Catherine Moynihan, Official Solicitor and Director Legal (Please applications to Cate Parker

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1 Office of the Public Guardian Role Description Position title: Branch/division: Legal Officer Child Advocate Office of the Public Guardian Vacancy ref no: Closing date: 27/11/2015 Location: Classification: Brisbane PO4 Gross fortnightly salary: Gross yearly salary: $ $ $85, $91,599.00pa Status: Temporary 6 months (possibility of extension) full-time Hours will be negotiated with the successful applicant (Refer to the Applicant Information Package for more information about working for DJAG). Total remuneration: (includes gross yearly salary plus employer superannuation contributions of 12.75% and annual leave loading of 17.5%): $97, $104,507.00pa Contact name and title: Phone: Catherine Moynihan, Official Solicitor and Director Legal (Please applications to Cate Parker cate.parker@publicguardian.qld.gov.au ) About the Department The Department contributes to a fair and just society and safe, healthy, productive workplaces and community.

2 About the Business Area The Public Guardian is an independent statutory officer under the Public Guardian Act The Public Guardian promotes and protects the rights and interests of vulnerable people including adults with impaired decision-making capacity and children in the child protection system. In addition, the Public Guardian provides community visiting programs for both adults and children who reside in residential facilities and other accommodation listed in the Public Guardian Act Career Development The Legal Officer Child Advocate will report to the Principal Legal Officer. The position is required to work autonomously and with OPG staff at all levels. Conditions and benefits Refer to the Applicant Information Package for more details about conditions and benefits of working with DJAG. About the Role The purpose of the Legal Officer Child Advocate role is to: perform the child advocacy functions as delegated by the Public Guardian for a child/young person in the child protection system in accordance with the Public Guardian Act The holders of this position will be appointed as a child advocate officer in accordance with the Public Guardian Act 2014 provide high quality legal advice and representation to the Public Guardian and delegates to support the delivery of investigations and substitute personal and health care decision-making for adults with impaired capacity. Key Responsibilities Provision of advice and information to children/young people about their rights, matters they are concerned about and other matters relevant to their time as a child in the child protection system Negotiate and advocate for individual children/young people in the child protection system, as part of seeking to resolve issues or disputes they have with others Assist children/young people to say what they need to say to adults and to make formal complaints, submissions relating to court and tribunal matters and to seek or respond to a revocation or variation of a child protection order Support children in court ordered conferences, mediations, family groups meetings and any other meetings at which the child may attend to ensure their voice is heard Undertake substituted decision making or support other delegated officers in substituted decision making, for adults with impaired capacity, in particular where the Public Guardian is appointed as a guardian for legal matters Make submissions and test evidence in a child protection matter in the Childrens Court, Magistrates Court, Family Court, Supreme Court or the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal as directed by the Public Guardian and on behalf of the Public Guardian in legal matters involving adults with impaired capacity Act independently and exercise professional judgment in dealing with legal advocacy matters Provide advice to the Official Solicitor on legal policy issues relating to the rights and interests of children and young people in the child protection system and adults with impaired capacity which impact on the functions and operations of the Office of the Public Guardian and its relationship with stakeholders across Government and within the community Undertake research and provide advice to the Official Solicitor on the legislation relevant to the functions and operations of the Office of the Public Guardian including the Public Guardian Act 2014 and Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 Legal Officer Child Advocate Role Description\Nov 2015 Page 2 of 5

3 Actively engage, build rapport with and foster collaborative relationships with internal/external stakeholders Contribute substantially to information and data flows involving the child advocate functions to ensure performance accountability, security, accuracy and planning needs are met, including the ability to identify and address systems issues that affect children in the child protection system. How you will be assessed Within the context of the role described above, the ideal applicant will be someone who can demonstrate the following key attributes as they apply to the key responsibilities of the role. Quality role-specific skills demonstrated ability to analyse matters of a complex factual and/or legal nature, to isolate the relevant issues, and to exercise sound judgment in determining and applying the relevant law. Supports strategic direction understand the strategic purpose of a client focused organisation and possess skills in helping an organisation to achieve this vision, including knowledge and experience of the legislation and legal issues as they relate to children in the child protection system or adults with impaired capacity. Supports productive working relationships ability to work effectively as a team member in a multi-disciplinary environment conducive to individual performance and teamwork to ensure the successful delivery of child legal advocacy services and substituted decision making for adults with impaired capacity and the ability to maintain positive working relationships with external stakeholders. Displays personal drive and integrity commitment to ethical behaviour and the ability to understand, support and promote the social inclusion of children/young people in the child protection system and adults with impaired capacity. Communicates with influence high level oral and written communication skills including the ability to deal effectively and sensitively with a wide range of people, an ability to collaborate with service providers and relevant stakeholders, and the ability to advocate persuasively to resolve disputes with a particular focus on mediations, and in Courts and/or Tribunals. * These attributes are based on the Queensland Public Service (QPS) Capability and Leadership Framework and have been tailored for this department. Mandatory Qualifications, Conditions and Requirements A degree in law from a recognized tertiary institution and ability to be immediately admitted as a barrister or solicitor is required to perform this role. Preference will be given to applicants with a minimum of two years post graduate experience. Possession of a C class drivers license is a mandatory requirement for this role. Warning Please not that a disqualified person under Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 who is ineligible to apply for or obtain a blue card will be ineligible for employment with the Office of the Public Guardian. It is an offence for a disqualified person to provide false or misleading information regarding their eligibility to a blue card. Legal Officer Child Advocate Role Description\Nov 2015 Page 3 of 5

4 Interested in applying? Applicants are encouraged to read the Applicant Information Package as it contains information to assist with understanding the department s recruitment and selection process. To be considered for this role, please provide the following information to the selection panel for assessment of your suitability: A statement (2-3 pages maximum), including examples, outlining your suitability for the role by addressing the key attributes under How you will be assessed. The statement must be in Arial Font size 11. Please Note: Your statement may be considered as an example of your written communication skills. Your current resume Those applicants who are shortlisted will, prior to the interview, receive further information about an additional selection task relating to the preparation and delivery of a training presentation. People from diverse backgrounds including non-english speaking backgrounds, people with a disability, women, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. How to submit an application EOI Applications ed to Cate Parker at cate.parker@publicguardian.qld.gov.au Applications are to be submitted online through the Smart jobs and careers website To do this, access the 'apply online' facility on the Smart jobs and careers website. You will need to create a 'My SmartJob' account before submitting your online application. Through 'My SmartJob' you can track your application through the process, maintain your personal details through registration and withdraw your application if required. If you experience any technical difficulties when accessing please contact 13 QGOV ( ). All calls relating to the status of your application once the job has closed should be directed to the contact officer on the role description. If you do not have internet access and are unable to submit your application online please contact the Applications Processing Team on (07) or (07) , between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, to enquire about alternative arrangements. Late applications cannot be submitted via the Smart jobs and careers website, so please allow enough time before the closing date to submit your application. If approval has been granted by the Selection Panel for a late application to be considered, please contact the Applications Processing Team on the numbers above to arrange this. Hand delivered applications will not be accepted. Additional Information Applications to remain current for 12 months. Legal Officer Child Advocate Role Description\Nov 2015 Page 4 of 5

5 The incumbent may be required to work hours outside the normal work hours. This role involves child-related duties as defined under section 156 of the Public Service Act Prior to commencing employment, the recommended applicant will be required to obtain a blue card if one is not already held. For details regarding salary information, leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements and other benefits for this position please refer to the Applicant Information Package. Further information about the department is available from our website. A minimum probation period of 3 months may apply. All newly appointed public service employees who have been employed as a lobbyist in the previous 2 years are required to provide a disclosure to the Director-General within 1 month of commencement in accordance with Disclosure of Previous Employment as a Lobbyist Policy. Any applicant recommended for appointment who is a current or previous public sector employee is required to disclose previous serious disciplinary action taken against them. If recommended for appointment the Panel Chair will contact the applicant further to discuss this requirement. The material presented in this publication is distributed by the Queensland Government for information only and is subject to change without notice. The Queensland Government disclaims all responsibility and liability (including liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs incurred as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. State of Queensland (Department of Justice and Attorney-General) Legal Officer Child Advocate Role Description\Nov 2015 Page 5 of 5