This is an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander identified position which is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorized under Part 42 - Genuine occupational qualifications - race (ACT Discrimination Act, 1991) 

Primary purpose of the role 
 The primary responsibility of the Field Officer, Family Violence Prevention Unit is to provide high quality support services to clients, in accordance with the ALS policies, procedures and guidelines; to contribute to the delivery of high-quality legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. The position holder will liaise with local Aboriginal organisations and communities, including local representative groups to link Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander clients, organisations, and communities with domestic and family violence legal and support services.  
  
Why join the ALS NSW/ACT team? 

At Aboriginal Legal Services NSW/ACT you will make an impactful change. You have the chance to change lives and bring social justice and equity for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families, and communities.  

Our focus is our people; the people we support, and the team we employ. We offer a career you can be proud of and a place where you feel safe to be yourself. We invest in our workforce and appreciate the rich diversity they represent of life experience, languages, and culture.  
  
Born out of a protest movement over 50 years ago, the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited is the primary legal service for Aboriginal people in NSW and the ACT. 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.  
  
For many of our staff making a real difference to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities and working with a great, supportive team is its own reward. 
  
We appreciate that, but we want our team to know that we value them so offer benefits such as: 

• Salary packaging options and novated car leasing 
• Annual Leave Loading of 17.5% 
• Career and professional development opportunities 
• Access to personal counselling for you and your family 
• A range of additional paid leave, paid parental and study leave  
•  Flexible work options – talk to us about how we can make this role work for you 

The Role 

The Field Officer role will be part of the Family Violence Prevention Unit (FVPU). The primary objective of the ALS FVPU is to provide culturally sensitive, quality legal assistance and facilitate wraparound services to Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander victims of violence and survivors of family and domestic violence and sexual assault. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims and survivors of family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault should be supported and empowered to lead lives free from the impacts of violence and have access to culturally safe legal and non-legal support services 

Key Responsibilities 

• Attend to client enquiries and provide appropriate administrative support services including completing intakes and file notes, attending outreach clinics, community engagement and events, and identifying and arranging appropriate follow-up through the ALS or other agencies. 
• Liaise with client to ensure appointments, support clients at court, and ensure that clients receive relevant information as to their rights in a timely manner. 
• Liaise with clients, their families, and the community providing information as to the operation of the justice system. 
• Assist solicitors in maintaining client files, court diaries and appointment diaries and assist in the recording of client information and the preparation of client statistical information. 
• Assist solicitors generally in the preparation of legal representation of clients, maintain routine client liaison and ensure that clients have sufficient access to their legal representation particularly where legal advice is required and ensuring that actual legal advice concerning a particular case is only given by a qualified solicitor or barrister. 
• Deal with client complaints and take further steps where appropriate. 
• Participate in committees, community groups and organisations and inter-agency liaison to further promote the image of the ALS as a highly effective service provider. 
• Provide transport support services within the ALS and ensure that motor vehicles are used in accordance with the ALS Motor Vehicle Policy. 
• Submit work reports in writing to the Senior Administration Officer/Managing Solicitor. 
• Ensure the lawful achievement of ALS core business objectives to the highest standards of probity and efficiency, and with due reference to the interests of all stakeholders. 
• Demonstrate continuing respect and support for Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families, and communities. 
• Display good time management skills. 
• Work collaboratively as a team member with all other legal, field, and administrative staff to achieve effective co-ordination within the FVPU. 
• Develop and maintain good negotiation and communication skills and where appropriate assist, guide and support other field and administrative staff. 
• Keep up to date on legal developments and procedures and identifying training needs. 

About you 

The successful incumbent will demonstrate: 

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander; identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or is accepted as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in the community in which he or she lives. 
• An extensive knowledge of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families, communities and the social issues affecting those communities. 
• Experience in working with communities to establish and maintain effective networks with relevant service providers, both government and non-government. 
• Commitment to the principles of social justice.  
• Ability to coordinate, facilitate and implement community education forums. 
• Demonstrated negotiation, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills. 
• Demonstrated organisational, project management and computer skills. 
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team and with minimum supervision. 
• Hold a current valid NSW Drivers Licence, inclusive of Provisional. 

Desirable 

Previous experience working in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community-based organisation 

Pre-employment requirements: 
ALS NSW/ACT is committed to implementing safer recruitment practices. Your application may be subject to a number of pre-employment checks such as reference checks, Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check, Right to work in Australia, COVID-19 vaccinations as per NSW/ACT Health Order and Police check.  Please note that candidates with criminal records are not automatically barred from being considered. Each application will be considered on its merits 
  
How to apply: 

For enquiries, please contact the ALS HR team at [email protected]   

1.   Please go to https://www.alsnswact.org.au/jobs to download the application package for this position.
2.  Please submit the completed application package to [email protected] 

Applications for this position close 11:59pm Tuesday 14 November 2023