Migration Solicitor Opportunity

Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) provides high quality legal and social support services to women, specialising in the areas of family law, domestic violence, child protection, financial abuse legal protection and sexual assault though our counselling notes protect program. The service is committed to the creation of a society in which every woman:-

• Is safe from violence;
• Is able to tell her story, have it heard and respected; and
• Receives a fair and just outcome from legal and social welfare systems.

WLSQ’s Temporary Visa Pilot Program (TVPP) Team supports women on temporary visas who are experiencing domestic and family violence. Through this program, family law and immigration legal support is provided to women who are eligible for assistance.
This role is responsible for undertaking direct legal services and conducting complex migration matters within the TVPP team.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Key Responsibilities:

• Undertake the delivery of migration legal services as a member of the TVPP team:-
• • Provide high quality legal advice, case work and representation in the area of migration law to women who hold a temporary visa (including bridging visa or no visa), who are experiencing domestic and family violence and are financially disadvantaged.
  • Represent clients in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Federal Circuit Court and Federal Court of Australia, Magistrates Court and Children's Court as a solicitor advocate or briefing counsel where appropriate.
  • Prioritise eligibility for the services of the domestic violence unit by reference to WLSQ policy, including priority access for women who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or of a Culturally or Linguistically Diverse background or have a disability (priority access groups).
  • Provide services to women through a trauma informed practice framework.
  • Provide legal services in accordance with WLSQ policy and practice according to the Risk Management Guide.
• To work collaboratively with TVPP Staff to provide case management support to vulnerable women experiencing domestic violence, including:-
  
  • Providing holistic services to TVPP clients, taking into account the legal and social needs of the client while supporting her to obtain safety from domestic violence.
  • Develop and maintain stakeholder engagement with key agencies who work with priority access groups.
• Undertake the provision of legal services in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the legal professional and the mandatory requirements under the National Association of Community Legal Centers Australia (CLCA) Risk Management Guide.
• Advise the Team Leader and Practice Director on issues relating to operational and/or legal risk.
• Work collaboratively with WLSQ social workers and other staff to provide legal information and guidance and to consult with other staff to provide appropriate non-legal referrals as required.
• Ensure risk assessment and safety considerations are routinely and comprehensively addressed in legal work undertaken providing support, information and advice to clients experiencing domestic violence.
• Liaise with external agencies and make client referrals where services are more appropriately provided or should be supplemented through accessing another service.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of community legal education and law reform activities of WLSQ as required.
• Foster a collaborative team culture for staff and volunteers which is professional, productive and supportive and consistent with the WLSQ Values and feminist principles.
• Any other tasks as requested by the Team Leader and/or Practice Director.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

This role requires the incumbent to have a clear National Police Check.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Eligibility to hold an Unrestricted Solicitor’s Practising Certificate and a minimum of 4 years’ post admission experience in migration law is a requirement.
• Demonstrated knowledge and legal practice experience in migration law is required, including drafting relevant court documents, advice and appearance work and management of files is required.
• Demonstrated technical competence in the area of migration law and refugee law, including protection visa matters.
• Experience in advocacy with the Department of Home Affairs and at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
• Experience in litigation and court advocacy in the Federal Circuit Court and Federal Court of Australia, Magistrates Court and Children's Court.
• Additional skills or experience in family law, domestic violence, child protection and/or child support would be beneficial.
• A high level of knowledge of referrals both legal and non-legal that are appropriate for women who experience domestic violence and migration law matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work sensitively with clients from diverse backgrounds including vulnerable clients including those:
  • Who may have experienced domestic violence and/or trauma;
  • With a disability;
  • From culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and/or
  • From Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
• Well-developed relationship management and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to engage with a range of audiences and stakeholders internal and external to WLSQ with the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of legal and social issues affecting women, particularly the gendered nature of domestic violence.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of WLSQ and an ability to work within a feminist framework.
• It is a genuine occupational requirement for this position that the incumbent be a woman (section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

EMPLOYEE WELLBEING:

The work performed by WLSQ involves providing legal and social support services to women and their children impacted by Domestic and Family Violence and / or Sexual Violence. All staff employed by WLSQ will be privy to or will take part in conversations with people who have experienced traumatic situations and it is likely some of our clients may still be experiencing the effects of trauma. In addition to the regular and comprehensive training and support provided by WLSQ, you will have to be mindful of your personal wellbeing and employ strategies to minimise impacts (if any) on your wellbeing.

WORK, HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES:

All staff are required to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of other personnel who may be affected by their conduct. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Participating in the development of a safe and healthy workplace.
• Complying with instructions given for your own health and safety and that of others, in adhering to safe work procedures.
• Cooperating with the leadership team in its fulfilment of its legislative obligations.
• Taking reasonable care to ensure your own health and safety and that of others, and to abide by your duty of care provided for in the legislation.
• Reporting any injury, hazard or illness immediately, where practical to your supervisor.
• Not place others at risk by any act or omission.
• Not wilfully or recklessly interfere with safety equipment.

In addition, each staff member is expected to:

• Gain the respect and active cooperation of the team and other staff.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively towards the WLSQ strategy.
• Adhere to the vision and values of WLSQ.

WLSQ CULTURE:

WLSQ is a community organisation operating within a feminist framework in a manner consistent with the mission, purpose and values of WLSQ. Organisational values are informed by feminist principles – respectful, inclusive, collaborative, open and accountable and working in an environment where women and children’s safety is prioritised.

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

Salary Packaging: Take advantage of not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximize your take-home pay.
Remuneration package: Includes statutory super and attractive salary sacrifice options.

Career Development: Access to career and professional development opportunities, including conferences, events, and a dedicated training and supervision budget.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling services available for you and your family.

Additional Leave Entitlements: Enjoy additional paid parental leave and extra leave during the Christmas and New Year period.

Flexible Work Arrangements: We’re open to discussing how we can tailor this role to fit your needs.

Inclusive Work Culture: Be part of a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.

Ongoing Training: Participate in continuous training programs throughout the year to enhance your skills.

On-Site Amenities: Enjoy complimentary snacks and fresh fruit available in the workplace

APPLY NOW!

To apply for this position, click on 'Apply now' and upload a copy of your cover letter and CV.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.