ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Paralegal will provide support to QAI’s Advocacy Practices and administration team, under the supervision of the chief Operating Officer and Principal Solicitor. The Paralegal will provide a high standard of information, referral and assessment to clients and organisations contacting QAI and is responsible for undertaking a wide range of client and administrative support duties. We seek a compassionate professional who thrives under pressure and excels in a fast-paced environment.

The position is full time on a fixed-term contract commencing from August 2024. The role falls under the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHDS Award) and will be paid at Level 4.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accept referrals from relevant stakeholders and take bookings for client advice appointments and/or for representation matters.
• Manage QAI’s advocates’ calendars, including booking client advice appointments and representation matters.
• Open client files, including performing intake and taking initial client instructions, entry into the client management database, preparation of electronic files and opening file correspondence.
• Provide support to QAI’s advocates for various matters including assisting with follow up with relevant stakeholders, tribunals, courts and clients as required.
• Assist with QAI’s pro bono volunteer solicitor matters as directed, including preparing briefs and liaising with clients and relevant stakeholders.
• Close client files, including liaising with the client post advice or representation and preparation of closing file letter and completing close file procedures to finalise client matters.
• Provision of information and referral in relation to enquiries for assistance.
• Answering telephones and emails and assisting with client intake across QAI’s Advocacy Practices.
• Perform relevant aspects of legal and practical research as required.
• Preparation of submissions, court documents and legal correspondence under the supervision of the Principal Solicitor and QAI advocates.
• At times, provide extended assistance to clients within the scope of QAI’s Advocacy.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

• Strong commitment to human rights, social justice and diversity
• Experience as a paralegal, or experience in office administration in a legal environment
• Strong computer competency and proficient in the use of Microsoft Office 365 including, word, excel and outlook
• Attention to detail and highly developed organisational skills to identify priorities, manage workload, and maintain records within a resource-poor community legal service.
• Willingness to undergo a criminal history screening.

Desirable

• Lived experience of disability.
• Previous experience at a Community Legal Centre and/or with the Community Legal Assistance Services System (CLASS), would be advantageous
• Experience working with people with mental health impairments or disability.

About Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion

We are an independent organisation that advocates for the protection and advancement of the needs, rights and lives of people with disability in Queensland.

We are a registered Charity and community legal centre that works to uphold the principles of fundamental human rights, social justice and inclusion in community life.

We provide advocacy to individuals through our three advocacy practices and this work informs our systemic advocacy that engages in campaigns and submissions directed at changing attitudes, law and policy.

WHY WORK FOR QAI

We are an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion within our workplace and were the first organisation to opt in to being bound by the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld). We encourage First Nations people and people with disability to apply as the position would benefit from a person with lived experiences.

Applicants are encouraged to request reasonable adjustments if required to assist the application and recruitment process. We pride ourselves on fostering a friendly and supportive workplace culture, as we take the well-being of our staff seriously.

Our well-being program includes staff activities such as walks by the river, yoga or potluck lunches, creating opportunities to connect with each other and take a break from our screens.

We also offer salary sacrificing options, a flexible work environment, professional supervision, paid parental leave and portable long service leave, which is now standard across the sector.

A position description is attached.

QAI is willing to customise the role to facilitate candidates with disability.

To be considered for this role, you must address the essential selection criteria.

Please address any questions to Megan, Chief Operating Officer on 07 3844 4200 or email [email protected], using the subject line: Paralegal / Graduate Solicitor enquiry via EthicalJobs.