Paralegal

About the Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre

We are a client-centred organisation, supporting the community throughout Barwon, Wimmera, and the South West regions, offering a range of specialist support services to people impacted by sexual and family violence, encompassing 24 hour crisis care, specialist response services, early intervention programs, Victims Assistance Program, Community Legal Services, trauma recovery programs, professional training and primary prevention initiatives.

About The Role

As a member of the Legal team, the Paralegal will provide high quality support to the Legal Program and its’ service users.  The Paralegal will provide support to lawyers with a range of family violence, family law matters and civil law matters, including: protection from family violence – intervention orders, family law matters (both children and property), divorce, disputes in relation to child support and spousal maintenance, airport watchlist applications, child protection, Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) applications, tenancy matters and fines and Centrelink issues.

Why work for The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre?

The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre takes pride in being an employer of choice; we are passionate about the wellbeing of our team members and we celebrate diversity and inclusion in all we do. We have a high level of employee engagement and satisfaction and provide a number of complementary benefits to our staff, some of our benefits include:

• Generous above award Enterprise Agreement entitlements
• Flexible working arrangements 
• Professional development opportunities
• 5 weeks annual leave and access to purchased leave for full and part time employees
• Paid parental leave 
• Salary packaging
• Health and Wellbeing initiatives
• Flu vaccinations
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Social initiatives
• Positive workplace culture

The SAFV Centre acknowledges and respects the First Nations ownership of the land where we work.

About You

With significant progress in/or completion of a law degree or equivalent, such as significant paralegal experience or legal studies, you will be a values driven person, motivated to make a difference and hold the client at the centre of everything you do. You thrive working autonomously and also collaboratively within a dynamic, team environment.

If you share our vision for a community free from family violence and sexual assault and are motivated to make a difference, we would like to hear from you.  We pride ourselves on being a great place to work. You care for our clients and we care for you, including by investing in your development and wellbeing. You will have access to leading specialists and training and development that supports you in your role and in your longer term career journey. We offer a variety of career pathway options, leading salary packaging benefits and flexible working arrangements that help you manage your work and your life.

The successful candidate will be required to maintain a current Working with Children's Check and National Police Check at their own expense.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Your application must address the following:

•    Significant progress in/or completion of a law degree or equivalent, such as significant paralegal experience or legal studies. 
•    Experience and practical knowledge of law and procedure gained from experience in a legal environment.  
•    Experience in a similar role particularly in a Community Legal Centre (CLC). 

Essential Skills and Knowledge

•    High level legal diagnostic and problem-solving skills to accurately assess and address client needs. 
•    Demonstrated high level oral and written communications skills, including legal drafting and strong interpersonal skills. 
•    Demonstrated ability to engage with people who have complex vulnerabilities including trauma and a commitment to access and equity principles. 
•    Competent with Word, Excel and data entry as well as records/filing and office systems. 
•    Demonstrated flexible and adaptable approach to work collaboratively with others to foster a cooperative and supportive team environment. 
•    Excellent time management skills and an ability to work well under pressure consistently and competently to a high standard. 
•    Ability to provide strategic input on legal and policy issues and demonstrate an understanding of the role of external organisations and other stakeholders in the delivery of Emma House’s services. 
•    Understanding of, and a commitment to maintaining professional practice and boundaries
•    Current Victorian Drivers Licence. 

Referees

Applicants must provide the name and current contact details of 2-3 professional referees including the most recent or current supervisor.

Period of Appointment

This position is fixed term, depending on funding.

Hours of work

•    The position is full time 
•    Location of the position is at the Warrnambool office, outreach locations as required
•    Hours will be worked during business hours of 9.00am to 5.06 pm between Monday to Friday.
•    The days are based on the needs of the service.
•    Flexibility in working hours will be required from time to time as the need arises.

Salary and Conditions

Annual salary range is Specialist Family Violence Practitioner classification, Level 4 Pay Point 1-4. Salary will be commensurate with experience and skills. 

Industrial Instrument: The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre Enterprise Agreement 2023.

Salary Packaging: Provided via Maxxia. PBI status with other expenses available to package above this cap. The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre is a Public Benevolent Institution.

Superannuation: The employer will also make superannuation payments on your behalf in accordance with the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992.

Probationary Period – 6 months with a review conducted during this time.

How To Apply

All applications must address the key selection criteria outlined in the PD. For a confidential discussion, please contact us on 03 5222 4318.

We are currently accepting applications from direct applicants only, no recruitment agency applications accepted.

Please note if you are applying via seek go to The SAFV Centre career portal to access the position description at https://www.safvcentre.org.au/working-with-us/careers/

Please click here to view the position description