Lawyer - Partners in Community

To be considered for this position you must submit a tailored cover letter addressing the key selection criteria for this role. Applicants will be interviewed as applications are received and the ad will close when a suitable candidate is found.

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The Lawyer will provide legal assistance to clients in our Health Justice Partnerships, and our Mental Health Tribunal (MHT) and Generalist advocacy programs as required. The Lawyer will be required to attend various outreach locations including court, tribunal, and stakeholder venues to provide advice, consultation and case work in various practice areas.

The Lawyer will also deliver education sessions in the various settings, proactively network with key stakeholders, identify systemic issues and think strategically.

The incumbent will have the opportunity to provide their clients with a wraparound legal service, working collaboratively with community services and partners. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with exceptional organisational and communication skills, energy and vision.

About you

You are a lawyer with a passion for human rights and providing legal assistance to clients in disadvantaged communities.

You are able to:

• Deliver high quality, accurate legal advice and manage casework;
• Develop strong relationships with other supporting organisations/services; and
• Communicate with clients and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

You will be joining an established and cohesive team that has a strong culture of collaboration and a framework of continuous improvement.

The Offer

1 FTE (76 hours per fortnight) 1 year maximum term position.

SCHADS Level 5 Award salary subject to skills and experience.

Salary packaging and generous benefits under the MEA, including five weeks annual leave together with leave over the Christmas/New Year break.  

MHLC is an inclusive employer. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQ+ and culturally diverse communities encouraged to apply.

Key selection criteria

Essential (Skills, knowledge, experience)

1. Legal practice experience or the ability to quickly acquire it and the capacity to manage a significant and complex workload in mental health, civil and infringements law including advice, casework and representation in courts and tribunals;
2. Exceptional oral and written communications skills, including legal drafting, negotiation and advocacy;
3. Exceptional interpersonal skills including a demonstrated ability to engage with people who have multiple and complex needs and vulnerabilities including an understanding of trauma and mental ill health;
4. Experience networking and building relationships with a range of stakeholders including health services, courts, tribunals, police, community support agencies, and government and a capacity to engage in outreach as required;
5. Demonstrated capacity to work in a team and support a cohesive team environment, as well as to work independently with accountability under the direction of the Principal Lawyer; and
6. Commitment to social justice and alignment with MHLC vision and principles.

Desirable (Skills, knowledge, experience, qualification and/or training)

• Knowledge and experience in community legal sector, including legal education and development, policy, and law reform.

Prerequisites

• Eligible for practising certificate. MHLC will reimburse the cost of applying for or renewing a practicing certificate and the employee must continue to meet the requirements for holding a practising certificate.

Any changes to these prerequisites after employment commences must be communicated to the employer immediately by the employee.

Hours of work

This position is a full-time position to be worked 5 days a week (38 hours), in the West Melbourne office, at outreach locations at least once a week, noting that work from home is available upon successful probation and in accordance with our policies and procedures.

This position is subject to state funding.

A position description is attached.