Legal Program

Job Category: Community Services and Development, Legal, Voluntary, Charity & Social Work We are a leading organisation offering a comprehensive suite of services to clients and the community across the Barwon, West Melbourne, South West and Wimmera Regions. Providing specialist sexual assault and family violence programs and services, including 24‑hour crisis care support, case management, therapeutic counselling, legal services, early intervention and professional education and training, we continue to grow and develop our offerings. About the Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre We are a client‑centred organisation, supporting the community throughout Barwon, Wimmera, and the South West regions, offering a range of specialist support services to people impacted by sexual and family violence, encompassing 24‑hour crisis care, specialist response services, early intervention programs, Victims Assistance Program, Community Legal Services, trauma recovery programmes, professional training and primary prevention initiatives. About The Role This role will bring experience in the family violence jurisdiction and family law and will work collaboratively with the Principal Solicitor and Senior Solicitor to ensure the legal programme is effectively integrated across all areas of the organisation's family violence support services. This role aims to improve access to justice for women and children experiencing family violence through the provision of high quality, trauma‑informed legal assistance. Why work for The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre? The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre takes pride in being an employer of choice; we are passionate about the wellbeing of our team members and we celebrate diversity and inclusion in all we do. We have a high level of employee engagement and satisfaction and provide a number of complementary benefits to our staff, including: 5 weeks annual leave and access to purchased leave for full and part‑time employees Paid parental leave Salary packaging Health and wellbeing initiatives Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Social initiatives Positive workplace culture The SAFV Centre acknowledges and respects the First Nations ownership of the land where we work. Desired Skills and Experience Ideal candidates will hold degree qualifications in a Minimum Bachelor of Law and Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (or equivalent), possess a Current Australian Practising Certificate entitling them to practice as a solicitor in Victoria, and have a Minimum of two years relevant experience. You will be a values‑driven person, motivated to make a difference and hold the client at the centre of everything you do. You thrive working autonomously and also collaboratively within a dynamic, team environment. If you share our vision for a community free from family violence and sexual assault and are motivated to make a difference, we would like to hear from you. Key Selection Criteria Essential Qualifications and Experience Minimum Bachelor of Law and Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (or equivalent) Current Australian Practising Certificate entitling you to practice as a solicitor in Victoria Minimum two years relevant experience Essential Skills and Knowledge Demonstrated knowledge and experience (or a willingness to learn) of the relevant law and court procedures, focusing on family law and family violence jurisdiction Demonstrated experience in a client‑focused approach that facilitates empowerment and independence for women, and safety and security for women and their children Demonstrated competence in legal advocacy before administrative decision makers and/or courts Good interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate and negotiate effectively with all stakeholders and clients Strong understanding of the legal, social, and cultural dynamics of family violence, and commitment to trauma‑informed, client‑centred practice Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member, including collaborating with teams towards a trauma‑informed integrated legal practice Excellent organisational skills with flexibility to prioritise a range of competing demands Demonstrated experience working autonomously with a high degree of initiative and integrity Entitlement to practice in federal courts and courts exercising federal jurisdiction (entry on the High Court Register) Other Requirements Commitment to the vision, values and purposes of The SAFV Centre Commitment to continuous quality improvement and cultural equity in service delivery Current Victorian Driver's Licence Commitment to maintaining a current Working with Children Check and National Police Check at personal expense Referees Applicants must provide the name and current contact details of 2‑3 professional referees, including the most recent or current supervisor. Period of Appointment The position is ongoing, subject to funding. Hours of Work Role is 0.8‑full‑time. Location: Warrnambool office, with some outreach required. Hours usually during business hours 9:00 am – 5:06 pm, Monday to Friday. Flexibility in working hours may be required from time to time as the need arises. Salary and Conditions Annual salary range is $110,124 – $114,983 plus superannuation (pro‑rata for part‑time). Salary will be commensurate with experience and skills. Industrial Instrument: The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre Enterprise Agreement. Salary packaging: Provided via Maxxia. PBI status with other expenses available to package above this cap. The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre is a Public Benevolent Institution. Superannuation: The employer will also make superannuation payments on your behalf in accordance with the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act. Probationary Period – 6 months with a review conducted during this time. How To Apply All applications must address the key selection criteria outlined in the PD. We are currently accepting applications from direct applicants only; no recruitment agency applications are accepted. For a confidential discussion, please contact our People and Culture team on the portal or directly at the Safv.com.au career portal. #J-18808-Ljbffr