Who we are

Queensland South Native Title Services (QSNTS) is the native title service provider funded by the Australian Government under Part 11 of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA) to perform the functions of a native title representative body for the Southern and Western Queensland Region. QSNTS is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.

QSNTS is a native title service provider with a proven track record of delivering positive outcomes for clients across our service lines. Over the last two decades, we have developed internal professional expertise as well as tested practices and procedures to improve service delivery. Our ‘Whole of Client by Whole of Organisation’ (WoC/WoO) service delivery method allows us to leverage the diversity of experience, skill and knowledge of specialists, from legal, administrative, anthropological, community liaison, finance, human resources and corporate backgrounds.

• ‘Whole of Client’ refers to a comprehensive approach to service a client’s needs by taking into account all aspects of their situation, including their goals, preferences, and circumstances, as well as any relevant external factors.  This approach involves understanding the client’s needs holistically and tailoring services and solutions to meet those needs. 
• ‘Whole of Organisation’ refers to a similar comprehensive approach, but in this case, it involves taking into account all aspects of QSNTS’ services, operations, goals, and culture when making decisions and taking actions.  This approach requires a deep understanding of QSNTS’ structure, processes, and values, as well as external factors that may impact operations.     

What you’ll be doing

As part of the QSNTS operations team and under the guidance of a qualified legal practitioner, assist in the delivery of a comprehensive and holistic legal service to support traditional owners to pursue their native title rights and interests under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA) and support Prescribed Bodies Corporate to manage their native title in the post-determination space.

Under the direction of the Deputy Principal Lawyer, you will be responsible for:

• The paralegal will work closely with interdisciplinary teams and assist in:
• • Performing research on case law and claim groups.
  • Assisting with preparation of legal documents, including native title determination and compensation applications, affidavits, interlocutory applications, legal submissions and reports, briefs to external lawyers and counsel, briefs to external consultants, and, memoranda.
  • Performing transcription duties.
  • Filing and service of court documents and delivery and retrieval of briefs to and from Barristers’ chambers.
  • Drafting correspondence and newsletters.
  • Assisting with preparation for meetings and attendance meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars.
  • Taking meeting minutes.
• Work collaboratively with the client management interdisciplinary team (CMT) to mitigate risks as they are identified and apply project management methodologies to achieve outcomes and facilitate continuous improvement:  
  • Assist in the planning and development, implementation, monitoring, and review of client management plans;
  • Provide regular updates to the CMT, on matter-related activity, progress, and identified risks; and
  • Assist the CMT with basic project management activities to support the smooth delivery of allocated client management plans. 
• Engage in and promote QSNTS’ Whole of Client/Whole of Organisation service delivery strategy to support the realisation of QSNTS’ Strategic Plan objectives.
• Manage records and correspondence in accordance with QSNTS information management standards and record management system requirements.
• Ensure the currency of the information on Monday.com relating to allocated matters.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of, actively promote and update QSNTS TraKSDatabase. 

Requirements

• Excellent attention to detail
• Sound oral and written communication skills, and excellent telephone manner.
• Proficiency on a windows platform and skills and experience using a range of software packages including the Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise tasks.
• Demonstrated initiative, self-motivation and the ability to meet competing deadlines.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Able and willing to undertake regular travel throughout Queensland.
• Have a current open driver’s licence.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the cultural, political, economic, environmental and social issues affecting First Nations people.
• Previous experience in a paralegal role.

Conditions of Employment

It is a condition of employment with QSNTS that you:

• Work in a safe manner and not put yourself or others at risk of injury or illness.
• Are committed to privacy and confidentiality.

Follow instructions, and act in accordance with QSNTS policy and procedures.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the key responsibilities and requirements listed above. If you have any questions about this job opportunity, please contact Capability Division on (07) 3224 1200.

Note: This position is based in Brisbane, Queensland, and involves travel to other locations within the Southern and Western Queensland Region.