If you have high level practice leadership, strategic, and project management skills and are committed to equal justice for vulnerable and marginalised people, we have a compelling opportunity to make a difference.

About First Step Legal

First Step Legal (FSL) operates as a Health Justice Partnership (HJP) within First Step, a not for profit mental health and addiction clinic in St Kilda. FSL is a unique Community Legal Centre providing pro bono, legal advice and representation to among the most marginalised in the community. Whilst FSL is embedded within First Step, FSL recently expanded to 3 additional HJPs - Windana Therapeutic Community, Star Health and Alfred Health (MH Outpatients).

FSL practices predominantly in relation to criminal law, family law and family violence matters. Assistance is also provided with infringement, debt, VOCAT and other matters on an ad hoc basis. FSL comprises a small, recently expanded team comprising: Director Legal Services, Principal Lawyer, a criminal lawyer, a family lawyer, a legal case manager, legal administrator and several volunteer paralegals. We have recently embedded a social worker in our practice.

FSL’s vision is to increase access to justice for clients struggling with mental health and addiction issues, to enable them to access supports to rebuild and improve their lives and to achieve legal and court outcomes supportive of their continued recovery and rehabilitation in the community. FSL also works to champion HJPs and therapeutic, compassionate legal practice via law reform and advocacy opportunities.

About the Role

There’s a lot going on at FSL currently. This new role of Practice Manager is designed to lead FSL through the next phase, following an exciting expansion of staff and services in 2020. We see this role as key to maintaining our momentum. You will provide high level Practice, Strategic and Policy support for FSL, ensuring we achieve our strategic goals for clients in a safe and supportive team environment. Additionally, you will help steer an HJP Evaluation and consolidate the data transition to Action Step, to ensure compliance with our new CLSP funding grant guidelines.

You will have guidance from the Director of Legal Services, Consultants, working collaboratively with HJP Stakeholders, as well as the Principal Lawyer, who manages the legal team. You will directly manage the Principal Lawyer and the Embedded Social Worker and co-manage the legal administrative staff.

To learn about First Step Legal, visit www.firststep.org.au/first_step_legal

Salary and Conditions

This is a Flexible Part-time position (0.6 FTE, 22.8 hrs per/week subject to negotiation) for a fixed term of two years. This role is subject to a 6 month probationary period. Conditions are set out under the HCSSP Award. Salary is negotiable, subject to skills and experience.

To submit your application click the Apply Now button.

A position description is attached.

For further information please contact Dawn Rees, Consultant e: [email protected] using the subject line: Practice Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Applications for this position will close as soon as a suitable candidate is sourced.