Solicitor

Department of Families Fairness and Housing; Victoria; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) invites applications for a Solicitor within the Statewide Child Protection Litigation Office. The role provides legal services including advice, support and representation in child protection matters and requires appearances in the Children's Court of Victoria, VCAT and related jurisdictions.

You will work with one of Statewide CPLO's legal teams, travel to various Court locations and child protection offices, and contribute to proactive

Responsibilities

• Appear on behalf of the Secretary on child protection matters in the Children's Court and in related jurisdictions, such as VCAT.
• Proactively manage allocated child protection litigation files with supervision, including effective client liaison and inter-party communication and negotiation.
• Provide well-reasoned legal advice, briefings and correspondence.

Job description

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a safe, respected and valued life. Our areas of focus are child protection, housing, disability, the prevention of family violence, multicultural affairs, LGBTIQA+ equality, veterans, women and youth. The work we do benefits thousands of Victorians, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable. We work in a variety of community-based settings, including people's homes, residential facilities and secure settings across metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria. We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated. All jobs can be worked flexibly, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse backgrounds and abilities. If you're having any trouble viewing this ad and would like it or any attachments in an accessible format (such as large print), please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on the ad. For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

Please open the position description to read more.

THE ROLE

The Solicitor role in the Statewide Child Protection Litigation Office (Statewide CPLO) is responsible for providing legal services including advice, support and representation for child protection. The solicitor is required to appear and conduct litigation matters in various courts including the Children's Court of Victoria, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), and related jurisdictions. You will work predominantly with one of Statewide CPLO's legal teams and will travel to various Children's Court locations and child protection offices.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

• Appear on behalf of the Secretary on child protection matters in the Children's Court and in related jurisdictions, such as VCAT.
• Proactively manage allocated child protection litigation files with supervision, including effective client liaison and inter-party communication and negotiation.
• Provide well-reasoned legal advice, briefings and correspondence.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process. Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.