Receptionist

The Organisation

Westjustice is a leading community legal centre providing free services to vulnerable and disadvantaged people. From our offices in Werribee and Sunshine and through outreach services, we provide advice on a broad range of issues including employment, discrimination, consumer disputes, tenancy, credit and debt, family disputes, family violence, criminal law and more.  We operate a multidisciplinary service, providing holistic legal, financial counselling and social worker support to people in Melbourne’s west which provides a comprehensive wrap-around service for those who need support within our community.

We believe in a just and fair society where the law and its processes do not discriminate against people or cause them vulnerability. We provide free legal education, undertake law reform activities and work in partnership with their local communities to deliver projects that improve access to justice.

Westjustice’s purpose is to service the legal needs in the West in a way that addresses the systemic nature of disadvantage.

Be part of the organisation that provides high-impact services and outcomes delivering best practice services and working on systemic reform of complex, widespread issues.

Benefits and Culture

• Be a part of an organisation that 98% of our team are proud to work for
• We pay 3% above the SCHADs award
• Salary packaging
• Up to 5 hours study leave per week
• Flexible working conditions
• 5% annual leave loading
• Passionate, professional and dedicated team
• Gifted additional paid leave over the summer holiday period
• Strong focus on wellbeing
• Ongoing commitment to being a diverse and inclusive organisation
• With 90% of our team recommending Westjustice as a great place to work we can provide a culture of a values driven, inclusive, feedback oriented workplace

The Role

Westjustice is seeking to employ a full-time Receptionist on a 12-month fixed term contract, (with potential for a longer-term contract depending on availability of funding) to join our Operations team.

This new role will be a part of the Operations Team, reporting to the Office Manager, you will provide reception services including answering calls and attending to clients (remotely and in person).  

Role Requirements:

• Refer clients to appropriate legal and other services
• Schedule appointments
• Maintain reception, waiting area and meeting rooms
• Maintain secure and effective client services in a confidential and sensitive environment
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders to better understand and support program objectives and outcomes
• Ensure processes relating to client meetings, appointments and deliveries are managed effectively with guidance and support form the Office Manager

You will also have:

• Relevant experience in an administrative role – including use of Microsoft Office Suit and client database software
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and maintain confidentiality
• Sound organisational, time management and planning skills including the ability to prioritise tasks and manage competing demands under pressure
• Quick learner
• Highly developed active listening and communication skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and professional telephone manner
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail

This position is based in our Werribee Office but will be required to work at our other offices and/or clinic sites, as need arises.

Remuneration:

Salary range – $68,000 per annum - $74,200 per annum (dependent on experience) employer funded superannuation in accordance with Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth).

For more information about Westjustice, please visit our website (www.westjustice.org.au)

Please apply by 5pm, 18 October 2024 by sending your resume together with a cover letter responding to the key selection criteria in the Position Description to recruitment@westjustice.org.au. Alternatively, please call Aaron Osborne, Director of Operations, Practice and Finance, on 03 9749 7720 for a confidential discussion.

For a copy of the Position Description, please click here.

Late applications will not be considered.

The successful applicant will require a current Working with Children’s Check and a Police Check or be prepared to apply for both. People with lived experience of the justice system are encouraged to apply. A police check result does not automatically disqualify an application which in each case will be individually assessed for the relevant role.  Applicants must possess the right to work in Australia.

WEstjustice is committed to building a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living with a disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, mature age workers and LGBTIQA+-identifying people.   People with lived experience of the justice system are encouraged to apply. A police check result does not automatically disqualify an application which in each case will be individually assessed for the relevant role.

If you require any adjustments throughout the application or recruitment process please contact recruitment@westjustice.org.au 

Lawyer and Senior Lawyer - Family Violence and Family Law Program

The Organisation

WEstjustice are a leading community legal centre providing free services to vulnerable and disadvantaged people. From our offices in Werribee and Sunshine and through our outreach services we provide advice on a broad range of issues including employment, discrimination, consumer disputes, tenancy, credit and debt, family disputes, family violence, criminal law and more.

WEstjustice believe in a just and fair society where the law and its processes do not discriminate against vulnerable people. We provide free legal education, undertake law reform activities and work in partnership with local communities to deliver projects that improve access to justice.

WEstjustice’s purpose is to service the legal needs in the West in a way that addresses the systemic nature of disadvantage.

Benefits and Culture

• Be a part of an organisation that 98% of our team are proud to work for
• We pay 3% above the SCHADs award
• Salary packaging
• Up to 5 hours study leave per week
• Flexible working conditions
• 5% annual leave loading
• Passionate, professional and dedicated team
• Gifted additional paid leave over the summer holiday period
• Strong focus on wellbeing
• Ongoing commitment to being a diverse and inclusive organisation
• With 90% of our team recommending WEstjustice as a great place to work we can provide a culture of a values driven, inclusive, feedback oriented workplace

About the role

Our legal practice is growing, so we are looking for qualified lawyers (salary commensurate with experience) to join our well-regarded Family Violence and Family Law Program. Positions will commence for a period of 12 months with permanent employment being offered subject to continued funding and growth of our practice. Part time candidates are also encouraged to apply.

We recognise that family and gender-based violence are serious community concerns that disproportionately affect women, gender diverse people and children. Our vision is for our clients to feel safe and secure. We do this by representing clients in family violence intervention order proceedings, family law (parenting, property division disputes and divorce), criminal proceedings where they have been misidentified as the primary perpetrator and providing early intervention legal advice to clients being investigated by the Child Protection.

If successful, you will join a high performing supportive team delivering legal services in family law, family violence, criminal law and child protection with an early intervention focus. As we are s29A panel certifiers, we also undertake legally aided casework by applying for grants of legal assistance for clients who qualify under Victoria Legal Aid’s family law, family violence, criminal and child protection guidelines. 

This role is primarily based at our Sunshine office and you may also be required to undertake outreach legal services at our key health justice partner sites in the Western suburbs. You will also represent our clients in court proceedings in the Sunshine and Werribee Magistrates Court and Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, as required. From time to time, you may also be required to work at our other offices in Werribee and/or partner organisation sites, depending on Program needs.

Skills Required

The person we are seeking will have:

• Minimum one year post admission experience (Lawyer)
• Minimum of three years post admission experience (Senior Lawyer)
• Demonstrated legal experience in any of our key legal areas:
  • Family law (highly desirable)
  • Child protection (highly desirable)
  • Criminal law (desirable)
• Prior experience as a family violence duty lawyer (desirable)
• Legal supervision experience (desirable)
• Dedicated interest and commitment to social justice legal practice and improving outcomes for clients who face life barriers in accessing justice.
• Excellent time management and file management skills.
• Advocacy and litigation experience or the demonstrated ability to develop these skills.

Remuneration

Salary range $87,674pa - $114,426pa (commensurate with experience) with additional financial benefits of 17.5% leave loading, generous salary packaging of up to $15,900 for general living expenses, accommodation and meal packaging plus statutory employer funded superannuation paid on top of the base salary.

For a copy of the Lawyer Position Description, please click here.

For a copy of the Senior Lawyer Position Description, please click here.

For enquires, call Neshi Sooknandan, Program Manager, Family Violence and Family Law Program, on 03 9749 7720 for a confidential discussion.

Please send your resume together with a concise cover letter demonstrating your skills and experience via this portal or by emailing it to recruitment@Westjustice.org.au by no later than Sunday 20 October 2024.

The successful applicant will require a current Working with Children’s Check and a Police Check or be prepared to apply for both. A police check result does not automatically disqualify an application which in each case will be individually assessed for the relevant role.  Applicants must possess the right to work in Australia.

WEstjustice is committed to building a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living with a disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, mature age workers and LGBTIQA+-identifying people.   People with lived experience of the justice system are encouraged to apply. A police check result does not automatically disqualify an application which in each case will be individually assessed for the relevant role.

If you require any adjustments throughout the application or recruitment process please contact recruitment@westjustice.org.au 

Please ensure that you let us know, in advance, of any reasonable adjustment you may require during any part of the recruitment process including application and interview by contacting Theresa via theresa@Westjustice.org.au.  Any information disclosed will be held in the strictest of confidence.

We look forward to receiving your application before midnight on Sunday 20 October 2024.

Community Engagement and Development Program Manager

The Organisation

Westjustice is a leading community legal centre providing free services to vulnerable and disadvantaged people. From our offices in Werribee and Sunshine and through outreach services, we provide advice on a broad range of issues including employment, discrimination, consumer disputes, tenancy, credit and debt, family disputes, family violence, criminal law and more.  We operate a multidisciplinary service, providing holistic legal, financial counselling and social worker support to people in Melbourne’s west which provides a comprehensive wrap-around service for those who need support within our community.

Our vison is for fairness, safety and justice for Melbourne’s West. Our purpose is to deliver targeted services and drive meaningful change.

Be part of the organisation that provides high-impact services and systemic reform of complex, widespread issues for the good of our clients and communities in Melbourne’s West.

Benefits and Culture

• Be a part of an organisation that 98% of our team are proud to work for
• We pay 3% above the SCHADs award
• Salary packaging
• Up to 5 hours study leave per week
• Flexible working conditions
• 5% annual leave loading
• Passionate, professional and dedicated team
• Gifted additional paid leave over the summer holiday period
• Strong focus on wellbeing
• Ongoing commitment to being a diverse and inclusive organisation
• With 90% of our team recommending WEstjustice as a great place to work we can provide a culture of a values driven, inclusive, feedback-oriented workplace

The Role

Westjustice is seeking a Community Engagement and Development Program Manager, 12-month maternity leave cover. This role will lead Westjustice’s community engagement and development, to ensure that our programs and services are informed by our communities and to ensure that our engagement is meaningful and culturally safe. This includes implementing a community engagement framework and convening community advisory boards.

This role will be part of the Westjustice Management Team, work with the Senior Leadership Team and report to the Director of Policy, Impact and Engagement.

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Demonstrated experience, as a subject matter expert, on community engagement, representation and development.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate and coordinate consultation workshops and boards (particularly with community and/or lived experience groups).
• Demonstrated report writing experience, and experience in developing frameworks for community engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to work strategically and collaboratively to build strong stakeholder relationships and partnerships across a range of sectors and community groups.
• Strong commitment to social justice, community education and engagement, including a demonstrated understanding of the social context of law and the issues faced by vulnerable and/or disadvantaged
• Highly developed ability to listen to, engage with, and assist people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and work within a rights based and empowerment framework.
• Excellent organisation, communication and administrative
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Westjustice’s Vision, Purpose, Strategic Plan and Impact Areas.

Desirable

• Existing relationships and/or lived experience in Melbourne’s West.
• Prior experience in media, communications and social media
• Prior experience in writing successful grant applications and / or securing project funding and / or developing and managing budgets.
• Prior experience in a project management role and / or strong project management skills and experience. 

Remuneration

Salary range ($118,517.00 - $123,468.00) (commensurate with experience) plus superannuation, 17.5% leave loading and additional generous salary packaging of up to $15,900 for general living expenses, access to Accommodation and Meal Entertainment packaging and employer funded superannuation in accordance with Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth).

For enquires, call Sheri Shwe, Community Development and Engagement Program Manager, on 03 9749 7720 for a confidential discussion.

Please send your resume together with a concise cover letter demonstrating your skills and experience via this portal or by emailing it to recruitment@Westjustice.org.au by no later than 11 October 2024.

For a copy of the Position Description, please click here.

The successful applicant will require a current Working with Children’s Check and a Police Check or be prepared to apply for both. People with lived experience of the justice system are encouraged to apply. A police check result does not automatically disqualify an application which in each case will be individually assessed for the relevant role.  Applicants must possess the right to work in Australia.

WEstjustice is committed to building a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living with a disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, mature age workers and LGBTIQA+-identifying people.   People with lived experience of the justice system are encouraged to apply. A police check result does not automatically disqualify an application which in each case will be individually assessed for the relevant role.

If you require any adjustments throughout the application or recruitment process please contact recruitment@westjustice.org.au 

Please ensure that you let us know, in advance, of any reasonable adjustment you may require during any part of the recruitment process including application and interview by contacting Theresa via theresa@Westjustice.org.au.  Any information disclosed will be held in the strictest of confidence.

Legal Program Manager / Managing Lawyer

Family Violence and Family Law Program

Westjustice

If you are a leader looking to contribute to an innovative and courageous legal practice working across family law, child protection and crime to secure better life outcomes for families recovering from the impacts of family violence, we would like to hear from you.

The Organisation

Westjustice is a leading community legal centre providing free services to vulnerable and disadvantaged people. From our offices in Footscray, Werribee and Sunshine and through our outreach services we provide advice on a broad range of issues including employment, discrimination, consumer disputes, tenancy, credit and debt, family disputes, family violence, criminal law and more.

Westjustice believe in a just and fair society where the law and its processes do not discriminate against vulnerable people. We provide free legal education, undertake law reform activities and work in partnership with their local communities to deliver projects that improve access to justice.

Westjustice’s purpose is to service the legal needs in the West in a way that addresses the systemic nature of disadvantage.

Benefits and Culture

• Be a part of an organisation that 98% of our team are proud to work for
• We pay 3% above the SCHADs award
• Salary packaging
• Up to 5 hours study leave per week
• Flexible working conditions
• 5% annual leave loading
• Passionate, professional and dedicated team
• Gifted additional paid leave over the summer holiday period
• Strong focus on wellbeing
• Ongoing commitment to being a diverse and inclusive organisation
• With 90% of our team recommending WEstjustice as a great place to work we can provide a culture of a values driven, inclusive, feedback-oriented workplace

About the role

As our legal practice is growing, we are looking to recruit a full-time Legal Program Manager /Managing Lawyer in an ongoing position to join our well-regarded growing legal team. Part-time candidates are also encouraged to apply.

We recognise that family and gender-based violence are serious community concerns that disproportionately affect women, gender diverse people and children. Our vision is for our clients to feel safe and secure. We do this by representing clients in family violence intervention order proceedings, family law (parenting, property division disputes and divorce), criminal proceedings where they have been misidentified as the primary perpetrator and in child protection investigations.In this role you will lead a team of high performing, caring, passionate and dedicated lawyers representing people experiencing family violence with ancillary family law, child protection and criminal legal issues. initiating improvements through law reform, community and research projects, legal education and contribute to maintaining key community referral relationships.

You will also assist in addressing system barriers and initiating improvements through law reform, community and research projects, legal education and contribute to maintaining key community referral relationships.

If successful, you will join a high performing supportive leadership team delivering legal services in family law, family violence, criminal law and child protection with an early intervention focus. As we are s29A panel certifiers, we also undertake legally aided casework by applying for grants of legal assistance for clients who qualify under VLA’s family law, family violence, criminal and child protection guidelines. 

This role is primarily based at our Sunshine office, and you may also be required to undertake outreach legal services at our key health justice partner sites in the Western suburbs. From time to time, you may also be required to work at our other offices (Werribee) and/or partner organisation sites, depending on Program needs.

Role requirments

The person we are seeking will have:

• An aptitude for achieving high quality, innovative and sustainable outcomes for families.
• Substantial legal practice experience in family violence and family law.
• An ability to oversee and supervise casework in our emerging areas of practice:
  • Child Protection (highly desirable)
  • Criminal law (desirable)
  • VOCAT (desirable)
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience in a legal practice.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in more complex Court advocacy and litigation to mentor and lead strategic high performing lawyers.
• An aptitude for strategic litigation
• Demonstrated ability to oversee legal projects and programs that have a strategic impact for our clients.
• Ability to successfully manage competing priorities effectively across legal supervision, team management, project work, grant applications, funding proposals and budget oversight under the guidance of the Legal Director.
• Dedicated interest and commitment to social justice legal practice and improving outcomes for clients who face life barriers in accessing justice.

The successful applicant will require a current Working with Children’s Check and a National Police Check or be prepared to apply for both. Applicants must possess the right to work in Australia.

For a copy of the Position Description, please click here.

Remuneration

Salary range $118,000 to $123,000 (dependent on experience) plus employer funded superannuation in accordance with Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth). salary packaging of up to $15,900 for general living expenses, accommodation and meal packaging

For enquires, call Cleona Feuerring, Legal Director, Family Violence and Family Law Program, on 03 9749 7720 for a confidential discussion. 

Please send your resume together with a concise cover letter demonstrating your skills and experience via this portal or by emailing it to recruitment@Westjustice.org.au by no later than Sunday 15 September 2024.

Practical Legal Traineeship Placements – Westjustice

Westjustice is currently looking for Practical Legal Trainees (PLT) to work 2 days per week. The placement is for a minimum of 20 days over 10 weeks (2 set days a week). We are we are recruiting for placement opportunities all year round with flexible start dates.

Westjustice are a leading community legal centre providing free services to vulnerable and disadvantaged people. From our offices in Werribee and Sunshine and through our outreach services we provide advice on a broad range of issues including employment, discrimination, consumer disputes, tenancy, credit and debt, family disputes, family violence, criminal law and more.

Westjustice’s vision and purpose

• Fairness, safety, and justice for Melbourne’s West​

• We deliver targeted services and drive meaningful change​

Westjustice delivers

• Targeted legal, financial counselling​ and social work services​

• Empowerment through education and community development​
• Advocacy and system reform​
• Develop and nurture impactful networks and relationships​
• Prevention and early intervention that addresses the causes and impacts ​

The Practical Legal Training (PLT) Program at Westjustice

PLTs provide a vital contribution to our work and the functioning of our team. Successful applicants will gain valuable and practical experience and training working under the supervision of experienced lawyers within the following programs:

• Family Law Family Violence Program (Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
• Youth Law Program (Wednesdays and Fridays)
• Economic Justice Program (Mondays and Thursdays)
• Employment and Equality Law Program (Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

For specific information on the above listed programs, please refer to our website.

Key Responsibilities/Expectations can include:

• Triaging and preparing matters under guidance of the lawyers
• Coordinating court lists andcommunicating with external key stakeholders across multiple digital platforms under guidance of the lawyers
• Conducting intake (basic instructions) with clients, many of whom are from culturally and linguistically marginalised backgrounds, experiencing poverty, family/intimate partner violence
• Collating and analysing court documents
• File management tasks
• Preparing and sending correspondence with guidance of a lawyer
• Data entry
• Legal research, analysis and problem solving to assist lawyers with their case work

Key Selection Criteria:

• A degree in law
• Be currently completing your Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (through Leo Cussen or an equivalent institution).
• Ability to undertake a minimum of 20 days (2 set days per week) of practical legal training at Westjustice over 10 weeks
• Ability to work from our office located in Sunshine or various outreach locations across Melbourne
• Ability to attend the various Courts and Tribunals across Melbourne
• Excellent IT skills, including use of real time portals, Sharepoint, Actionstep (or case management systems), Teams, Microsoft Office, Outlook
• Strong commitment to social justice, including a demonstrated understanding of the social context of law, crime, family violence, discrimination and the issues faced by vulnerable young people in our community and the ability to contribute to Westjustice’s systemic impact work
• Ability to listen to and engage with vulnerable, distressed or disadvantaged clients
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders
• High level personal skills, including resilience and the ability to communicate and consult effectively
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a can-do attitude when offering solutions
• Excellent attention to detail and a friendly demeanour
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Confident, strong initiative, compassionate, with an interest in community legal work
• Thrives in a busy and sometimes unpredictable environment
• Competency in working with diverse communities, including LGBTIQA+, Disability and multicultural communities

*Please note that PLT positions are unpaid*

We offer a robust structured training program that includes practical skills workshops, and a Certificate of Completion is awarded upon completion of the 10-week program.

How to Apply:

To apply, please email a cover letter that indicates your interest in each of the programs in order of preference, addresses the key selection criteria (maximum 2 pages) and your CV to recruitment@westjustice.org.au . Please note, we will try to allocate successful applicants to their preferred programs, but this may not always be possible. Please use the subject line: PLT [your name] application.

Feel free to email us any questions you may have via the above email address.

The successful applicant will require a current Working with Children’s Check and Police Check. People with lived experience of the justice system are encouraged to apply. A police check result does not automatically disqualify an application which in each case will be individually assessed for the relevant role. Applicants must also have the right to work in Australia. If you require any adjustments throughout the application or recruitment process please contact recruitment@westjustice.org.au

Westjustice is committed to building a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living with a disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, mature age workers and LGBTIQA+ identifying people. 

Please contact us on (03) 9749 7720 if you wish to make a donation to WEstjustice.

Donations over $2.00 are tax deductable.

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Unfortunately, WEstjustice does not currently have any vacancies.

WEstjustice relies heavily on the work of legal and non-legal volunteers. Volunteer roles include:

• Policy volunteers (at capacity)
• Administrative volunteers (at capacity)
• Paralegal volunteers (at capacity)
• Solicitor volunteers (at capacity)

Skills we require of all of our volunteers include:

• Excellent communication skills
• High attention to detail
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Reliability and punctuality

We ask that volunteers give us a minimum commitment of twelve months.

Demand for volunteer positions may vary.

If there is a position available and you are a suitable candidate, we will contact you. 

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Westjustice has several current PLT opportunity, please see here for more details.