Disability Law NSW is a program of Mid North Coast Legal Centre and forms part of Advocacy Law Alliance (ALA).

Mid North Coast Legal Centre (MNCLC) is an innovative community legal centre providing civil law services in the local government areas of MidCoast, Port Macquarie – Hastings, Kempsey Shire, Nambucca Shire, Bellingen Shire and Coffs Harbour.

We have offices in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. This position is preferably located in Port Macquarie, but Coffs Harbour or Newcastle may be considered for the right candidate.

DESCRIPTION OF ROLE

Position funded via Disability Advocacy NSW (DA NSW) to provide specialist civil legal advice to clients with disability and their carers accessing DA NSW for advocacy support.

This is a 12-month contract position available with options to renew.

This position is embedded in the MNCLC team and directly supervised by the Assistant Principal Solicitor. The Principal Solicitor oversees the whole MNCLC legal practice.

The Solicitor will undertake intake and provide generalist civil legal advice, education and outreach where appropriate.

The Solicitor will work collaboratively with another solicitor working with Disability Law and the broader MNCLC team in the provision of specialist civil legal advice to clients with disability and their carers.

The position is primarily responsible for the delivery of legal services.

Benefits include:

Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS), between Level 4.1 and Level 5.1 dependent on experience;

Up to 6 weeks annual leave, plus 5 paid wellbeing days;

Job satisfaction in making a difference to people’s lives;

Salary packaging options - tax free salary packaging options can increase ‘take home’ pay;

Access to company car for work travel;

Ongoing training and development opportunities; and

Supportive and rewarding team culture.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Key relationships

Principal Solicitor, Assistant Principal Solicitor, Solicitor - Disability Law

Deputy CEO and Manager Specialist Advocacy

Disability Advocates

Legal Practice

Provide specialised disability legal advice for clients of Disability Advocacy NSW (DA) across the DA catchment area (Mid North Coast, Hunter-Central Coast, Blue Mountains-Sydney West, New England and West and Far West NSW).

Support the generalist legal work of the MNCLC practice.

Undertake legal practice (case work and legal advice) in line with the Centre’s business plan and the Centre’s Legal Practice Manual.

Provide high quality legal advice in all areas of civil law.

Law Reform and Community Legal Education

Develop and provide community legal education workshops in line with the centre’s strategic plan.

Provide education sessions and legal updates to DA NSW disability advocates on relevant legal issues.

Where appropriate, contribute to the law reform activities of MNCLC and DA NSW in relation to civil law issues affecting people with disability and their associates.

Identify and present opportunities for community legal education and engagement with allies and stakeholders to Assistant Principal Solicitor for consideration.

General

Demonstrate leadership qualities by leading by example, nurturing a positive work environment with a holistic focus on team development and wellbeing.

Participate in internal management and staff meetings, professional and organisational development and planning activities.

Accurately record advice, casework, and other service activities onto the client management system in a timely manner.

Provide input into the Centre’s business planning, especially in relation to trends noted in the operation of the legal practice.

Assist in the general administration of the Centre. Undertake shared intake duties.

Undertake duties related to supporting, mentoring and supervision of volunteers and students at the MNCLC.

Carry out other appropriate tasks as directed by your supervisor.

Personal Responsibilities

Undertake work and other activities with integrity whilst upholding the organisation’s values and in particular, ensuring a people-first approach across our staff, volunteers and clients.

Support team cohesion in a flexible and friendly manner.

Protect and enhance the reputation of the organisation.

Execute the tasks that are assigned to you to a high standard.

Collect data to evaluate your work and regularly report on it;

Meet personal objectives and deliverables in a timely manner; and

Maintain positive relationships with the Centre’s partner organisations and the wider community.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications which do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.

Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to social justice.

A current NSW practising certificate, minimum 1 year relevant legal experience and willingness to travel within the geographic catchment area.

Civil law experience, in particular in areas that disproportionately impact people with disability - NDIS, discrimination, employment, debt etc.

Ability to collaborate with non-legal disability advocates in getting positive outcomes for clients with disability and their carers.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to communicate clearly in plain English with diverse groups including people with disabilities.

Willingness to present at workshops or other educational events.

Well-developed interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution skills and the ability to work well within a team environment under supervision of the Assistant and Principal Solicitors.

Driven by integrity, responsibility, accountability, attention to detail and pride in work.

Litigation and tribunal skills will be considered advantageous.

CALD, First Nations people and people with a disability are all encouraged to apply for this role. All applications will be assessed on merit against the selection criteria and in accordance with equal employment opportunity principles.

For more information about MNCLC, see www.mnclegal.org.au

For more information about DA NSW, see www.da.org.au.

For more information about the position contact Sarah Dahlenburg via email at [email protected]

Submission Checklist

Do you have:

A cover letter including contact details

A document that addresses each of the selection criteria listed above (please include this with your cover letter or resume document for ease of submission via Seek)

A current resume including two current professional referees

The successful applicant will be required to undertake a criminal record check and obtain a clear Working with Children Check.

If so, hit ‘apply now’ via Seek, ensuring everything is included. We look forward to receiving your application.

Applications close 5:00pm, 26 June 2024. Interviews will take place the following week via Microsoft Teams.