Women’s Legal Service Queensland · Bundaberg, Australia
About the Role
WLSQ is looking to expand our reach into regional, rural and remote regions of Queensland in recognition of the unique vulnerabilities women in these communities experience, the scarcity of services and the distance women must travel to access domestic and family violence services.
The Senior Solicitor role provides leadership, supervision and expert guidance to the team and provides holistic, trauma-informed and culturally safe legal advice, minor task assistance, representation and referrals to women across Queensland, primarily in the areas of family law, domestic and family violence and child protection. Working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners, the role ensures women receive integrated legal and non-legal support that prioritises safety, empowerment and access to justice.
Role Responsibilities
Support the Supervising Solicitors to provide leadership and management of the Bundaberg Team.
Actively engage with community and local stakeholders to enhance service delivery and partnerships within the region.
Provide holistic, trauma-informed and culturally safe legal services to women across Queensland, including: provide telephone and in-person legal advice, minor task assistance and referrals for family law, domestic and family violence, and child protection matters.
Provide domestic and family violence duty lawyer services.
Provide telephone and in-person legal services through outreach clinics.
Provide legal services in accordance with WLSQ policy and practice and the National Association of Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) Risk Management Guide.
Work closely with the different 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.
Consider any risk assessments and contribute to safety planning for women seeking legal advice: ensure risk and safety considerations are routinely and comprehensively addressed in all legal work undertaken providing information, legal advice and minor tasks assistance to clients experiencing domestic and family violence.
Ensure appropriate referrals are made to the internal Social Work team for any identified safety considerations and risk assessments to be made.
Liaise with external agencies and make referrals where services are more appropriately provided or should be supplemented through accessing another service.
Travel to outreach locations may be required to provide legal advice and assistance at outreach clinics. Work outside of office hours, including weekends may be required from time to time.
Contribute to the development and delivery of community legal education and WLSQ’s law reform activities as required.
Adhere to the vision and values of WLSQ: develop respectful and professional relationships with WLSQ team members and key stakeholders.
Work cooperatively and collaboratively towards the WLSQ strategy.
Perform any other reasonable duties as required.
About You
Minimum of 5 years’ post admission experience and legal practice experience in family law and domestic and family violence, including demonstrated experience providing legal advice on complex matters and drafting court documents.
Demonstrated experience in providing leadership and mentorship to staff and volunteers, sharing knowledge and providing feedback to foster professional growth.
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.
Accreditation as a domestic violence duty lawyer and experience in child safety or child support matters (desirable).
Effectively manages client expectations by providing clear, honest communication about what is feasible within the service parameters, while respecting their preferences.
Demonstrates resilience in managing multiple priorities and adapting to complex client needs or unexpected challenges.
Demonstrates an extensive knowledge of resources and services for information and referral.
Sound knowledge and understanding of legal and social issues affecting women, particularly the gendered nature of domestic violence.
Commitment to and ability to work within a feminist framework.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
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: from $127,744 per annum plus statutory super, allowance 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 counselling 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
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.
To submit your application please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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