Solicitor - Sexual Assault Legal Service WA - Whajuk Country / Perth
Aboriginal Family Legal Services
Job description
- 5 weeks Annual Leave
- Salary Packaging
- Access to free support services, including EAP and an internal counsellor
- Salary range $100,000 to $130,000 plus salary packaging.
The Aboriginal Family Legal Services (WA) aims to provide free, culturally secure legal support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victim survivors of family violence and/or sexual assault.
SOLICITOR – Whajuk Country /Perth
AFLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are encouraged to apply.
We are seeking a Solicitor to join the AFLS team on a fixed term until December 2027 to be a part of the Sexual Assault Legal Service WA pilot. The pilot is being conducted in partnership with Women’s Legal Service WA (WLSWA) and Ruah Legal Services.
The successful applicant will be a part of a small team that includes lawyers, social workers and a customer service officer and is led by WLSWA. The AFLS SALSWA solicitor will be based at our office in Rivervale, but required to attend WLSWA and outreach locations from time to time..
About the role:
The primary focus of the role is the provision of legal information, advice, advocacy, representation, and support to victim-survivors of sexual violence/assault. This includes assisting clients with:
- Identifying sexual violence;
- Understanding legal rights and options after sexual violence;
- How to make a police report and what to expect after reporting;
- Keeping in touch with ongoing investigations;
- Understanding legal terms and court processes;
- Knowing legal rights and preparation for the various stages of the prosecution and sentencing process;
- Advice and help applying for Restraining Orders;
- Preparing victim impact statements;
- Assistance with applications for criminal injuries compensation; and
- Accessing the Victim Notification Register.
You will be guiding your clients through the legal system and ensuring they are aware of the stages and processes involved as well as supporting your clients to understand their rights and entitlements during the legal process.
Employment Inclusions:
- 5 weeks Annual Leave
- Salary Packaging
- Free Support Services including EAP and an internal counsellor.
- Cultural Awareness Training
To be considered for this position you need to meet the following criteria:
Essential
- Current legal practicing certificate from the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia, pursuant to the Legal Profession Act 2008 (WA).
- At least 2 years’ experience working within the criminal justice system (or equivalent experience).
- Sufficient understanding of the criminal justice legal system to give general advice to victim-survivors.
- Experience preparing applications for and attending court in relation to Family Violence Restraining Orders, and Violence Restraining Orders
- Excellent communication skills including verbal and written.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders,
- Proven application of a sensitive and trauma informed approach in client interactions.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal people.
- Ability to travel should the occasion arise.
Desirable
- Experience in preparing applications for Criminal Injuries Compensation.
- Ability to provide support that is both trauma-informed and culturally safe.
- Experience with assisting survivors of sexual violence/assault with the various stages of the criminal justice system.
- Familiarity with the Victim Notification Register.
- Experience working within the community legal sector
Essential Eligibility Requirements
- Current WA Driver’s Licence
- Current National Police Clearance
- Current Working with Children Check
