Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Co-operative Ltd (VALS)



Position Description – Senior Criminal Lawyer Position:Senior Criminal Lawyer Reports to:Principal Solicitor (being State Manager) Salary: LO Level 4.1 to 4.3 (depending on experience) (SCHADS Level 5) – $79,643 to $86,270 per annum Location:Suite 1A, Level 1, 67-69 Brisbane Street, LauncestonThis position may require regional and interstate travelEmployment type:Full-time (fixed term until 30 June 2020) About usThe Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) established the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community Legal Service in 2015 (a semi-autonomous operation for Tasmania) to deliver culturally appropriate legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Tasmania. We have offices in Hobart and Launceston and deliver legal services State-wide to all courts.VALS was established as a community-controlled organisation in 1973 to address the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system. The organisation has a long and proud history of providing legal and service support for Aboriginal Victorians who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing negative contact with the justice system and advocating locally, nationally and internationally for the rights of Aboriginal people. We strive to:Promote social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;Promote the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to empowerment, identity and culture;Ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enjoy their rights, are aware of their responsibilities under the law and have access to appropriate advice, assistance and representation;Reduce the disproportionate involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system; andPromote the review of legislation and other practices which discriminate against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The organisation has grown over the years (with further expansion options being pursued) and now offers criminal, family and civil law services, client services support, community legal education and a range of community justice support programs in both Victoria and Tasmania. Our Values Cultural ValuesOur team commit to remember what we are here for, how our organisation came into being and ensure we are centred in the community. We are an organisation with a community focus for the benefit of the community.RespectWe advocate for and demonstrate the right of every person to be treated with dignity and passionWe are aware of the issues and challenges facing Aboriginal communities and strive to ensure our organisation is part of resolving those issues and mitmentWe believe everyone who works at or with VALS is committed to achieving better justice outcomes for Aboriginal communities.HopeWe believe we will achieve change for Aboriginal communities. We expect our actions to have a positive impact on Government at all levels.IntegrityWe are steadfast in our adherence to our values. We take every measure to protect our clients' privacy. We keep our word and stand by our commitments. About the teamLegal and Client Services This section is responsible for delivering client focussed quality services for Aboriginal Tasmanians in contact with the justice system. Legal and Client Services are co-located in this unit to drive an integrated, flexible and innovative approach to meeting client needs. The section liaises and networks with other Aboriginal organisations and works with stakeholders to reduce negative contact Aboriginal people have with the justice system. In conjunction with Executive and Corporate Services this section also advocates for improved justice outcomes and prepares specialist advice on legislation change. The Director, with the PLOs ensures all legal standards and CLC Risk Management guidelines are met. The PLO Tasmania Aboriginal Community Legal Service reports direct to the CEO but maintains a functional relationship with this section to ensure collegiate and professional support for delivery of high-quality legal services. About the positionOverview Criminal Lawyers are to provide high quality legal services, including duty lawyer services, representation, advice and information in criminal law matters to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Tasmania. Key Performance Indicators, Duties & Responsibility1.1.Appear as a senior advocate in various courts including the Children’s Court, Magistrates’ Court and Supreme Court in order to represent TACLS clients.1.2.Deliver a quality legal service by conducting casework in criminal law matters, including complex summary and serious indictable matters, for members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.1.4.Supervise and mentor staff working in the area of criminal law and contribute to the organisation in professional legal education and training.1.5.Participate in community legal education projects, law reform and other TACLS projects as required.1.6.Participate in regular meeting of the TACLS leadership group.1.7.Contribute to the collaborative relationship between the Legal Aid Commissions and other community and community legal organisations with whom TACLS interacts.1.8.Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education programs and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities1.9.You will be required to travel across Tasmania to deliver services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Sometimes this travel will occur outside of usual business hours.Key Selection Criteria1.1Admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Tasmania. 1.2Capability to work as an advocate and caseworker in complex criminal law matters.1.3Substantial knowledge of and practical experience in the law and court procedures with a focus on the criminal law jurisdiction.1.4Ability to supervise, mentor and train staff and contribute to the development of individuals and their knowledge and skills in criminal law.1.5Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.1.6A commitment to and understanding of the legal issues faced by members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community in Tasmania. 1.7The ability to work collaboratively with others and to foster a co-operative and supportive team environment.1.8A knowledge of the principles and values of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community Legal Service.1.9Basic competency in the use of MS Office Software (particularly MS Word, Excel, E-mail) to a legal practice and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of TACLS client data base.Key Capabilities1.1Demonstrates emotional intelligence and shows respect to colleagues and other stakeholders always1.2Supports and contributes to a cohesive team and organisation culture1.3Understands and complies with professional obligations as a lawyer1.4Meets client and stakeholder expectations in a timely, reliable and consistent manner - ensures that others meet expectations1.5Possesses a strong grasp of relevant legal issues but consults with internal or external experts where appropriate1.6Contributes to knowledge and learning resources for the organisationMandatory Requirements On offer of this position, you must provide: a copy of your current Working with Vulnerable People Card a copy of your current Tasmanian Driver’s License you will be required to complete a current Criminal History Police Checkproof of rights to work in Australia, i.e. a copy of an Australian Passport, Birth Certificate or Immigration VISA documentationa copy of your current Practising Certificate How to applyPlease send your resume together with a covering letter which addresses the Key Selection Criteria (found within the position description) to jobs@.au CLOSING DATE 18 OCTOBER 2019 ................
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