Goldfields Community Legal Centre Inc – Kalgoorlie WA
Goldfields Community Legal Centre Inc. is a not-for-profit community-based legal and advocacy centre providing services to disadvantaged persons residing in the Goldfields Esperance region.
The promotion of Human Rights and equal access to social justice is fundamental to the work of GCLC.
GCLC acknowledges the unequal access and varying abilities of community members to engage with the legal system.
Additionally, we understand that conventional legal service methods may not suit everyone.
Therefore, GCLC is committed to offering easily accessible services.
This involves addressing physical access to premises, service schedules, and culturally sensitive service delivery.
What we do
GCLC provides information, advice, advocacy, some representation in courts and tribunals, referral, and community legal education in various areas of law, including:
Family Law (Children and Property)
Child Protection
Domestic Violence (Restraining Orders)
Criminal Injuries Compensation
Civil Matters (Removal of Licence Disqualification, Minor Contractual Disputes, Credit & Debt, Motor Vehicle Accident – Property Damage)
Tenancy Advice Service
Position Objectives
Communicate clearly and be pro-active, responsive, reliable, and pragmatic in interacting with clients so that clients know their legal issues have been heard and their situation understood.
Provide information to a client that is ethically responsible, legally correct and applies to the person's circumstances.
Deliver casework to specific clients aligned with GCLC priorities and available resources.
Offer appropriate referrals.
Collaborate in the development and delivery of GCLC's community legal education and training initiatives.
Work collaboratively with GCLC's team to achieve GCLC's aims and purposes.
Collaborate with peers by being a team player.
Create an inspiring workplace by being a mentor and role model to other staff members and being self-aware and self-reflective on work performance.
Contribute to policy and law reform, community legal education, networking, and training activities.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Services
Admission to practice as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Western Australia with at least 3 years PQE.
Able to use legal knowledge and problem-solving skills to provide information in plain English that is accurate, ethical, and meets the specific requirements of the client.
Provide supportive and non-judgmental welfare-based advocacy in our areas of practice.
Able to correctly interpret legislation and how it applies to the client.
Demonstrate high-quality legal drafting skills by producing work that requires minimal changes and advice that addresses client needs in plain English.
Consult GCLC principal solicitor for direction and advice on legal practice issues.
Provide casework to clients on representation.
Provide referrals for clients if appropriate.
Able to thoroughly research complex issues using legislation, case law, rulings, and commentary.
Able to supervise law students and law graduates.
All other duties as directed by Principal Solicitor.
Community Legal Education and Law Reform
Participate in sessions at community legal education courses when required.
Provide legal analysis, opinion and comment on aspects law related legislation and policy development.
Consult with community government departments, as appropriate.
Prepare submissions and position papers for government, government committees, industry, and stakeholder groups.
Keep current with legislative changes and other industry developments.
Community Development
Develop, maintain, and facilitate GCLC's role within the community.
Enhance GCLC's public profile through representation in public forums, articles, media releases and presentations.
Develop ongoing networks with state and federal community-based organisations within Kalgoorlie-Esperance community.
Discuss with Principal Solicitor to provide outreach services to clients in need of such.
Participate in relevant committees, networks, and issue-based groups, conferences, and workshops as permissible within funding.
Service Planning and Development
Participate in the development and review of GCLC's strategic plan and work in accordance with work plans.
Undertake all other duties reasonably required by the Principal Solicitor and/or CEO.
Professional Development
Undertake professional development activities to maintain and enhance the knowledge and skills required to fulfil the key responsibilities of the position.
General – All staff
Comply with all organisation policies and procedures.
Be a team player.
Always ensure compliance with occupational health and safety directives and practices.
Provide learning opportunities and training to paid and volunteer workers.
Maintain statistics and other records as required by funding bodies and GCLC.
Selection Criteria
Possession of a current Western Australian Unrestricted Practice Certificate.
Demonstrated ability to manage the provision of legal services to clients including case file management.
Demonstrated experience and capacity to work within a social justice framework.
Demonstrated experience and capacity to work respectfully with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
High level of computer literacy.
Well-developed casework and experience for provision of services.
Willingness to travel to provide outreach legal advice in the Kalgoorlie-Esperance region.
A commitment to working in multidisciplinary partnerships, both internally and across the region, and within a community development framework.
Demonstrated experience in working with and supervising volunteers and/or students.
Ability to maintain clear professional boundaries.
Develop and maintain professional support networks.
Ability to work independently and within a team.
Personal resilience, adaptability, and ability to meet the challenges of remote service delivery.
Current driver's licence valid for use in WA.
Experience in a community legal practice setting and/or community-based organisation.
#J-18808-Ljbffr