Community Legal Education Officer

Flexible Working Location (NSW/ACT) l Full Time l Fixed-Term contract (June 2025)

 Primary purpose of the role 
 The purpose of this role is to develop and deliver effective Community Legal Education services on discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace and other workplace legal problems, as part of our employment law team.  

The employment law team provides legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with employment law problems across NSW, including face to face services in Sydney, Central Coast and Newcastle/Hunter areas, and phone/video services across the State. The ALS also provides legal advice and advocacy to clients with fines and fine-related debt, tenancy issues and referrals for civil law assistance in a range of areas. 
  

Why join the ALS NSW/ACT team? 

 At the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS) we deliver quality and culturally appropriate legal and other support services that meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout NSW and the ACT. As part of the team, you will have the chance to make a difference and contribute to social justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities. 

Our focus is our people; the people and communities we support, and the team 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 workforce and appreciate the rich diversity they represent of life experience, languages, and culture. 

Born out of a protest movement over 50 years ago, the ALS is the primary legal service for Aboriginal people in NSW and the ACT and is fearless in its advocacy for those we represent. It’s an exciting time for the ALS, with both our services and teams growing significantly. We recently received additional government funding to deliver a range of new programs aimed at addressing systemic issues and driving structural reforms. This is creating unprecedented opportunities for the ALS and our communities. 
 
For many of our staff making a real difference to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities and working with a great, supportive team is its own reward. 
  
In addition, we offer valuable benefits including: 

• Salary packaging options and novated car leasing - meaning your fortnightly take home pay is more than it would otherwise be 
• Annual Leave Loading of 17.5% 
• Career and professional development opportunities 
• Access to personalcounselling for you and your family 
• A range of additional paid leave, paid parental and study leave  
•  Flexible work options – talk to us about how we can make this role work for you 

The Role 

The Community Legal Education officer will be part of the Employment Law team in Civil Law Practice and will lead community based education around issues concerning sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. The Civil Law Practice is an emerging practice within the ALS. Its services will address sexual harassment, employment and anti-discrimination issues; civil law issues that intersect with care, family and criminal matters; and incorporate existing civil law services within the organisation, such as fines work. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and Deliver Community Legal Education services and resources to address the need for increased community awareness and knowledge of sexual harassment, discrimination and other workplace mistreatment, including avenues to obtain legal assistance   
• Work collaboratively to ensure services are culturally safe and respond to the needs of local communities  
• Build strong, trusted relationships with local Aboriginal communities and community workers to ensure our services meet the needs of community, strengthen referrals and build the profile of the ALS Civil law team   
• Raise public awareness of the employment law team  
• Assist clients and community members with accessing relevant information, support and services as required 
• Under the guidance of the Senior Solicitor:  
• Work with the ALS Communications teams to produce resources required for community or network engagement and education  
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to continually develop and improve the team’sservices 
• Under the guidance of the Senior Solicitor, liaise with external stakeholders to develop CLE partnerships and ensure a collaborative approach amongst the legal assistancesector  
• Organise and conduct education sessions in various locations across NSW  
• Record data, prepare reports and contribute to monitoring and evaluation as required  
• Attend and represent the ALS at community events as required 
• Perform other reasonable duties as directed 
• Adhere to ALS’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies, work practices and rules 
• Demonstrate a commitment to and behaviours that align to ALS Values and ALS Code of Conduct 

About you 

The successful incumbent will demonstrate:

• Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practices when considering service delivery and other support for clients, their families, communities and employees 
• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and communities 
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills 
• Experience delivering Community Legal Education to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, or experience undertaking community engagement and building awareness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities 
• Ability to meet deadlines, work without supervision and manage a diverse workload 
• Ability to adapt to change and work in a start-up environment 
• Ability to travel to outreach locations as required 
• Current NSW driver’s licence with the ability to travel intrastate 

Desirable 

• Identify and be recognised in the community as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person 
• Previous experience working in an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community-based organisation  
• Admitted as a solicitor, or previous experience working in a legal practice  
• Knowledge of employment law (specifically discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace) 
• Experience developing social media content and other Community Legal Education resources 

Pre-employment requirements: 
  
ALS NSW/ACT is committed to implementing safer recruitment practices. Your application may be subject to a number of 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 as per NSW/ACT Health Order and Police check.  Please note that candidates with criminal records are not automatically barred from being considered. Each application will be considered on its merits 
  
How to Apply:

1. Apply online providing an updated resume and cover letter 
2. If you have questions about this role, please direct enquiries to *******@alsnswact.org.au
    

Applications close 11:59pm Tuesday 12 December 2023