Position Duties

1. Deliver high quality legal advice and casework, advocacy and representation services in accordance with the PCLC Advice and Casework Guidelines.
2. Conduct ongoing casework in accordance with the Centre’s Advice and Casework Guidelines and within the caseload/file limit directed from time to time
3. Work closely and collaboratively with the school leadership and student welfare team to deliver the School Lawyer Program objectives.
4. Maintain an appropriate case management system, including undertaking regular file reviews
5. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including file notes, client and casework data and case studies.
6. Develop and maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, procedures and practices relevant to the position.
7. Develop and maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant information, resources and referral options for clients.
8. Needs to be confident in effectively engaging and communicating with young people within the school and/or youth services environment.
9. Liaise with community youth sector partners within an integrated and holistic service delivery model
10. Participate in regular supervision and caseworkers’ meetings.
11. Ensure that all work is conducted within the requirements of the Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act 2014, the Centre’s professional indemnity insurance and the Centre’s policies and procedures.
12. Liaise with relevant organisations and workers.
13. Represent Peninsula Community Legal Centre at relevant community, government and other forums.
14. Design and deliver community legal education activities targeted to young people including secondary school students.  
15. Identify trends and issues arising from legal advice and casework practice.
16. Participate in activities which seek to ensure greater legislative and practical protection for PCLC clients, such as submission writing and participation in campaigns.
17. Liaise with and report to the Practice Manager, Civil & Crime on a regular basis.
18. Assist with collection of data and preparation of reports and other accountability documentation as required.

Organisational Relationships & Resource Management

Reports to:        Practice Manager
                           Director, Legal Services
                           CEO
Direct Reports: No reports to this position 

Accountability, Authority and Decision Making

• The position reports directly to the Practice Manager. 
• All work and conduct is to be performed in accordance with PCLC Policy and Procedures, PCLC Strategic Plan, PCLC Work Plan and PCLC Advice and Casework Guidelines.
• Professional judgement is exercised in the performance of routine tasks and client services.
• Direction is sought prior to engaging in non-routine tasks and client services.

Selection Criteria 

• Possess, or is eligible to possess, a current practicing certificate with two years post admission practice.
• Experience in, or demonstrated capacity to undertake direct legal service delivery, including provision of information, advice and referral services, negotiation and advocacy on behalf of clients, court representation and other legal settings. 
• Experience working with young people favourable.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to social justice principles, understanding of the legal assistance sector and a commitment to PCLC‘s vision and values.
• Highly developed advocacy skills 
• Experience in court representation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Well -developed organisational skills and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Competency in using word processing and electronic communication programs.
• Holds a current Victorian Driver’s Licence and has access to a reliable and comprehensively insured vehicle.

Other Relevant Information 

• You will be required to travel to PCLC branches, PCLC service locations and Courts.  Access to a reliable and comprehensively insured motor vehicle is a requirement.
• Ensure compliance with all Privacy Legislation and treat all information of a personal and sensitive nature concerning the business of PCLC and its clients, in a professional and confidential manner in accordance with PCLC’s information and records management procedures.
• Ensure that all PCLC policies, procedures, operational systems, and work practices are implemented and adhered to, with a focus on human resource management, risk management and client service.
• Act in a professional manner while performing duties for and/or representing PCLC in line with the Staff Code of Conduct.
• An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant.  Salary packaging is available.

PCLC Vision and Values

Vision
A fair and just society where all people have equal access to the law.

Values

Mission
To work with community to deliver tailored legal services that support vulnerable and disadvantaged community members to address their legal needs, through working towards fairer outcomes, to advocate for fair and just laws and through working with our community to deliver preventative legal education.

Focus Goals Activities

• We proudly deliver ethical community legal services ensuring equity and justice for our communities.
• We lead in social justice and advocacy to promote and enhance human rights ensuring access to justice.
• We are the employer of choice in the legal assistance sector.
• We collaborate with community and partners to set the standard for best practice in addressing complex high impact and urgent legal practices.
• We demonstrate leadership within our community and the legal assistance sector.

Key Strategic Objectives

• Deliver high quality targeted place-based legal services underpinned by a person-centred rights base approach.
• Identify and engage in advocacy for law reforms that have direct benefit to PCLC clients and communities.
• Invest in organisational culture built around the health and wellbeing of our people.
• Partner with community sector and health organisations to address unmet, health-harming legal needs and effect system improvements.
• Build and maintain a strong profile amongst community and the legal assistance sector.

PCLC acknowledges the traditional Aboriginal owners of country, recognises their continuing connection to land, water and community and pays respect to Elders past and present.