Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre is seeking an additional appropriately experienced solicitor to deliver its Family Violence Prevention Legal Service (FVPLS).

This service supports Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander women and families impacted by family, domestic & sexual violence (FDSV).

With a full time solicitor on site, this role can be undertaken remotely in part, and will require some travel to Fitzroy Crossing / Broome / other locations. Flexible employment and contract terms are on offer for the right candidate.

Taking a trauma-informed and decolonised approach, the FVPLS functions as one of a range of innovative programs delivered by the Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre, an established and respected Aboriginal Organisation in the Central Kimberley which stands for positive change for women and families.

The role is part of a close-knit multidisciplinary team delivering a holistic person-centred service. In addition to providing legal representation and support to clients, the role also requires you to work alongside professionals from non-legal fields that deliver therapeutic supports to women and families impacted by family, domestic & sexual violence (FDSV).

Primary areas of legal service delivery required in the role relate to family and domestic violence, family law, child protection matters, criminal injuries compensation and a degree of flexibility to assist in other civil areas that meet the goal of supporting families. Complimentary to legal service delivery, the role also assists to deliver community legal education and other outreach work in remote communities.

Marninwarntikura invites candidates with energy, drive and vision to apply for the position. The role is one that provides scope to use your legal skills to effect positive change for vulnerable people.

Applicants for the role should have:

• At least 2 years post admission experience – preferably in family violence, family law or other related civil areas of practice;
• The ability to hold a WA unrestricted practicing certificate;
• A commitment to providing access to justice and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, history and culture; and
• Sufficient resilience and maturity for practice in a remote area.

As the only practicing legal office in Fitzroy Crossing you will have excellent opportunity to help shape future legal service delivery in the area as part of a multidisciplinary practice. A generous remuneration package with a range of benefits – including subsidised housing, salary sacrifice and strong supports in the organisation is on offer to the right candidate.

• Legal Practice
  • Coordinate the provision of culturally appropriate legal services to vulnerable clients across the Fitzroy Crossing and surrounding communities in the Fitzroy Valley region.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable legal practice laws, rules, guidelines and contractual requirements.
  • Develop and maintain legal practice policies, procedures and systems to facilitate an efficient and effective practice.
• Community Legal Education and outreach
  • Oversee the identification of community legal education priorities and the development and delivery of outreach & education programs & initiatives.
• Community and stakeholder engagement

In conjunction with the Legal Unit manager:

• Participate in community networks and build/maintain relationships with referring agencies, key organisations, community leaders and local people relevant to legal issues.
• Initiate and/or participate in collaborative efforts with other service providers or organisations in delivering legal services.
• Professional Development
  • Undertake professional development activities to maintain and enhance the knowledge and skills required to fulfil the key responsibilities of the position.

Selection Criteria

Essential

1. Eligibility to hold an unrestricted practising certificate in Western Australia.
2. Well-developed casework and advocacy experience in one or more of the following: family and domestic violence, family law, child protection and relevant civil law.
3. Ability to coordinate legal services and programs.
4. Highly developed written and interpersonal communication skills and ability to apply these skills with a diverse range of people, groups and organisations.
5. Understanding and commitment to principles of social justice and to working effectively with Indigenous people.
6. Experience in advising and representing people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
7. Personal resilience, adaptability and ability to meet the challenges of remote service delivery

Desirable

1. Experience in a community legal practice setting and/or community-based organisation, ideally in a multidisciplinary context.
2. Current driver’s licence valid for use in WA.

For more information on our organisation visit mwrc.com.au.

To apply for this position, please click Apply Now.