Jobs & getting involved
Community legal centres offer the chance to perform rewarding social justice and human rights work in a dynamic environment. Working in a community legal centre is about making a real difference to people’s lives through the law.
Working in a CLC provides opportunities to be involved in a range of justice work including legal advice and representation, community legal education and policy and law reform work aimed at developing a fairer legal system that better responds to the needs of the disadvantaged.
As well as a broad range of stimulating and challenging work, community legal centre positions can offer flexible work hours, regular professional development opportunities and generous charity tax benefits through salary packaging (essentially making part of your salary tax free).
Work in community legal centres requires dedication, innovation, resourcefulness, a commitment to excellence, great communication skills and a passion for social justice.
In addition to job opportunities, there are many other ways to get involved in the work of community legal centres, including secondments, volunteering at a CLC or at the Federation or joining a CLC management committee/board.
Current vacancies at the Federation
Communications and Media Manager
The Communications and Media Manager is a new position which will be responsible for managing the Federation’s communications. The role will develop and implement a communications and media strategy to raise awareness and optimise the Federation’s work to promote access to justice and human rights. In particular, the role will have a strong focus working on our Smart Justice project www.smartjustice.org.au.
The role will include media generation and liaison, online communications and publications. This will be a part-time (3-4 days) position.
Please refer to the position description for more information and how to apply.
Applications close 22 February 2012.
Current vacancies in Victorian Community Legal Centres
Legal Practice Manager - Springvale Monash Legal Service
Springvale Monash Legal Service SMLS is seeking a full time Legal Practice Manager – Principal Lawyer with experience in generalist practice, family law, discrimination, tribunal work, community legal education and law reform.
SMLS delivers its services through both clinical legal education, specialised advice and casework and volunteer night service programs.
The Legal Practice Manager is required to supervise and mentor both SMLS lawyers and Monash University students undertaking the Professional Practice unit and to be an active member of the management team.
Written applications must address the key selection criteria as outlined in the position description. Applications close on Monday 6 February 2012 at 5:00 pm and may be submitted via email to joan.thong@monash.edu
Applications should be addressed to: The Director
Springvale Monash Legal Service Inc.
PO Box 312
SPRINGVALE VIC 3171
Outreach Community Lawyer (Part-time) - Whittlesea Community Legal Service
Whittlesea Community Connections (WCC) is a not-for profit community based organisation providing a range of integrated services and programs to meet the needs of a diverse, dynamic and fast-growing community in the North East of Melbourne.
We are seeking an experienced, energetic and highly motivated Outreach lawyer to deliver advice, information and casework services. The successful applicant will join a close-knit and committed team delivering a comprehensive range of services including legal casework, community legal education and law reform. This is a part-time, 4 days per week position.
You must be highly motivated with
- Commitment to the provision of community legal services
- An ability to undertake a range of legal work relevant to disadvantaged clients
- A strong commitment to teamwork
- A strong commitment to social justice and to increasing access to the legal system
- Eligibility to hold an unrestricted Victorian Practising Certificate.
Basic salary is in the range $54,412 to $58,969 (pro-rata), plus leave loading, superannuation and generous salary packaging
For further enquiries and a position description please email kyee@whittleseacommunityconnections.org.au or telephone on 03 9401 6659
Applications close on Thursday 16 February 2012.
Please Note: interviews will be held the week beginning 20 February 2012
Current vacancies in Australian CLCs
For the latest jobs in community legal centres across Australia, go to the National Association of Community Legal Centres jobs website.
Executive Director - Community Legal Centres Association (WA) Inc.
Location: Perth
Applications close: 06 February, 2012.
- $75,751 pa (pro rata) plus super and salary packaging
- 4 to 5 days/week (negotiable)
The Community Legal Centres Association (WA) is the peak body representing 28 CLCs in WA. It is a not-for-profit organisation that contributes to improving human rights and social justice through advocacy, law reform campaigns and professional and organisational development. The Association is seeking an Executive Director as the current post holder is moving overseas.
Reporting to the Executive Committee, this role will see you responsible for promoting the interests of the Association and its members, ensuring that the State office operates efficiently and assists in achieving the strategic plan objectives.
To be considered for this role you will have demonstrated experience in a similar management or coordination role, the ability to analyse and interpret policy documentation, highly developed research and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to people at all levels. In return, you will be rewarded with challenging work and a flexible, team focused environment with competitive salary and conditions.
The Association office is located close to public transport with the East Perth cappuccino strip within walking distance!
For a confidential discussion please call the Chairperson, Karen Merrin, on 08 9440 1663 or the outgoing Executive Director, Myles Kunzli, on 08 9221 9322 or 0457 093 993.
For position description and how to apply, visit Ethical Jobs.
Current vacancies in other organisations
Commissioner, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
The Board of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) invites applications for the position of Commissioner from candidates with a high level of professional achievement and relevant management experience. The VEOHRC is an independent statutory body that reports to the Victorian Parliament through the Attorney-General. The VEOHRC has responsibilities under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 and the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006. The VEOHRC comprises approximately 63 full-time equivalent staff members and has an average annual budget of approximately $7.7 million.
The Commissioner role is a full-time statutory position, appointed by the Board of the VEOHRC with the approval of the Attorney-General. The Commissioner is responsible to the Board of the VEOHRC for control of the day-to-day administration of the affairs of the VEOHRC in accordance with the policies, priorities and strategies determined by the Board. The Commissioner will be the public face of the VEOHRC, with a key function of the role being to initiate, build and enhance relationships with stakeholders. The Commissioner will also be responsible for overseeing the employment and management of staff of the VEOHRC.
This is a unique opportunity for a highly credentialed candidate with a reputation for balanced judgment, leadership and high-level conceptual and analytical abilities. Exceptional communication skills and a background in the human rights and discrimination field is required along with broader senior executive level experience in government, community or the business sector. Prior experience working with a Board would be valuable, as would a sophisticated understanding of working within a government context. Outstanding leadership and proven people management capability with a track record in delivering organisational change will also be valuable.
The Commissioner will be appointed for a renewable term of five years.
Expressions of interest should be submitted by Monday 20th February 2012 to j.allen@jdcallen.com.au.
Confidential enquiries and requests for a copy of the Position Description may be made to John Allen on (03) 9909 7600.
If you require a copy of this advertisement in an accessible format, such as large print, please email careers@justice.vic.gov.au.
Law graduate positions
Community Legal Centre Law Graduate Scheme
The Federation commenced its Community Legal Centre Law Graduate Scheme in 2010 and the program provides an opportunity for law graduates to start their legal career in Victorian community legal centres.
Applications for the 2012 Graduate Positions have now closed.
For more information about the Scheme visit the Law Graduate Scheme page.
Fitzroy Legal Service Traineeship
Fitzroy Legal Service annually recruits a trainee. The position is generously supported by Allens Arthur Robinson. Applications for 2013 are now open - see above under CLC Vacancies.
Other graduate opportunities
From time to time, other positions become available in community legal centres, including policy and community development work, which do not require that the worker be an admitted lawyer. These positions are advertised in the current vacancies section above.
Victoria Legal Aid’s New Lawyers Program recruits newly admitted or junior lawyers for a two year program. For details, see Victoria Legal Aid’s website.
Donations
The Federation of Community Legal Centres has deductible gift recipient status, conferring tax deductibility on all donations of $2 or more.
If you would like to support the work of the Federation by making a donation, please make cheques payable to the Federation of Community Legal Centres (Victoria) Inc and send with your contact details to:
Federation of Community Legal Centres (Victoria) Inc
Level 3, 225 Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
If you would like to donate via EFT, please contact us:
P: (03) 9652 1500
E: administration@fclc.org.au
A statement of your contributions will be issued each year for taxation purposes.
