• Represent young people in DFV matters
• 12 month contract with the possibility of an extension
• Generous salary packaging options
• South Brisbane based

About us

Youth Advocacy Centre’s (YAC) legal team comprises four lawyers – three full-time and one part-time, and we now have an opportunity for you to join this team and make a difference in the lives of young people.

YAC is a well-respected, specialist community legal and social welfare agency for young people 10-18 years who are involved in, or at risk of involvement in the youth justice and/or child protection systems, and/or are homeless or at risk of homelessness in an area from Caboolture to Beenleigh and Ipswich to Redland Bay. YAC has been working with young people for over 40 years and has expertise in the youth justice system, both from a legal and social welfare perspective, and has provided bail support services from the Sunshine Coast to the Brisbane for over 15 years.

We value diversity in all its forms and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people; those from ethnically diverse communities; and LGBTIQ+ persons.

We offer

• Generous salary packaging opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements and a supportive work environment
• Access to regular supervision, including external supervision as required.
• Access to professional development opportunities

About you

YAC is looking for an experienced solicitor who is passionate about advocacy and enjoys working with young people.

You may be experienced and passionate about representing young people in domestic and family violence (DFV) matters. In addition to providing advice and representation of young people in DFV matters, you will be a part of system advocacy informed by the direct experience of young people in the DFV system and by review of policy and legislation.

You have a good understanding of Queensland family and domestic violence laws and processes

You will have:

• Admission as a Legal Practitioner within the state of Queensland and holder of (or be eligible for immediate acquisition of) a current Practising Certificate
• Preferably, a minimum of 2 years PAE
• Strong advocacy skills
• High level interpersonal, oral and written communication skills and ability to work with vulnerable and/or disadvantaged people seeking access to justice and legal information
• Cultural capability, particularly in engaging and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, families and communities; peoples of ethnically diverse background; and a demonstrated understanding of working appropriately with LGBTIQ+ young people; and young people with a disability.
• Strong research skills
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, be self-motivated and manage own time efficiently
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members and external stakeholders.
• Excellent case management, time management and record keeping skills with proven competence using computer programs and databases.

About the role

Reporting to the Principal Lawyer, you will provide legal advice and representation to young people in relation to DFV matters (within geographical area covering Caboolture to Southport) and telephone advice across Queensland. The DFV Solicitor will collaborate with Youth Justice to provide DFV legal advice to young people in detention across the three Youth Detention Centres in Queensland.

Your accountabilities include:

• Providing legal advice, referral, legal representation and advocacy in relation to family and domestic violence issues for those aged 10-17
• Monitor and identify needs of young people under 18 in the Family and Domestic Violence Sector. This includes:
  • Needs analysis regarding demographic
  • Analysis of appropriate responses both social welfare and legal
  • Review of suitability of current systems and processes for young people, including any ramifications of breach proceedings
• Development of community legal education materials or activities in relation to family and domestic violence with the Community Legal Education Officer and legal team.

Please access and review the full Position Description (found on the YAC website – https://www.yac.net.au/vacancies/ ) for full details required to enable completion and submission of your application.

Please apply for this role via SEEK by submitting BOTH of the following:

• Resumé including the names and contact details of at least two referees
• a letter or summary of experience addressing the “Required skills & qualifications” listed in the position description.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or phone (07) 3356 1002.

Applications close Monday, 29 July 2024 (9:00am) however, please submit your application early as we will commence interviewing suitable applicants as applications are received.