The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is an independent statutory office established to protect the rights and interests of adults with impaired decision-making capacity, and children and young people in the child protection system and other visitable sites. Join us as we protect, support, advocate, educate and empower, to build a Queensland where our most vulnerable community members can live with dignity. Please visit the OPG website to learn more.

• Flexible full-time
• PO3 Classification
• Cairns or Brisbane Location

about the role

Legal Officers (Child Advocates) undertake child advocacy functions, as delegated by the Public Guardian, for children/young people in the child protection system in accordance with the Public Guardian Act 2014.

key responsibilities

• Perform child advocacy functions, for children and young people (in less complex matters) in the child protection system in areas of law such as child protection, youth justice, education, human rights and administrative law.

• Advise, assist and support children and young people (with guidance) to uphold their rights, access information about decisions, and ensure their views and wishes are heard in family group meetings, court ordered conferences and hearings.

• Advocate for children and young people (in less complex matters) in meetings, the Children’s Court and the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) so that their views are considered in decision-making.

• Build and sustain positive relationships with team members and external stakeholders.

• Ensure all work complies with data entry and reporting requirements and meets all other corporate and professional responsibilities.

mandatory qualifications and conditions

You must have a law degree from a recognised tertiary institution and be admitted, or you must be eligible for immediate admission as a legal practitioner in Queensland.

You must possess a C class driver’s licence.

A mandatory condition of this role is a Working with Children Check clearance (Blue Card). If you do not already have one, OPG can guide you on how to apply.

It is desirable that applicants have a minimum of 12 months post-admission professional experience in relevant areas of law.

A position description is attached.