ABOUT US

Social Security Rights Victoria (SSRV) is an independent, state-wide community legal centre that specialises in social security and related law, policy and administration. Our vision is for a fair and just society in which all people are able to receive a guaranteed adequate income in order to enjoy a decent standard of living. SSRV's team of legal and other professionals provide legal and related services to vulnerable and disadvantaged Victorians, and those who support them, which assist them to secure and protect their rights to equitable social security entitlements.

THE ROLE

The Community Lawyer works as part of a small team in a specialist community legal centre. Responsibilities include:

• Develop and maintain knowledge of relevant legislation, policy, practices and resources relevant to the role.
• Provide high quality legal information, advice, casework and representation services.
• Provide information, advice, secondary consultation and casework support, as appropriate, to community lawyers and workers who are assisting their clients with social security matters.
• Maintain accurate and current client records and an appropriate case management system, including undertaking regular file reviews
• Maintain client and service data, monitoring and reporting records as required.
• Participate in regular supervision, casework and staff meetings.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of community legal education activities and resources.
• Contribute to identifying and responding to systemic trends and issues arising from casework and stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to stakeholder engagement and networks.
• Contribute to disaster legal need assessment, preparedness and response initiatives as relevant.
• Positively undertake continuous improvement, monitoring and evaluation, planning and reporting activities as directed and relevant to the role.
• Participate in professional development to develop and improve legal and non-legal skills.
• Undertake administrative tasks related to role and other duties as directed by management.

WE ARE SEEKING

• A qualified legal practitioner, eligible to practice in Victoria, with an understanding of and/or ability to develop expertise in relevant areas of law and practice, specifically social security and administrative law.
• Sound legal advice and casework skills.
• Experience in working with and developing effective relationships with a diverse range of clients and other stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Someone who is flexible and proactive, with strong organisational, time management and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in using Microsoft Office programs and databases.

For enquiries about the Community Lawyer position, please call the SSRV Chief Executive Officer on (03) 9481 0299 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Community Lawyer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.