Solicitor – Domestic Violence Unit and Health Justice Partnership

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 protection, financial abuse legal protection and sexual assault though our counselling notes protect program. The service 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 Health Justice Partnerships (HJP) Solicitor provides legal advice and referrals to clients who are patients at a range of hospitals and health services on the Gold Coast.

The role is responsible for undertaking direct client services to WLSQ clients in family law, domestic violence and child protection, working with a team of paralegals and solicitors as part of the Gold Coast DVU and HJP team.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist with and maintain the Health Justice Partnership on the Gold Coast and other health provider sites as appropriate, including:

• Providing legal advice and referrals to clients in the areas of domestic violence, family law and child protection through partnerships with various hospitals and health providers throughout the Gold Coast, including but not limited to:
  • Gold Coast University Hospital; and
  • Robina Hospital.
• Assist with the promotion of the partnerships, referral pathways and accessibility of the legal service that WLSQ provides.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders at the identified hospitals and allied health service sites in the catchment and at other health provider sites as deemed appropriate.
• Identify and build professional relationships within the health partnership settings.
• Work with health partners to identify and document trends and systemic issues arising from the partnerships, which may have implications for policy, program or law reform.
• Assist with the promotion of the partnerships and increase use and accessibility of the legal services provided by WLSQ.
• Develop, deliver and facilitate continuing professional development to health professionals within the partnerships and other external stakeholders.

Undertake the delivery of WLSQ legal services as a member of the Gold Coast Domestic Violence Unit and Health Justice Partnership 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.
• To work collaboratively with Domestic Violence Unit Staff to provide case 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.
  • Develop and maintain stakeholder engagement with key agencies who work with priority access groups.
• Undertake the provision of legal services in accordance 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 Senior Solicitor and 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 non-legal 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 Senior Solicitor and/or Practice Director.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Eligibility to hold an Unrestricted Solicitor’s Practising Certificate and a minimum of 3 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.
• A high level of 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.
• 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.
• It is a genuine occupational requirement for this position that the incumbent be a woman (section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS:

In addition to having a meaningful and rewarding career, you will receive:

• An attractive remuneration package from $93,860 to $98,108 plus super;
• Generous leave entitlements with additional paid leave over Christmas and New Year.
• Attractive salary sacrifice options.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

Successful applicants will be required to complete a National Police Check.

To attend the necessary clinic appointments under the partnerships, the incumbent is required to demonstrate they are up to date with the following vaccinations:

• Measles, Mumps and Rubella;
• Whooping Cough;
• Chicken Pox; and
• Hepatitis B.

The role also requires the incumbent to hold a current Open Queensland Driver’s Licence.

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.