ALS Justice Projects, Policy & Practice

Flexible NSW location. Full-time, fixed term for 12 months.

This is an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander identified position, which is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977

The ALS is seeking senior staff for its new policy, advocacy and justice projects. These roles would suit experienced staff and project managers who are able to lead a unit of 5-7 staff.

The projects focus on implementing the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and community-led justice reforms for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

About the ALS

Born out of a protest movement, the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited is the primary legal service for Aboriginal people in NSW and the ACT. Our vision is to achieve social justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.

It’s an exciting time for the ALS, with both our services and teams growing significantly. We recently received additional government funding to deliver a range of new programs aimed at addressing systemic issues and driving structural reforms. This is creating unprecedented opportunities for the ALS and our communities.

We offer a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment. We’re passionate about what we do and we work hard. The ALS values the health and wellbeing of our employees, and we are proud to offer flexible work practices. Staff can choose to take advantage of benefits including salary packaging to maximise take-home pay.

About the Role: Manager, Justice Reform Projects

The Justice Reform Projects unit is responsible for delivering the Therapeutic Pathways for Children and Aboriginal Community Throughcare Strategy programs, two large-scale policy reviews to be delivered in partnership with the NSW Department of Communities & Justice (DCJ).

Therapeutic Pathways for Children: The ALS will lead a project aimed at establishing therapeutic pathways to appropriately address the underlying factors which bring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in contact with the criminal legal system. This project is a necessary first step to develop an alternative approach to current criminal legal responses. The ALS will work alongside DCJ and an external consultant to deliver two project elements:

1. Engaging with Aboriginal communities and service providers to assess what changes to systems and services are needed to better address the underlying causes of young people coming into contact with the criminal process.
2. Developing recommendations for new therapeutic alternatives to the criminal legal system.

Aboriginal Community Throughcare Strategy: In partnership with DCJ and an external consultant, the ALS will engage Aboriginal communities, government agencies and non-government stakeholders to deliver a three-phase project aimed at increasing culturally appropriate pre-and post-release support for Aboriginal adults and young people in contact with the criminal legal system:

1. Audit & Scan: Map existing pre- and post-release programs, assess cultural appropriateness and efficacy, identify service gaps, and highlight opportunities to expand community control.
2. Supporting Community Programs: Identify opportunities to increase support for existing throughcare programs already achieving positive results, particularly services provided by Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, to act as case studies in the development of a state-wide throughcare model.
3. Strategy Development: Develop and deliver a NSW Aboriginal Community Throughcare Strategy, setting out an actionable pathway to ensure all Aboriginal people have access to culturally appropriate and effective throughcare services.

The Manager of this unit will have specialist knowledge of the criminal legal system, experience delivering complex policy reviews, strong professional networks, an understanding of government and public policy, and the ability to see projects through from end to end.

How to Apply:

1. Send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

Applications Close 11:59pm Friday 1 December 2023