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 safety matters, financial abuse legal protection and sexual assault though our counselling notes protect program. WLSQ 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.

The role is responsible for undertaking direct client services to WLSQ clients in family law, domestic violence and child protection, including more complex matters, while supervising the legal work, guiding and ensuring the professional development and training of all staff within the Case Work team.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Key Responsibilities:

A. Supervising the Case Work team of employed solicitors and legal support staff

Manage and supervise a team of professional and administrative staff including:

• Developing and maintaining professional develop plans (PDPs).
• Providing support and consultation for staff on complex legal matters.
• Management of staffing issues, including legal support staff issues in consultation with the Practice Director.
• Ensuring the provision of and compliance with mandatory training and CPD requirements to develop the skills of all team members.
• Coordinate workflows and workloads to ensure the smooth running of the team, appropriate utilisation of people and performance against case work and task targets.
• Oversee the provision of quality legal and non-legal work, including conducting file reviews and quality audits, facilitating case management meetings and investigating client complaints.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection, induction and training of solicitors and legal support staff in consultation with the Practice Director and ensure that clear performance expectations are set on commencement.
• Develop, implement and ensure compliance with a case work criteria and referral process.
• Develop, deliver and facilitate continuing professional development to WLSQ employees, volunteers and external stakeholders.
• Supervising and working collaboratively with specialist Domestic Violence unit staff employed in the Case Work team to provide cases management support to vulnerable women experiencing domestic violence, including:-

• Providing holistic services to clients of the domestic violence unit, taking into account the legal and social needs of the client while supporting her to obtain safety from domestic violence; and
• Develop and maintain stakeholder engagement with key agencies who work with priority access groups.

B. Undertaking the delivery of WLSQ legal services as a member of the Case Work team:

• Provide legal advice, case work and representation in the areas of family law, domestic violence and child protection.
• Represent clients in the Family Court, Federal Circuit Court, 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.
• Provide duty lawyer services for domestic violence matters to designated Magistrates Courts.
  

C. Assist with and maintain the Health Justice Partnerships in and around the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay regions and other health provider sites as appropriate:

• Assist with the promotion of the partnership(s), referral pathways and accessibility of the legal service that WLSQ provides.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders and other allied health service sites in the catchments and at other health provider sites as appropriate, including the following health services:
  
  • Gold Coast University Hospital;
  • Robina Hospital;
  • Caboolture Hospital;
  • Redcliffe Hospital;
  • Young Mothers and Young Women – Caboolture.
• Identify and build professional relationships within the health partnership setting(s).
• Work with health partners to identify and document trends and systemic issues arising from the partnership(s), which may have implications for policy, program or law reform.

D. Undertaking management and leadership functions in accordance with the WLSQ policy:

• Ensure that the provision of the legal services by the Case Work team complies with the laws and regulations governing the legal professional and the mandatory requirements under the National Association of Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) Risk Management Guide.
• Advise the 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 nonlegal 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 Practice Director.

SELECTION CRITERIA / SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Eligibility to hold an Unrestricted Solicitor’s Practising Certificate and a minimum of 5 years’ post admission experience in family law and domestic violence, is a requirement.
• Demonstrated knowledge and legal practice experience in family law and domestic violence, including drafting relevant court documents and management of files is required. Experience in child protection and child support is desirable.
• High level knowledge of referrals both legal and non-legal that are appropriate for women who experience domestic violence and family 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.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and supervising a team of professional and administrative staff, including the provision of performance management and feedback, recruitment and other personnel or workforce requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in delivering legal service and meeting organisational objectives while fostering a respectful and inclusive working environment where health, safety and wellbeing are promoted and prioritised.
• 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.
• Being a woman is a genuine occupational requirement for this position (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

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

Successful applicants will be required to complete a National Police Check and to obtain a blue card.

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

Salary Packaging: Take advantage of not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximise your take-home pay.
Remuneration package: from $115,062 to $119,864 plus super per year plus 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.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact People and Culture Manager Carrie Zhu at phone 07 3392 0644 or email at [email protected], using the subject line: Team Leader - Case Work enquiry via EthicalJobs.