Administration Officer - Inmate Referral Service, Crime (Identified Position)

Full Time |12 Month Fixed Term| Flexible

This is an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Identified Position which is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. 

Primary Purpose of the role 

The primary responsibility of an Administration Officer, Inmate Referrals, is to assist in the delivery of high-quality legal support services to Aboriginal clients who are in custody. 

The position holder will be responsible for staffing the ALS Inmate Referral Service phone line and take calls from those in adult custody and juvenile detention. The position holder will triage and refer all calls to the appropriate section or staff member of the ALS and will also provide general information on appropriate external referrals. 

Why join the ALS team?
 
At the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS)  you can make an impact. You will join a strong movement fighting for social justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities. 

Our focus is our people: the people we support and the people we employ. We offer a career you can be proud of and a place where you feel safe to be yourself. We invest in our people and appreciate the rich diversity of lived experiences, languages, and culture. 
 
Born out of a protest movement over 50 years ago, the ALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation delivering high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW and the ACT. It’s an exciting time to be joining us. We recently received additional funding to deliver a range of new programs aimed at addressing systemic issues and driving structural reforms. This is creating significant opportunities for the ALS, our staff and communities. 
 
As well as the satisfaction of working in a job that really matters, we offer our staff benefits including:

• Not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximise take-home pay
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• Career and professional development opportunities
• Access to personal counselling for you and your family
• Additional paid leave of up to 6 days per year, paid parental and study leave 
• Flexible work options – talk to us about how we can make this role work for you

About the role

The Admin Officer's role will be responsible to:

• Taking phone calls between the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from adults and juveniles in custody and providing relevant information and making internal referrals to inhouse ALS staff 
• Ensure the recording of all communications for data recording purposes 
• Input of statistical data into the CMS database including opening, closing, archiving files and other general data entry
• Ensure the recording of all communications for date recording purposes 
• Ensure maintenance to office equipment and maintain a well presented and professional office
• Assist clients with non-court matters and referrals
• Maintain office standards for timeliness in the management of client matters
• Ensure all policies and practices are ethical and comply with the ALS’s policies and workplace health and safety legislation and promote the establishment of equal employment and access in accordance with agreed statutory policy
• Demonstrate continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families and communities
• Work collaboratively as a team member with all other legal, field and administrative staff to achieve effective co-ordination within your office and Cluster service
• Perform other reasonable administration duties as directed and keep up-to-date on identifying training need

About you

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander; identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or be accepted as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in the community in which you live
• A knowledge of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families, communities and the social issues affecting those communities
• Previous experience working in a criminal legal practice
• Demonstrated understanding of criminal law processes relevant people in custody 
• Commitment to the principles of social justice
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team environment
• Capacity to behave in a culturally appropriate manner
• Proven computer systems skills including Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, Access and Outlook and typing skills with a minimum of 35 wpm
• Excellent phone manner and communication skills and experience in operating a small to medium switchboard
• Demonstrated organisational and time management skills and the ability to multi-task
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work independently in a team environment with limited supervision
• Excellent problem-solving skills

• Desirable
• Previous experience working in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community-based organisation

Pre-employment requirements:
 
ALS is committed to implementing safe recruitment practices. Your application may be subject to pre-employment checks such as reference checks, Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check, Right to work in Australia, COVID-19 vaccinations and National Police History check.
 
How to apply:

Please click apply now. Before you begin, make sure you have an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

If you have questions about this role, please email *******@alsnswact.org.au 

ALS Website: 

Please submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to *******@alsnswact.org.au

Application Close Date: 15 March 2024