AddressOverview/intro
We have an amazing opportunity for a lawyer to work with WLSWA and partners to deliver Legal Services for victim-survivors of sexual violence.
Sexual violence is one of the most underreported crimes in Australia. Coupled with high attrition rates, sexual violence also has one of the lowest prosecution rates. Many victim-survivors who choose to report find the process traumatic, have limited support to protect their legal rights, and rarely see perpetrators held to account.
In response, the federal government is funding three locations across Australia to provide victim-survivors with greater access to specialised and trauma-informed Legal Services to support their recovery and safe participation in the criminal justice system. WA is one of these locations.
The Sexual Assault Legal Service WA pilot is a partnership between Women’s Legal Service WA, Aboriginal Family Legal Services and Ruah Legal Services, all specialist community Legal Services.
SALSWA will deliver state-wide, integrated, culturally appropriate and trauma-informed socio-legal assistance to victims-survivors in Western Australia.
The aim of the SALSWA is for clients to understand their legal rights, make informed decisions, have better engagement with the justice system, and have improved justice outcomes. Services will be provided from as early and close to the place of disclosure as possible and tailored to meet the unique needs of each client and include legal and community services. Wherever possible, assistance will be ongoing. Services will be targeted at known points of victim-survivor disengagement or departure from the system.
Agency
Women’s Legal Service WA is an accredited and specialist gender-specific community legal centre, providing trauma-informed services to women around Western Australia who are financially disadvantaged, prioritising assisting women who have or are experiencing family violence.
In addition to poverty and family violence, WLSWA clients live with multiple vulnerabilities and complex unmet social and legal needs that creates additional barriers to accessing justice.
WLSWA practice areas include family law, child protection and care matters, family and domestic violence and criminal injuries compensation. The specialised Legal Services provided by WLSWA ensure that clients access a single Legal Service, that is responsive to their different legal needs. Assistance is tailored to ensure continuity in support and mitigate re-traumatising clients with a high complexity of legal and social issues.
WLSWA aims to empower WA women to make informed legal choices and participate fully in legal processes that greatly impact on their lives and the lives of their children.
WLSWA also promotes and advocates for women’s human rights to be upheld and fosters legal and social change through a range of strategic activities, including community legal education and policy reform.
WLSWA provides socio-legal assistance to women in collaboration with our sector partners.
Position
WLSWA is looking for a lawyer who shares our passion for women’s education and empowerment within the legal system.
The SALSWA lawyer is a member of the SALSWA team who will deliver socio-legal assistance to women eligible for the pilot service, and which will be overseen by the Management Group, comprising Executive members of each of the partner agencies.
Taking initiative, problem solving and a ‘can do, will do’ attitude will ensure the position holder is empowered to work autonomously.
This position is funded to 30 June 2026, with potential extension.
Whilst this position is full-time, there is also provision to configure part-time arrangements between successful applicants too.
Responsibilities
Socio-legal
Provide clients with trauma informed, culturally appropriate and person-centred support to navigate and engage the legal system including,
- explaining the procedures and stages in the justice system,
- ensuring that clients are aware of their rights and entitlements,
- advising and advocating victim-survivor’s interests
- Support victim-survivors to manage intersecting and concurrent legal problems.
- Facilitate access to supports and programs to address co-occurring non-legal needs.
- Case coordinate the holistic provision of services to clients, including assistance with communications, meetings and negotiations, and file management.
- Provide the above assistance to clients at outreach locations.
- Assist with the development and presentation of community legal education activities.
- Remain abreast of current trends and practices in the legal system and sector, and broader issues pertinent to victim-survivors of Sexual Assault.
Sector
- Support the development and continuation of wider networks, referral pathways and sector partnerships to achieve effective service responses for clients.
- Work in collaboration with partner agencies to ensure the delivery of collaborative and integrated socio-legal assistance to SALSWA clients.
- Participate in networks and forums relevant to the SALSWA pilot.
Operations
- Assist in the review and adaptation of service processes and pathways to ensure ongoing quality assurance and improvement.
- Maintain timely data collection and entry.
- Provide regular service updates to the SALSWA Senior lawyer and WLSWA PLO, for the SALSWA Management Group.
- Provide feedback regarding service trends including for service reports.
- Contribute to submissions to government and stakeholders, as directed.
- Assist in the sector promotion of SALSWA.
- Assist with the research and production of resources required for community education.
- Other duties as directed.
Criteria
Qualifications, knowledge and experience
- Degree in Law or equivalent with post admission experience (exemption may be made for restricted practitioners).
- Knowledge of the Criminal Code with regards to Sexual Assault and the criminal justice system.
- Experience engaging respectfully and effectively with clients who have live with complex trauma and other circumstances of vulnerability and adversity.
- Excellent oral and written communication, including advocacy and negotiation skills.
- Good understanding of the social, cultural and economic context drivers of Sexual Assault.
- Exceptional relationship establishment and maintenance skills, with diverse stakeholders.
Organisational Fit
- Good organisation skills, including ability to arrange daily workload by priorities, meet deadlines in a fast paced and changing environment, and create efficiencies in work practices.
- Excellent problem-solving skills with capacity for proactive thinking and independent work.
- Ability to create and work constructively and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Ability to travel when required to deliver services to clients and the community.
- Clear commitment to social justice and client self-determination.
- Values driven and aligned with WLSWA vision and SALSWA purpose.
- Demonstrated competence using Microsoft Word and Outlook.
- Current National Police Clearance and Working with Children Check.
Highly Desirable
- Experience working with women living with multiple disadvantages.
- Experience in designing and presenting community legal education.
- Current ‘C’ Class WA Driver’s Licence.
Conditions
In addition to the opportunity to join a great team, WLSWA offers flexible working arrangements, employee assistance program, targeted professional development, opportunity to salary sacrifice, and additional paid leave between Christmas and new year.
Based in the Perth office, lawyers may be required to undertake some travel around WA.
Application process
Please include in your application:
- A cover letter outlining your interest in the position and relevant skills
- A resume outlining your qualifications and experiences
For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact senior SALSWA lawyer Olivia Tan at *******@wlswa.org.au 0400 679 ***.
We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and / or linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Applications should be submitted by email by the closing date of 27 May, 2024 at 5pm WST.
Please send your application to *******@wlswa.org.au
All applications will be treated in strictest confidence. We look forward to hearing from you.
We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills and passion, as well as how you can enhance our organisation. When you apply, please tell us the pronouns you use and any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process.
We also encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. If the suitable candidate is successful prior to this date the ad will close early.
