Solicitor – CNP

Womens 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 counselling and sexual assault though our counselling notes protect program and migration and criminal law. WLSQ is committed to a society where every woman:

• can live free from violence and discrimination.
• can tell her story have it heard and respected without judgement.
• receives a just and equitable outcome from legal and social systems.

WLSQ is committed to the Queensland Child Safe Standards and Universal Principle. We believe every child and young person has the right to be safe and respected and childrens safety and wellbeing is prioritised in our decision are committed to creating a culturally safe environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families feel welcome valued and respected. We recognise that cultural safety is fundamental to child regularly review our practices and listen to feedback from our community to strengthen our safety systems.

TheCounselling Notes Protect (CNP)Solicitorprovides holistic trauma-informedand culturally safe legal adviceminor taskassistanceongoing legal supportrepresentationandreferralsto womenwho have experienced sexualassault. Working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners the role ensureswomen receive integrated legal and non-legal support that prioritises safetyempowermentand access to justice.

A. Provideholistic trauma-informedand culturally safe legalservicesto women across Queensland:

• Provide case management support to vulnerable women who have experienced sexual violence.
• Providelegal advice file managementadvocacyand representation for victims of sexual assault in relevant Courts in response to applications tosubpoena and otherwise use records which are or could be protectedcounsellingcommunications.
• Provide legal information and advice about the application and procedure of the sexual assault counselling privilege to clients sexual violence prevention services and other relevant services and agencies.
• Provide legal information and advice about the broader sexual violence legal issues for clients such as sexual violence criminal proceedings ingeneral and engaged in law reform as informed by the lived experience and feedback of the services and clients who use the CNP service.
• Provide legal servicesin accordance withWLSQ policy and practice and theNational Association of Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) Risk Management Guide.

B. Work closely withtheadviceand other specialist legal teams social work and financial abuse prevention teams to provide holistic wrap around support for women to address both legal and non-legal issues.

C. Identifyand respond to risk and safety considerations including makingappropriate referralswhere necessary:

• Ensure risk and safety considerationsare routinelyand comprehensively addressedinalllegal work undertakenwhich provides information legal advice minor task work caseworkor ongoing representationto clients experiencing domestic and family violence
• Ensureappropriatereferralsare made to the internal Social Work team forany identifiedsafety considerationsand risk assessmentsto be made.
• Liaise with external agencies and make referrals where services are more appropriately provided or should be supplemented through accessing another service.

D. Contribute to the development and delivery of community legal education andWLSQslaw reform activitiesasrequired.

E. Adhere to the vision and values of WLSQ:

• Develop respectful and professional relationships with WLSQ team membersand key stakeholders.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively towards the WLSQ strategy.
• Perform any other reasonable duties asrequired.

1. Minimum of2years post admission experience in family lawdomestic and family violence criminallawor other relevant area of law.
2. High level computer literacy and competency using Microsoft Office Suite and Client Management Systems.
3. Communicates clearly and effectively with clients often in emotionally charged or high-stress situationsusing communication strategiesaimed at helping clients feel heard and understood.
4. Demonstrated ability toidentifya clients legal and non-legal needsprovide clearaccurateand practical legal advice in complex matters andan understanding of when and where to refer clients for support to address their non-legal needs
5. Effectively manages client expectations by providing clear honest communication about what isfeasiblewithin the service parameters while respecting their preferences.
6. Demonstrates resilience in managing multiple priorities and adapting to complex client needs or unexpected challenges.
7. Demonstrated ability to recogniseand understandthe broader context of clients circumstances and provideappropriate referralswhererequired.
8. Demonstrated ability to manage workloadsand competing prioritieseffectivelyandtodeliver high-quality legal services within a high-volume and complex practice.
9. Commitment to and ability to work within a feminist framework and to work independently and as a member of a team.

This role requires the incumbent to holdandmaintainthe following:

• Unrestricted Practicing Certificate
• Admission to the High Court of Australia
• Open Queensland Drivers Licence
• Working With Children Check (Blue Card)
• Accreditation as a domestic violence duty lawyeris desirablebut not mandatory

It is a genuine occupational requirement for this position that the incumbent be a woman (Section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)).

WLSQ values diversity and inclusion and welcomes requests for reasonable adjustments at any time throughout your employment and/or as part of our recruitment process.

• Salary Packaging: Take advantage of not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximise your take-home pay.
• Remuneration package: from $58.37 to $60.95 per hour 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: Were 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 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 or would like a copy of the Position Description for the role please feel free to contact the People and Culture team by phone onor email at