SCHADS Award Level: Level 7 or 8 (dependent on experience)Job location: KatherineRemuneration: Salary $115,065.08 to $129,756.12 per annum. Equivalent salary range with packaging approx. $124,433 to $139,487 per annum. As a Public Benevolent Institution (PBI), NAAFLS can offer up to $15,899 per annum of the salary, Tax-free as a fringe benefit (conditions apply).Hours of work: Monday to Thursday 8:15am – 4:30pm, Friday 8:30am – 4:00pmEmployment Type: Full-time ongoing position (subject to funding)Superannuation: 11.5%Leave Entitlement: 6 weeks per annum plus 17.5% leave loadingReports To: Principal Legal OfficerInformation for Applicants: Applications for this position must address the selection criteria in a one-page summary sheet outlining how you meet the selection criteria and send this with your current resume/cv to ABOUT THE ROLE The Northern Territory Indigenous Family Legal Support Service (NTIFLSS) is a new program being designed by the North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service (NAAFLS) through funding received from the Paul Ramsay Just Futures grant.
The NTIFLSS will be a specialist program for Indigenous families involved (or at risk of involvement) with child protection that provides families with culturally appropriate, early and preventative legal advice, advocacy, and support.
The NTIFLSS will work with the whole family to support them to understand and respond to the child protection concerns held by the Department of Children Families (DCF).
The NTIFLSS will facilitate Aboriginal Family-Led Decision-Making (AFLDM) processes to support families to make informed decisions that are in the best interests of their children.
The goal of AFLDM is to provide a culturally safe space that empowers families to develop plans that promote children's safety, wellbeing, and connection to family, community, culture, and country.
The NTIFLSS Program Solicitor will work in partnership with the Aboriginal family-led decision-making co-convenor (AFLDM) to support families to resolve child protection concerns outside of court processes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Work in a small team to develop the approach to culturally appropriate and strength-based family-led decision-making for the NTIFLSS.Work as part of the NTIFLSS Team to support families to develop strength-based safety plans in the best interests of the children.Provide legal advice and support to the NTIFLSS project team and clients of the NTIFLSS.Understand the NT child protection system and social/systemic issues faced by Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory.Understand the impact of domestic, family, and sexual violence on Aboriginal families and the cross-over with child protection.Ensure accurate client files and timely data entry using NAAFLS electronic file management.Contribute to the ongoing development and maintenance of processes and procedures to ensure consistent and accurate services to clients.Prepare submissions, articles, and reports for presentation at conferences and public forums as required.Promote and maintain safe work practices in accordance with NAAFLS WH&S Policies and Procedures.Undertake other duties as directed.DUTIES Work as part of the NTIFLSS Team to develop a model and program of Aboriginal Family-led Decision Making.Work collaboratively with the NTIFLSS team to provide culturally appropriate legal assistance and advice to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families that is in the best interests of their children.Work effectively with a range of stakeholders and develop strong and respectful professional relationships.Develop professional and meaningful relationships with Aboriginal people and their families.Adhere to NAAFLS policies and procedures.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 regular remote community travel, including overnight.Undertake training/professional development in consultation with the Principal Legal Officer and CINOP Project Manager.Maintain safe work practices in accordance with NAAFLS WH&S Policies and Procedures.Undertake other duties as reasonably directed.SELECTION CRITERIA Hold, or are eligible for a restricted or unrestricted practising certificate in the Northern Territory, with post-admission experience in Family Law.Demonstrated capacity to provide an accessible and culturally sensitive legal service, and to understand the needs of culturally diverse clients, particularly in relation to Indigenous victims of family violence living in remote community settings.Demonstrate excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills and maintain confidentiality provisions.A sound understanding of the litigation and dispute resolution processes particularly in the areas of Family Law and Child Protection in the Northern Territory.High level 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.Demonstrated ability to perform as a reliable, productive, and constructive team member in a multi-cultural workplace.Availability to undertake overnight travel to remote communities as required.Must obtain a Working With Children Clearance (WWCC) and a clear Criminal History Check.Possess a current 'C' Class NT Drivers Licence. #J-18808-Ljbffr