client data and produce case notes and legal advice records as required in timely manner.
  • Collaborate with Advocacy team to deliver an integrated service.
  • Participate in team meetings and supervision, and in appropriate professional development and training.
  • Collaborate with other COTA Victoria teams and staff as required.
• Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Mandatory:

• Admitted to practice as an Australian Lawyer and the holder (or be eligible to hold) a current practising certificate in Victoria under the Legal Profession Uniform Law

Professional:

• At least two years’ post-admission case work experience, preferably with experience in elder law or related areas (intervention orders, property law, Powers of Attorney, guardianship etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to represent clients in relevant courts and tribunals.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice law, and interest in the prevention of elder abuse.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to deliver professional and community education.
• Strong information technology skills, including ability to produce and manage documentation and files electronically, and learn new systems as required.

Personal:

• Excellent interpersonal skills, preferably with experience working with older people in all their diversity, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and LGBTI background.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work in, and support, a cohesive multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, manage timelines and work with conflicting deadlines and priorities.
• Current Victorian driver’s license and accepted for insurance coverage.

Please refer to the Position Description attached for further detailed information.