Adoption Law Attorney

Adoption Law Attorney / Divorce Law Attorney / Family Law - General Attorney in Sunshine, Victoria Job Title: Professional Support Lawyer, Child Protection Responsibilities Plan, develop, and implement training and education materials in child protection law for organization staff and legal practitioners involved in legally aided work. This is to be guided by the department's training priorities and the organization's Capability Framework for Child Protection lawyers, taking into account emerging needs and developments in the policy and legislative environment. Support quality child protection legal practice by providing lawyers with case advice, coordinating case strategy meetings for shared learning opportunities and networking, producing and sharing updates on legislation, case law, and policy, and supporting specialist accreditation processes. Produce, disseminate, and maintain precedents and other practice resources for child protection lawyers. Assist in developing training and induction plans for lawyers entering child protection practice at the organization. Identify and promote opportunities for strategic litigation and advocacy arising from casework in collaboration with the legal team and Family, Youth, and Children’s Law (FYCL) leadership. Collaborate closely on shared issues with the Professional Support Lawyer – Youth Crime and other professional support lawyers across the organization. Provide subject matter expert guidance to support the department's input into the organization's Legal Practice functions, including assessment of panel applications, Compliance and Quality Auditing, and guideline reviews as required. Qualifications Extensive knowledge and practice experience in child protection law in Victoria, with a good understanding of related areas of law such as family violence and youth crime. Demonstrated experience in the development and delivery of quality training and education resources to support lawyers in developing and continuously improving their legal skills and knowledge. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage and build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, along with the ability to effectively communicate and present complex legal concepts to lawyers with varying levels of experience. Ability to provide advice on complex legal issues in child protection and children’s intervention order matters. High-level research and writing skills, including the ability to analyze and synthesize complex information into plain English. Highly developed organizational and time management skills with the ability to effectively prioritize workload and work autonomously and collaboratively in a multi-functional team. First Nations people, including an understanding of cultural norms, communication styles, and complex issues experienced by First Nations peoples in Australia. A knowledge of the general business of the organization and a commitment to its vision and values. Salary Salary range: $110,357 - $127,333 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging. Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, and hybrid work-from-home and office model. Other Relevant Information All appointments are subject to reference checks and pre-employment misconduct screening. A current (unrestricted) Australian practicing certificate that entitles the holder to practice in Victoria as a government legal practitioner is mandatory. The role requires a valid Victorian Working With Children Check at all times. Equal Opportunity & Child Safety The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and strongly encourages people from diverse backgrounds and abilities, including First Nations people and refugees, to apply for positions. The organization is a Child‑Safe organization committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and recognizes the need to respect children’s rights, welcome and value their views, and take their concerns seriously. Benefits The organization offers employee benefits such as flexible working arrangements, training and professional development opportunities, salary packaging options, and access to discounted private health insurance. Organizational Context The organization provides legal aid services to the Victorian community through in‑house practice, contracted private lawyers, and funding community legal centres. It prioritises intensive services such as legal advice, legal representation, non‑legal advocacy, and family dispute resolution for those who need it the most. The organization also conducts research and makes submissions regarding legal aid and law reform issues. Its practice covers three program areas: Criminal Law, Family, Youth and Children’s Law, Civil Justice, and Access and Equity. The Family, Youth and Children’s Law Directorate aims to assist people in resolving family disputes to achieve safe, workable, and child‑focused parenting and care arrangements. It is responsible for leading service delivery, advocacy, and projects across areas such as Child Protection, Family Violence, and Family Dispute Resolution Service. #J-18808-Ljbffr