Senior Lawyer, Child Protection

home_work Hybrid Posted 1 day ago Full time ongoing position (part-time considered) Salary range: $110,357 - $127,333 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model About the role In this role, you will act as a senior lawyer conducting complex casework, providing legal representation and advice to our clients appearing in child protection and intervention order matters in the Children's Court of Victoria, and across other jurisdictions as required. You will contribute to the professional development of the in‑house legal practice by mentoring and supervising less experienced lawyers and work closely with professional and community agencies to enhance community legal education and assist in developing strategies to improve client services. This role is based at our Geelong office on Wadawurrung Country. About you Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in relevant law and procedures, particularly focusing on the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, and expertise in child protection. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact sensitively and empathetically particularly children and young people, as well as their parents, staff, and external stakeholders. Strong advocacy skills and proficiency in offering strategic advice on legal policy matters, with a keen understanding of external organizations, community, and welfare groups, and their significance in legal aid services. Proven leadership abilities, with experience in supervising and mentoring junior legal staff. A current Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory). Why Geelong? The Geelong office is just over an hour drive from Melbourne and Ballarat. All the amenities of a city, without the extended commute to work. Residents in parts of Geelong and the greater region face some of the highest levels of disadvantage in Australia. Exposure to multiple practice areas including summary crime, indictable crime, youth crime, child protection, family violence, and family law. Opportunity to lead the delivery of community legal education and stakeholder engagement in the region. Feel a sense of connectedness and community from working in regional Australia. Employee benefits Focus on work‑life balance including flexible working arrangements Hybrid work from home & office model Training and professional development opportunities Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 andated Leasing Access to discounted Private Health Insurance Relocation support if relocating for the role How to apply To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (listed within the file attachments). If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team. For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Marquita Nolan, Regional Manager on or No agency applications will be accepted. Applications close by 11.59pm on Monday 24 November 2025 It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community. VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first. #J-18808-Ljbffr