Paralegal MOSAIC Project Work as part of a committed and passionate team Broaden your legal knowledge Provide assistance to newly arrived migrants, asylum seekers and refugees Melbourne Office PO Box 16013 Melbourne VIC DX 128 Melbourne Tel +61 3 8636 4400 Fax +61 3 8636 4455 justiceconnect.org.au
MOSAIC Project Paralegal An opportunity has arisen to join one of Australia s most successful public interest and pro bono law organisations. Justice Connect is a not-for-profit organisation with a vision of a world that is fair and just; where rights are respected and advanced, laws are fairer, and systems are more accessible and accountable. Justice Connect provides access to justice through pro bono legal services to people experiencing disadvantage and the community organisations that support them. We also address injustice through law reform, policy work and legal education. The MOSAIC Project sits within Justice Connect s Referral Service and provides assistance with civil legal issues to refugees, asylum seekers and recently arrived migrants. We are currently seeking a Paralegal to play an active role in all aspects of the Project. As the Paralegal of the MOSAIC Project you ll make a real difference to the lives of refugees, asylum seekers and recently arrived migrants by assisting in the provision of services to resolve their legal issues. If you are enthusiastic, enjoy engaging with clients, and are committed to access to justice through pro bono, we would like to hear from you. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a very committed team who share your vision of a fairer society. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Applications close at 9am on Wednesday 31 August 2016 Position description, selection criteria and applications details are available at www.justiceconnect.org.au/jobs
Position Description Position Title Position reports to Salary Employment Status Hours MOSAIC Project Paralegal, Referral Service Manager MOSAIC Project Pro rata of $55,384.14 per annum, plus 9.5% superannuation, annual leave loading and generous salary packaging options 1 Fixed Term (12 months) Part-time @ 22.5 hours a week (0.6 FTE) Location Level 5, 175 Liverpool Street Sydney NSW 2000 Role purpose The MOSAIC Project Paralegal will support the Director and Manager, MOSAIC Project of the Referral Service. The role supports the delivery of access to justice through pro bono legal services for people experiencing disadvantage through facilitating referrals to pro bono lawyers. The MOSAIC Project Paralegal coordinates the operation of the Referral Service s MOSAIC Project, including being the central contact for clients, advocates and participating law firm members so that access to justice is improved through the provision and coordination of pro bono legal services for refugees, asylum seekers and recently arrived migrants. Key responsibilities Undertake initial intake and assessment of client enquiries by telephone and email and coordinate service appointments at host agencies, according to MOSAIC s procedures and in collaboration with Practical Legal Trainees (PLTs). Liaise with host agency staff and pro bono team leaders in relation to service bookings, including preparing a weekly schedule of appointments. Provide file management support, including gathering available documentation and information about clients and their legal matters, and preparing referral memoranda for pro bono lawyers attending the service. Provide office-based support to the PLT while they are attending service appointments. Assist the Director and Manager, MOSAIC Project, to promote the MOSAIC Project and build collaborative relationships with key stakeholders. Assist the Manager, MOSAIC Project in the recruitment of PLTs and development of the PLT program. 1 As a Public Benevolent Institution, Justice Connect is able to offer staff generous salary packaging options. The tax savings for a staff member choosing to take full advantage of the salary packaging option mean that their take home salary is more than it would be without access to salary packaging.
Assist the Manager, MOSAIC Project with the ongoing operation and development of the project including with governance, reporting and evaluation requirements of the Referral Service. Assist the Manager, MOSAIC Project to organise legal training for pro bono lawyers on relevant topics, and organise community legal education (CLE) sessions for community groups. Provide administrative training to pro bono lawyers, staff and PLT students joining the MOSAIC Project. Perform other duties as directed and necessary to the proper performance of the role. This job description outlines the current duties and responsibilities of the position. These will be reviewed on a regular basis with the position holder and are subject to change according to the needs and priorities of Justice Connect and the Referral Service. Selection criteria Technical expertise/qualifications Bachelor of Laws/Juris Doctor or currently undertaking a law degree Advanced skills in MS office software, including Outlook, Excel and Access Database and client file management skills Experience Knowledge, skills & attributes Significant experience in a comparable role, in particular: working with people from a wide range of backgrounds, including CALD backgrounds (highly desirable) experience working or volunteering for a not-for-profit organisation (highly desirable) Familiarity with legal practice and terminology (highly desirable) Sound computer skills within a legal practice environment Well organised with excellent attention to detail Highly motivated, professional with a strong work ethic, a positive attitude and demonstrated ability to work in a team Excellent oral and written communication skills in particular the ability to communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders and people experiencing disadvantage in a professional and respectful matter Knowledge of the legal issues facing people experiencing disadvantage A commitment to Justice Connect s objectives and values
The application process is as follows: Applications should be addressed to Tori Edwards, Manager, MOSAIC Project and should comprise of a single word or PDF file including a succinct statement/cover letter outlining your suitability for the role with reference to the selection criteria and a current resume Applications should be emailed to hr@justiceconnect.org.au including Paralegal MOSAIC Project in the email subject line Applications close at 9am on Wednesday 31 August 2016 Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by telephone. Employee benefits Justice Connect offers employment benefits including salary packaging (making part of your salary tax-free), flexible working arrangements, above award annual leave provisions and opportunities for professional development. Justice Connect is an organisation that strives to show leadership, operate sustainably and demonstrate our effectiveness. You will be rewarded with a workplace culture that is professional, committed, collaborative and creative and where you can make a real difference through your work. Important information For further information about Justice Connect and its work, please visit www.justiceconnect.org.au