Principal Legal Officer

August 23, 2024

North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service

Darwin

FULL TIME

Posted on August 23, 2024

SCHADS Award Level: Outside of the Award

Job location at Darwin

Remuneration: Base salary component of $145,000 per annum plus the option of salary packaging. Use of a motor vehicle for business and personal use is included.

Hours of work: Monday to Thursday 8:15am – 4:30pm, Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm

Employment Type: Full-time ongoing position (subject to funding)

Superannuation: 11.5%

Leave Entitlement: 6 weeks per annum plus 17.5% leave loading

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Special Measures: N/A

Information for Applicants: To apply for this position, forward your responses to the Selection Criteria and a current CV to hr@naafls.com.au

Additional Information: Additional information is available by emailing hr@naafls.com.au

Closing date: 20/09/2024

ABOUT THE ROLE
North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service (NAAFLS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and independent Family Violence Prevention Legal Service (FVPLS).
We are the only victim-based Aboriginal legal service in remote communities in the Top End region of the NT.
We have offices in Darwin (Larrakia land), Katherine (Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman land) and Nhulunbuy (Yolŋu land), and service over 40 remote communities within the Top End region spanning from the Tiwi Islands down to Lajamanu, Wadeye across to Borroloola. We provide culturally sensitive legal advice, assistance, representation, and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Top End communities who have experienced domestic, family, and sexual violence.
NAAFLS is entering an exciting phase in growth and development. We are seeking a Principal Legal Officer to join our team and be an important part of our journey forward.
We offer the unique opportunity to work collaboratively alongside client support officers and case workers, which are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identified roles, to ensure that our service is culturally safe and holistic.
This holistic and culturally appropriate model of service sets us apart; seeking practical community-based solutions to the most complex legal problems.
Our primary practice areas are family law, child protection, and domestic violence; though we frequently intervene in coronial inquiries, parliamentary inquiries, and other administrative or criminal proceedings as required.
If you have 5+ years post admission experience, eligibility to obtain an unrestricted Practising Certificate in the Northern Territory and a passion be a part of a team dedicated to improving the lives of Aboriginal people in remote communities in the Top End of the NT, this is the role for you.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons are strongly encouraged to apply.
KEY RESPONSIBILITES

Manage the Legal Practise of NAAFLS.
Ensure NAAFLS meets its Professional Indemnity Insurance obligations and requirements.
Ensure NAAFLS delivers a culturally safe and appropriate service.
Promote law reform activities.
Engage with stakeholders and other services in the sector.
Participate in development of submissions relevant to NAAFLS’ work.
Prepare and deliver presentations at conferences and public forums as required.
Oversee the supervision, training and development of the legal team.
Build a positive culture within the service which is aligned with NAAFLS’ values and Strategic Plan.
Participate in all staff and team meetings as required.
Adhere to privacy and confidentiality policies as outlined in NAAFLS’ Policies and Procedures.
Promote and maintain safe work practices in accordance with NAAFLS WH&S Policies and Procedures.
Undertake other duties as reasonably directed.

DUTIES

Manage the Legal Practise of NAAFLS in accordance with the Risk Management Guide Operational Framework, Policies and Funding Agreement obligations.
Ensure NAAFLS delivers a culturally safe and appropriate service in accordance with the values and vision of the Board of Directors.
Support the CEO in meeting the strategic agenda for NAAFLS as set by the Board of Directors.
Support the CEO in developing and monitoring the organisational annual operational plan and ensure that all other core plans align with the organisation’s Strategic Plan.
Prove strong leadership, direction and support to the Executive Leadership Team and across the organisation.
Work closely with the Executive Policy Officer in the development of funding proposals, submissions, and policy positions.
Identify professional development opportunities for the legal team to enable upskilling and ensure CPD certificate compliance for solicitors.
Undertake probation reviews, annual and biannual performance reviews, and corresponding individualised staff training and development plans with the Legal Team.
Provide a regular report to the Directors at Board in relation to the legal practice of NAAFLS and implement Board decision in relation to the legal practice.
Actively participate in leading the strategic direction of the organisation as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
Build a positive culture within the service which is aligned with NAAFLS’ values and Strategic Plan.
Participate in all staff and team meetings as required.
Undertake remote community travel from time to time, including overnight.
Undertake training/professional development as required.
Promote and maintain safe work practices in accordance with NAAFLS WH&S Policies and Procedures.
Undertake other duties as reasonably directed.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential

Eligibility for an Unrestricted Practising Certificate as a Barrister or Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory.
No less than 5 years post admission experience, including: a demonstrated capacity to prepare and conduct defended matters as Counsel in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia for Family Law clients, the Local Court in the Child Protection jurisdiction for Aboriginal family members and the Summary Jurisdiction regarding Domestic Violence for clients who have been the victims of Domestic Violence.
Demonstrate leadership and people management skills, including the capacity to lead a reliable, productive and constructive team within an integrated organisational model, delivering legal and non-legal services.
Outstanding communication skills with a proven ability to build organisational collaboration through internal staff relationships; and to effectively communicate with stakeholders and clients, including experience in communicating with people who do not have English as their primary language.
Demonstrate capacity to provide accessible and culturally sensitive legal advice and assistance on complex legal issues relating to domestic and family violence, family law, crimes compensation, child protection and other areas of law offered by NAAFLS.
Possess excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills and maintain confidentiality provisions.
Display a high level of attention to detail and demonstrated ability to work with an electronic records management system and enter accurate and timely data and use a range of computer programs.
A willingness to travel by road and or light aircraft to remote Aboriginal Communities, to undertake cultural education and support the work of the organisation.
Must obtain a Working With Children Clearance (WWCC), a clear Criminal History Check and possess a current ‘C’ Class NT Drivers Licence.

Desirable

Experience with or have an understanding of community service organisations (experience in a community legal centre will be highly valued).
Experience in advocacy in policy and law reform/development.

Additional staff benefits include

Employee Assistance Program with supportive, confidential counselling for personal and work concerns
Regular external debriefing/supervision offered to all staff
Ongoing training and development opportunities
Time off in Lieu of Overtime
Travel Allowance
Individual training budget of $1,000 annually
Paid parental leave after one year of service
Study Leave
Defence Leave