Paralegal Support Worker Coordinator
Djirra, Australia
Job Description
Djirra is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) that works towards a future where all Aboriginal women are strong, safe, independent, healthy and positive in their lives, culture and communities. All Djirra’s work is designed by and for Aboriginal women and is deeply respectful of and connected to community. Self-determination is the foundation of everything we do: it is Our Cultural Way.
Djirra is experiencing enormous growth at the moment. The Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service (AFVLS) is a program of Djirra and a new position has been created for a Paralegal Support Worker Coordinator to provide supportive and effective leadership and guidance to the paralegal team. This position will ensure services provided to our clients are delivered in a consistent and professional manner in accordance with our service model. This position will work in collaboration with the Legal Services Manager and the Managing Lawyers to ensure that the legal team is appropriately supported. You will also be involved in creating the best possible learning opportunities to complement and support both emerging and existing expertise within the paralegal team.
Djirra is committed to Child Safety and as part of our screening requirements all staff must have (or are able to obtain) a Working With Childrens Check and a National Police Check. An International Police Check may also be required. You must also be able to demonstrate an understanding of Child Safety.
Requirements
Some of the duties will be (but not limited to):
- Embed programs and systems that will support and develop the capabilities of the paralegal team
- Build effective relationships with all internal and external stakeholders and attend stakeholder meetings and events
- Share relevant documentation and reports with the paralegal team to ensure best practice is maintained
- Ensure compliance and provide guidance to PLSW in implementation and maintenance of the MARAM framework as applicable to the legal service
- Developing an in-depth understanding of the scope of the paralegal support worker role with attention to timeframes, client need and client outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding and commitment to the core values of Djirra in working with clients with complex needs and multiple legal issues
- Contribute to the development of Monitoring and Evaluation processes to support continuous service improvement and outcomes measurement. Oversee (CLASS) data entry and reporting
- Support the development and implementation of legal practice change, ensuring compliance with the Legal Practice Guide, Risk Management Guide 2017 and Victoria Legal Aid’s Practice Standards, providing feedback and contributing to the ongoing development of the legal practice
- Undertake and attend relevant training as directed by Djirra ensure all paralegals have access to necessary training
- Ensure the efficient operation of the legal office is maintained which may involve ensuring appropriate coverage is maintained, managing rosters, workloads and leave requests.
A current drivers licence is essential for this role. Some out-of-hours and/or overnight travel will be required.
WE'RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS:
Essential:
- Demonstrated ability to work or learn to work with Aboriginal organisations, communities and individuals in culturally appropriate ways as well as mainstream organisations
- The ability to supervise and mentor the work of the paralegal support workers. Previous experience will be looked upon favorably.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
- Demonstrated ability to work under limited supervision and to determine workload priorities, coordinate tasks and work to time lines.
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, and to use initiative to solve problems; awareness of when to escalate legal and non-legal matters.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
- Excellent computer literacy, including database operation to maintain AFVLS’s client management database (CLASS) proficiency in the use of MS Outlook, MS Word and Excel.
- A degree or diploma in a related field and/or previous demonstrated experience in a similar role within a legal setting or an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation
Benefits
- Generous salary packaging options available including Meals and Entertainment
- Cultural Awareness training and ongoing support provided by our dedicated Cultural Safety Advisors
- Access to Employee Assistance Program with supportive, confidential counselling
- Ongoing fulltime position
HOW TO APPLY
To find out more ab