Suncoast Community Legal Service – Maroochydore QLD

Suncoast Community Legal Service Inc (SCLS) is a non-profit, community-based organisation dedicated to providing free legal advice and referral assistance for the Sunshine Coast community as well as taking a role in Community Education.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Lawyer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for social justice, a strong commitment to our mission and values. As a senior lawyer, you will provide expert legal advice and representation and contribute to the strategic development of our service.

Full time, fixed term contract – 5 days per week/38 hours

Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Award 2010 Level 6 (salary sacrificing available)

Position Summary

Suncoast Community Legal Service Inc (SCLS) is a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to providing free legal advice and referral assistance for the Sunshine Coast community as well as taking a role in Community Education. The organisation is largely funded by the Commonwealth and State Government Community Legal Service programs. Other government and non-government funds are sourced for specific projects. The service relies on the generosity of volunteer lawyers to provide the majority of its legal advice and referral services. The Service also has some capacity to provide more detailed advice and casework both through professional staff and supervised students.

Position Summary

This position is funded by Commonwealth and State Government funding.

It aims to complement the existing volunteer service that is provided in Outreaches,



through the provision of daytime appointments for clients that are unable to attend the evening appointments provided by volunteers. Additional longer appointments will also be provided for clients with high/complex needs and those needing some limited assistance that cannot be provided in the shorter appointments, these appointments will be available to Maroochydore and Outreaches.

The lawyer will take a role particularly in relation to their expertise in specific areas of law and the demand from the community. They will give legal advice and provide limited casework assistance to clients. They will assist with advice checking and follow-up work at the Maroochydore office, including liaising closely with volunteer lawyers.

The Lawyer will participate in the Service’s Duty Lawyer obligations.

Accountability

This position reports to the Managing Solicitor as the Service’s ‘responsible person’. The position also liaises with the Administrative roles and is fully accountable to the CEO and Management Committee.

This position does not have a responsibility for budgetary or policy decision making. Decisions other than day-to-day operational matters should be made in conjunction with the Managing Solicitor and CEO as relevant.

Duties of all Staff

To work towards achieving the Purpose and Vision of Suncoast Community Legal Service Inc.

To work as a member of the team,



with other Suncoast Community Legal Service Inc staff and Management Committee.

To participate in staff meetings and contribute to operational planning processes for the future direction of the service.

Undertake general administration, be personally responsible for management of own work and time and be self-sufficient in administrative duties.

Key Responsibility Areas:

1. Service Delivery

Provision of daytime and some evening Advice and Referral appointments for Family and General Law outreach locations and Maroochydore as required.

Provision of Advice and Referral appointments after-hours on occasions where volunteer cancellations cannot be filled.

Provision of limited assistance case-work services pursuant to organisational policies upon identification of need or referral from volunteers.

Volunteer advice checking and follow-up.

Provision of Duty Lawyer advice.

2. Community Development

Liaison with volunteer base

Encourage clients to advocate and negotiate on their own behalf.

Promotion of the service to relevant agencies and key stakeholders in the community

Build partnerships with other organisations to maintain effective service.

Enhance the SCLS relationships with key stakeholders, especially host Community Centers

3. Social Action and Client Advocacy

Document emerging issues and trends arising from service delivery.

Be involved in the wider identification of issues and in developing strategies for dealing with them.

Participate in Continuing Professional Development seminars.

4. Professional Development

Participate in career development activities conducted by Legal Aid and other relevant bodies to comply with Contin

📌 Senior Lawyer (Maroochydore)
🏢 Suncoast Community Legal Service
📍 Maroochydore