THE ROLE

Child Protection Paralegal Officers support the delivery of court-related work to Child Protection teams.  Reporting to the Co-Manager Business Operations of the Statewide Child Protection Litigation Office, the child protection paralegal role is co located with the child protection program at one of the Regional East office locations, either at the Seymour or Shepparton child protection offices.

The role provides wide ranging legal administrative support to child protection practitioners in the preparation of matters before the Family Division of the Children's Court of Victoria across the areas of Goulburn Valley and Ovens Murray.  The position is co located between the child protection offices at Seymour or Shepprton and works alongside the Statewide Child Protection Litigation Offices' legal team.

Legal administrative support may include preparing and filing court documents, communication with court registries, other legal professionals including Victoria Legal Aid and liaising with potential witnesses in the preparation of matters before the Family Division of the Children's Court of Victoria.

Child Protection paralegals also provide a point of contact for key stakeholders from a diverse range of organisations. Attention to detail and teamwork underpin success in this role as well as a demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively. 

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

• Under the guidance of the Managing Principal Solicitor, assist the Child Protection program with court related tasks including:
  • drafting and reviewing legal documents, forms, and correspondence
  • redaction of confidential material in departmental records
  • providing information and support on case preparation for contested hearings, including liaising with witnesses, and
  • liaising with Children's Court registries.
• Developing processes to build workforce capability relating to court processes and improving the knowledge and understanding of Child Protection staff about preparation for court and completion of court tasks.
• Undertake court file searches and attend to court filing as well as conducting basic legal research using online systems as required.

Please open the position description to read more.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria. 
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.

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 apply to submit your interest in this position.