Job Summary
- $64 - $66.54 per hour
- Applications close:
- Job posted on: 9th Oct 2024
- Brisbane & Gold Coast > South Brisbane
The Principal Solicitor plays a key leadership role in supervising and managing the staff and operations of QAI’s Human Rights Advocacy Practice (HRAP). Under the National Association of Community Legal Centres' (NACLC) Risk Management Guide, the Principal Solicitor has responsibility for ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, and for maintaining the standards and accountability outlined in the Guide.
The Principal Solicitor will lead the provision of expert legal advice and casework support in line with the scope of QAI’s legal services, encompassing critical areas impacting vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, including Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld), Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 (Qld), Mental Health Act 2016 (Qld), Forensic Disability Act 2011 (Qld), Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth).
The Principal Solicitor plays a critical role in identifying and pursuing strategic litigation opportunities that advance the rights of people with disability and those affected by discrimination or injustice. Through both direct legal service delivery and broader advocacy efforts, the Principal Solicitor will work to achieve systemic change in line with QAI’s purpose to promote and protect human rights in Queensland.
Essential:
experienced, unrestricted lawyer with at least five years’ experience in legal practice in Queensland, or extensive management experience
experience in a supervisory role in legal practice and the ability to manage effectively
strong commitment to human rights, social justice and diversity
demonstrated ability to establish and develop projects
excellent interpersonal & verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate sensitively with staff, clients and other people from diverse backgrounds
Desirable:
previous experience at a Community Legal Centre, Legal Aid or Aboriginal Torres strait Islander Legal Service would be advantageous
highly developed legal casework, advocacy and negotiation skills
excellent written and oral communication skills to a wide variety of audiences, including to people with mental illness, intellectual disability and cognitive impairment
highly developed organisational skills to identify priorities, manage workload, and maintain records within a resource-poor community-based service
good knowledge of the welfare and/or disability sector/s with understanding of the vulnerabilities experienced by people with disability
ability to work independently or collaboratively as part of a team to achieve positive outcomes
ability to collaborate with external stakeholders and build long lasting partnerships
ability to work non-confrontationally, yet reason and argue assertively on important issues on behalf of people with disability
ability to exercise initiative and judgment within the sphere of work to plan, coordinate, implement and evaluate work in a strategic way
driven by integrity, responsibility, accountability, attention to detail and pride in work
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.
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 people with disability and First Nations people to apply as the position would benefit from a person with lived experiences. Applicants are encouraged to request reasonable adjustments if required to assist with 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 access to our Employee Assistance Program and 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 work in an accessible office with a focus on providing good ergonomics, including electric sit/stand desks and individual Occupational Therapy assessments.
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: Principal Solicitor enquiry via EthicalJobs.