Opportunity for an enthusiastic and diligent Paralegal has become available to join our legal team in Sydneyin January 2025. This is an opportunity for the right candidate to be part of a reputable organisation with fantastic career progression and professional development prospects. We particularly encourage law students or recent law graduates from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background to apply. Part time hours, attractive remuneration package and access to salary packaging. 

About Knowmore

Knowmore is a nation-wide independent community legal centre providing free legal information, advice, representation and referrals, education and systemic advocacy for victims and survivors of child abuse.

Knowmore uses a multidisciplinary model bringing together lawyers, intake officers, social workers and counsellors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement advisors and financial counsellors to provide trauma-informed, client-centred and culturally safe legal assistance to clients. Services are provided through a national phone line and face-to-face services in key locations, supported by a comprehensive program of outreach and community engagement across Australia. 

About the Role

This role will provide full paralegal and administrative support to the Legal Team in assisting clients who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse. This role may have direct service delivery responsibilities, therefor it is expected that the person in this role will have a general understanding of the work at Knowmoreand of the needs of Knowmore’s clients and act appropriately.

Duties and Responsibilities - Providing full paralegal assistance including but not limited to:

• Assisting lawyers with the day-to-day management of client files including the recording of information into the database.
• Assisting with drafting of correspondence and documents.
• Undertaking legal and other required research.
• Coordinating record requests and related enquires.
• Analysing client records to assist with statement preparation.
• Liaising with Knowmore panel lawyers in relation to arrangements for compensation referrals.
• Collating records and information for external referrals.
• Liaising with other external service providers in relation to client matters.
• Assisting clients with enquires and coordinating both internal and external appointments.
• Assisting with drafting and revision of client and community legal education materials.
• Perform routine and general office and administration duties, including the preparation and sending of mail, in accordance with Knowmore policies and procedures.

Selection Criteria

• Maintain a flexible collegial and professional approach to working within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Maintain ability to work independently and also contribute positively as a part of a team.
• Maintain a high level of attention to detail in all activities but especially in record keeping, data entry and filing.
• Maintain high standards of discretion and show the ability to handle difficult situations with tact and sensitivity and when necessary refer to a more appropriate colleague.
• Work creatively to develop or adapt systems to increase efficient working. 

Organisational obligations

• Share our values and have a strong commitment to improving the lives of survivors of child abuse
• First Nations cultural competency – to work in ways that recognise and counteract privilege and bias, and appreciate the values, traditions, belief systems, and experience of First Nations People
• Demonstrate an active and dedicated commitment to Knowmore’s Purpose, Vision and Values
• Commitment to working within and supporting Knowmore’s practice framework (trauma-informed culturally safe, person-centred)
• Comply with Knowmore’s Policies and Procedures. 
• Observe all legal and legislative requirements. 
• Ensure a high level of confidentiality and integrity. 
• Assist in the development of, and participate in Knowmore’s initiatives, projects and events. 
• Cultivate productive and collaborative working relationships and outcomes through open and inclusive planning, continuous improvement and transparent work practices.
• Liaise with others in a professional, respectful, and constructive manner.

Location & Hours

• The role is based in Sydney
• Part-time hours (3 days per week)
• Ongoing contract – subject to the funding of the Knowmore service

Benefits

A competitive salary commensurate with the not for profit sector is offered together with the availability of salary packaging to achieve a tax effective total salary package. In addition to being a flexible workplace, knowmore offers 12% superannuation (0.5% above the SGC), 4 weeks annual leave, including annual leave loading.

Employees have access to a training and development opportunities as well as our Employee Assistance Program.

Additionally, Knowmore offers the ability to partially work from home to facilitate a balanced work life.

Meet Aunty Glendra 

Aunty Glendra Stubbs is a Wiradjuri woman and an Elder in Residence at Knowmore. She has been supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients since Knowmore began in 2013. In this video, Aunty Glendra shares her story about working at Knowmore and supporting her clients on their journey. See the video below.

How to apply

Further Information about Knowmore is available at www.knowmore.org.au

If this sounds like an opportunity you would be interested, please click the "Apply Now" button.

Your application must include:

• A cover letter outlining why you are applying for this position and your responses to the key selection criteria (maximum of four pages)
• A resume with your skills, experience and qualifications

There is no application closing date but interviews may be conducted as applications are received.

The role will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Records Check and Working with Children 

Due to the volume of anticipated applications, only successful applicants will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted as applications are received.

Agencies please note: This recruitment assignment is being managed directly by Knowmore. We do not require extra assistance at this time