Company description:

Department of Communities and Justice

Job description:

Research Associate

Children's Court

• Location: Parramatta, flexible working arrangements can be considered for successful candidates
• Employment Type - Special Officer Temporary Employee (up to 2 years) - Full time (35 hrs per week)
• Salary - Legal Officer 1, Base Salary ($77,012 - $88,050), plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

Your role

The Research Associate plays a critical role in shaping court procedures and policies through detailed legal research, policy drafting and stakeholder engagement. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence legislative reform, contribute to the justice system's strategic objectives in a dynamic legal environment and provide high-level support services to the President of the Children's Court and Executive Officer

What you'll do

As part of the Children's Court team, you will undertake complex legal and social research to develop policy proposals and draft new court procedures. You will manage projects, prepare detailed documentation, and provide high-level advice to senior leadership.

You will also:

• Coordinate and participate in meetings with key stakeholders to communicate objectives and outcomes.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with State and Commonwealth government representatives, judiciary, and legal professionals.
• Prepare a range of project-related documents, including briefing notes, practice notes, correspondence, and research aids.
• Support the implementation of strategic initiatives directed by the Head of Jurisdiction.
• Ensure strict confidentiality while managing sensitive information and communications.
• Monitor legislative reforms and advise on their impact on court procedures and policies.

• Work as part of a collaborative and professional team committed to justice, within a supportive office environment that values attention to detail and confidentiality.

What we're looking for

• Tertiary qualifications in Law and admission or eligibility for admission to the legal profession under relevant legislation.
• Proven ability to develop legal policy and understand complex legislation quickly.
• Strong skills in preparing written and oral advice on legal, legislative, and administrative matters.
• Ability to maintain productive stakeholder relationships and work independently with discretion.

Appointments are subject to reference checks. Some roles may also require the following checks/ clearances:

• National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014
• Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012

Download the role description.

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To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the ‘Apply now' button.

We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply - you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

What We Offer

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

• A challenging and rewarding career

• Flexible, autonomous work environment

• Competitive pay and conditions

• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities

• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It's work that really matters.

Apply now and join Australia's top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!

Are you ready to join us?

Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).

Applications close: Sunday: 06 July 2025 11:59pm AEST.

Got a question?

For more information about the role or what it's like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Hana Marjanac at [email protected]

If you've got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please contact Lois Jebin at [email protected]

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

For more information visit Applying for DCJ jobs on the DCJ website.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/

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The careers site currently promotes this service on the ‘Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW' page.