The role

The Lawyer – Generalist and MHT Advocacy Program will provide legal assistance to clients in our Generalist and MHT Advocacy Programs, with a particular focus on mental health, infringements, NDIS, tenancy, guardianship and administration, child protection, intervention orders, freedom of information, Commonwealth benefits and family law, along with other areas relevant to disadvantaged communities, such as summary crime and civil law.

The Lawyer will be required to attend at outreach court, tribunal, hospital and stakeholder venues to provide advice, consultations, case work and advocacy in various practice areas.

The Lawyer – Generalist and MHT Advocacy Program will also deliver education sessions, proactively network with key stakeholders, identify systemic issues and think strategically.

The incumbent will have the opportunity to provide their clients with a wraparound legal service, working collaboratively with community services and partners.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with exceptional organisational and communication skills, energy and vision. A core part of the Lawyer's role will be to ensure that the project targets as listed and identified in the project agreements are delivered within project plans and reported to the Coordinating Lawyer and Leadership Team.

Mental Health Legal Centre Overview

The Mental Health Legal Centre (MHLC) is an independent, not-for-profit, specialist legal centre in Victoria.

For over thirty-five years, MHLC has delivered accessible legal services to consumers of mental health services and to people who are incarcerated. We deliver community education and advocate for systematic change that enhances the rights of people experiencing mental health issues.

Our multidisciplinary team (law, paralegal, and financial counselling) provide a range of innovative services in the community, in treatment facilities and in prisons.

We recognise that health and legal issues do not occur in isolation, and we work in partnership with other agencies to provide integrated services that address the needs of some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

MHLC is an inclusive employer. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQ+ and culturally diverse communities encouraged to apply.

Enquiries can be directed to Kate Windmill, Principal Lawyer via [email protected] using the subject line: Lawyer - Generalist / MHT Advocacy Program enquiry via EthicalJobs or via 03 9629 4422.

A position description is attached.