Intouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence | Lawyer – Family Law

The Lawyer will work in an integrated model of service delivery with inTouch Case Managers and its Women’s Legal Centre to provide a holistic service to migrant and refugee women on their journey to safety.

Status : Max Term up to 30th June 2025

Hours : Full time or Part time

Location : Melbourne / Hybrid

Pay rates : SCHADS 6 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence (inTouch) provides person-centred, integrated and culturally responsive family violence services to people from migrant and refugee communities across Victoria. We have assisted over 30,000 women and children experiencing family violence throughout our 40 years of operation, providing a holistic service that centres the experiences of victim-survivors in everything we do.

inTouch works across the family violence continuum, providing culturally informed early intervention, case management, programs for men who use violence, legal advice, crisis recovery and enhanced capacity-building across the sector and community. We are proud to provide high-level leadership and guidance to all levels of government with our evidence-based, victim-survivor informed advocacy and policy work.

We are a unique and vital service, with specialist expertise working with people of migrant and refugee backgrounds. This is reflected in our workforce, which is comprised primarily of people who are migrants and refugees themselves – the inTouch team is from over 20 different countries and communities globally.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This role will see you working in an integrated model of service delivery, collaborating with inTouch Case Managers and its Women’s Legal Centre to provide a holistic service to migrant and refugee women on their journey to safety.

You will conduct legal casework primarily in family law and family violence. There will be scope to practice in other areas including migration and victims of crime; however, this position will be situated within our family law program. Your work will include legal advice, family law litigation, liaising with case managers, stakeholder engagement, and Health Justice Partnership engagement. The successful candidate will be committed to social justice, culturally competent, and have a genuine interest in seeking just outcomes for migrant and refugee women and their children experiencing a range of legal issues.

Key focus areas include :

1. Legal Advice & Casework

• You will conduct legal casework primarily in family law and family violence law. Your work will include legal advice, liaising with case managers, and case work including litigation in family law and family violence.
• Ensure that legal services operate within the Women’s Legal Centre’s guidelines and integrated practice in accordance with professional legal practice, including government and professional indemnity insurance requirements.
• Provide high-quality legal advice and casework at inTouch head office and outposts as scheduled and / or required.
• Regularly communicate with the Case Management Team to keep the relevant Case Managers up to date to ensure successful implementation of the Women’s Legal Centre‘s operational model.
• Ensure relevant and appropriate records are maintained in the online Action steps management system to maintain client and practice file management systems.
• Provide reports such as file documents, file outcomes, summaries, and correspondence letters as requested by the Principal Lawyer.

• Operate legal outposts and legal clinics as part of our Health Justice Partnership and other legal projects we run with partner organisations.
• Provide community legal education presentations and workshops to our stakeholders including migrant community organisations, legal centres, and community health organisations to raise awareness of family violence within migrant communities.
• Represent the Centre in various forums such as government-run forums and consultation groups, legal consultations, community legal centres, Victoria Legal Aid trainings and consultations, and other networking groups we are part of.

ABOUT THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT

• A current Australian Practising Certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a Legal Practitioner without restriction.
• Demonstrated capacity to work as an advocate and case worker preferably within the scope of the Women’s Legal Centre’s Program including family law and family violence law.
• Knowledge or practical experience within the scope of the Women’s Legal Centre’s Program with a focus on family law.
• Capacity to positively engage with key partner agencies and / or their workers, appropriately manage referrals, and promote the service within community settings.
• Ability to mentor and train staff and contribute to the development of individuals and their knowledge and skills within the scope of the Women’s Legal Centre’s Program.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and foster a cooperative and supportive team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in working with clients from diverse backgrounds in an empathetic and culturally competent manner.
• Demonstrated time management and organisational skills.
• Experience in working in a Community Legal Centre environment and familiarity with NACLC risk management guidelines and cross-check procedures.
• Understanding of the Victoria Legal Aid funding guidelines and legal aid system.
• Understanding of Immigration law and the family violence exemptions.
• Lived experience working with migrant and refugee communities and understanding of cultural norms and communication styles.
• Understanding of family violence practice including MARAM.
• Knowledge of or spoken language other than English.

Personal Attributes

• High ethical standards and alignment to inTouch values, acting with integrity and maintaining confidentiality.
• Solutions-focused with a curious mind and a natural problem-solving ability.
• Pro-active and accountable, leading with emotional intelligence and the ability to provide constructive feedback and have sensitive discussions.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply with your resume and a short cover letter referring to the key selection criteria as described in the Position Description found.

Candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, particularly those with experience of migration or refugee journeys.

For further information or to submit an application, contact using the subject line : Lawyer – Family Law

Application will close on Friday, 06 November 2024.

All applicants must have the right to work in Australia and will need to undergo a National Police Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencing employment.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 000.

Call our toll-free number 1800 755 988 Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm