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.

• Fixed-term temporary, flexible full-time position
• PO5 Classification
• CBD location, close to public transport

about the role

As the Principal Legal Officer (Guardianship), you will advocate and make supported and substituted decisions on legal matters for adults with impaired capacity, while supervising legal officers. You will be required to provide advice and assistance to the Public Guardian (and their delegates) in relation to guardianship matters.

key responsibilities:

• Provide advice and assistance to the Public Guardian (and their delegates) in relation to guardianship matters, as required.
• Undertake complex advocacy and timely supported and substituted decision making for adults with impaired decision‑making capacity for legal matters in areas of law such as: criminal law; mental health; child protection; domestic and family violence; dangerous prisoners; and family law.
• Provide instructions to, and assist instructed legal representatives to support clients to receive the best possible outcomes as a result of their interactions with justice and legal system.
• Advocate, negotiate and ensure that decision‑making processes for clients are in compliance with applicable legislation.
• Attend and/or appear on behalf of the Public Guardian at court or tribunal appearances, as required.
• Supervise a team of legal officers and provide mentoring and advice on the exercise of structured decision-making.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders, including fostering ongoing professional development of the team.

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.
• It is desirable that applicants have a minimum of 5 years post-admission professional experience in relevant areas of law.

A position description is attached.