Lawyer – Prison Support Program

Generous SCHCADS Award salary on offer Level 5, Pay Point 1 $100,776.00 pa

Opportunity for relocation assistance may be offered for the right candidate

Full time, ongoing

An exciting opportunity has arisen in our Melton office for a Lawyer Prison Support Program to join Djirra’s Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service (AFVLS) — providing culturally safe, trauma informed legal support to Aboriginal women impacted by family violence and sexual assault across child protection, family law, victims of crime, and family violence intervention matters.

About The Role

The Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service (AFVLS) is a program of Djirra. AFVLS provides legal and non-legal assistance and facilitates access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have experienced or are experiencing family violence. AFVLS delivers the Prison Support Program for clients at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre and HM Prison Tarrengower. AFVLS operates a culturally safe, trauma informed, holistic and intensive client service model. Clients are assisted by Lawyers and Paralegal Support Workers to access a variety of legal, social, psychological, cultural, health and other support services to address their complex needs and issues.

Lawyers provide legal services including advice, representation and advocacy in the areas of

• Child Protection

• family violence intervention orders
• family law; and
• victims of crime assistance.

Aboriginal women are significantly overrepresented in the Victorian prison population, and an overwhelming majority have experienced family violence. Lawyers working in AFVLS’ Prison Support Program provide legal advice and representation to Aboriginal women in prison who have experienced family violence, including post-release.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

A Position Description for this role can be viewed on the Djirra website 'Join our Team' page. Please do not hesitate to contact Human Resources at hrinfo@djirra.org.au for a confidential discussion if you would like further information.

To apply, please click the 'apply' button and submit your resume, cover letter and completed screening questions which will be sent via email once you have submitted your application. Please note screening questions are a requirement of your application. During the application process you may see an option to upload a video. Please note this is not a requirement of the application process.

Requirements

Essential

• Eligible to hold a legal practising certificate in Victoria.
• A degree in law.
• A Working with Children Check Card
• A Police Check
• A current driver’s licence is essential. Some out-of-hours travel, regular regional travel and/or overnights may be required.

Desirable

Lawyers who have had at least one year of practical experience in a community legal, family violence or justice related setting is desired but not essential.

Benefits

• Opportunity for relocation assistance may be offered for the right candidate
• Attractive salary packaging options (including meals and entertainment)
• Generous leave provisions apply and annual leave loading
• Employee Assistance Program with supportive, confidential counselling for personal and work concern
• Collaborative and inclusive team
• Additional paid leave for end of year office closure period
• Access to company vehicles for any work related travel
• Cultural Awareness training both formal and informal settings is provided
• Accrued Day Off (ADO) Program available to full time staff