Adoption Law Attorney

Adoption Law Attorney / Divorce Law Attorney / Family Law - General Attorney in Bendigo, Victoria Job Title: Professional Support Lawyer, Child Protection Job Responsibilities: The Professional Support Lawyer in Child Protection plays a crucial role in supporting high-quality child protection legal practice within the organization and among legally aided practitioners. Key responsibilities include: Planning, developing, and implementing training and education materials focused on child protection law for organization staff and legal practitioners. Supporting quality child protection legal practice by providing case advice, coordinating case strategy meetings to facilitate shared learning and networking, producing and sharing legislative, case law, and policy updates, and supporting specialist accreditation processes. Producing, disseminating, and maintaining precedents and other practice resources for child protection lawyers. Assisting in the development of training and induction plans for lawyers entering child protection practice within the organization. Identifying and promoting opportunities for strategic litigation and advocacy arising from casework in collaboration with the legal team and leadership. Collaborating with the Professional Support Lawyer in Youth Crime and other professional support lawyers across the organization. Providing 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. Education and Experience Information: The ideal candidate for the Professional Support Lawyer, Child Protection position should possess: Extensive knowledge and practice experience in child protection law in Victoria, along with a good understanding of related areas 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, as well as effectively communicate and present complex legal concepts to lawyers with various 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. Demonstrated experience working with First Nations people, including an understanding of the 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. Furthermore, candidates are required to have: A current unrestricted Australian practicing certificate entitling them to practice in Victoria as a government legal practitioner. The right to work in Australia (being an Australian, New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or holding a valid visa). A valid Victorian Working With Children Check at all times. Salary Information: The position offers a salary range of $110,357 - $127,333 (pro rata) plus super and salary packaging. Additional benefits include: Up to $15,900 in salary packaging. Hybrid work‑from‑home and office model. Training and professional development opportunities. General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650, and Novated Leasing. Opportunity to join Myki Commuter Club and salary package the cost. Supportive team environment in modern offices, including free gym and end‑of‑trip facilities at the CBD office. Access to discounted Private Health Insurance. Organizational Context: The organization provides legal aid services to the Victorian community through its in‑house practice, contracted private lawyers, and by funding community legal centres. The organization prioritizes more intensive services, such as legal advice, legal representation, non‑legal advocacy, and family dispute resolution, to those who need it the most. It conducts research into and makes submissions regarding legal aid and law reform issues. The organization’s 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. The Directorate is responsible for leading service delivery, advocacy, and projects across areas such as Child Protection, Family Violence, Family Dispute Resolution Service, Parenting Disputes, Child Support, and Independent Children’s Lawyers. The organization is 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 within the organization. It is also a Child‑Safe organization, committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and recognizing the need to respect their rights, welcome their views, and take their concerns seriously. #J-18808-Ljbffr