Job description
Agency Department of Children and Families Work unit Legal Services
Job title Manager, Legal Services Designation Senior Administrative Officer 1

Job type Full Time Duration Fixed up to 30/06/2028

Salary $136,380 – $152,357 Location Darwin

Position number 50747 RTF 359461 Closing 15/11/2026
Contact Ruth Brigden, Manager Legal on 08 8999 2602 or [email protected]
About the agency https://families.nt.gov.au/
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=359461

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR TERTIARY
QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with
disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss
this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.

Primary objective
The Manager, Legal Services leads the provision of high-level advice and oversight on matters relating to Department of Children and
Families that are legal in nature. This includes legal case management; Inquiries, Commissions and Coronials; delegations and other
statutory issues.
Context statement
The Legal Services Unit sits within the Strategic Policy and Commissioning Division and ensures the Department of Children and Families
is effectively and efficiently fulfilling its obligations under relevant legislation, while improving Chief Executive oversight and access to
legal support, in consultation with the Solicitor for the Northern Territory (SFNT) and other external legal service providers. The unit




provides shared legal support to the Department of People, Sport and Culture (DPSC).
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Coordinate the Department of Children and Families’ participation in the Federal Court co-location program.
2. Assist in the provision of shared legal services to the Department of People, Sport and Culture (DSPC).
3. Provide high-quality advice and correspondence in relation to legal matters, consulting SFNT where appropriate.
4. Identify emerging legal risk issues and initiate appropriate actions.
5. Lead the Agency coordination of Coronial Inquests.
6. Maintain delegations and authorisations pursuant to the Care and Protection of Children Act 2007 NT and the Adoptions Act 1994 (NT).
7. Maintain a high level of knowledge of relevant areas of the law and of relevant practices and procedures.
8. Lead and manage a team in the successful achievement of required outcomes by providing accurate direction, project oversight,

constructive feedback and the timely management of performance issues.
9. Assist with the management of the provision of Agency and confidential client information requests made under court orders, warrants

and Freedom of Information processes.
10. Participate in policy coordination and assist in the development of policy initiatives.
11.



Establish and maintain effective collaborative partnerships and alliances with key internal and external stakeholders at all levels,

including executive management, cross-government colleagues, non-government organisations and relevant national bodies.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. High level oral and written communication skills including consultation, liaison and negotiation skills with a diverse range of staff,

clients and stakeholders from wide-ranging cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
2. Highly developed ability to understand, interpret and clearly explain complex legislation, policies and business plans.
3. Demonstrated conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills.
4. Ability to prepare clear, accurate and well-structured Ministerial and Executive correspondence.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of the function, objectives and strategic direction of the Department of Children and Families.
6. Demonstrated ability to work independently, under limited direction, whilst providing leadership and advice to staff on professional

and operational matters.
7. Proven ability to meet deadlines, including complex and sensitive projects, while effectively managing competing priorities.
Desirable
1. A degree in law or a degree of an Australian tertiary institution, which gives eligibility for membership of the Australian Community

Workers Association, the Australian Association of Social Workers, or the Australian Psychological Society, or equivalent.
2. Experience appearing in court and in managing legal processes.
Further information
The recommended applicant will be required to hold a current Working with Children Clearance notice and undergo a criminal history
check (a criminal history will not exclude an applicant from this position unless it is a relevant criminal history).

📌 Manager, Legal Services (Darwin)
🏢 Department of Children & Families
📍 Darwin