About Caxton

Caxton Community Legal Centre's purpose is to promote and protect human rights in Queensland through access to justice. Caxton provides free information, legal assistance, advocacy and social support in relation to a broad range of legal issues for people living in the Greater Brisbane Region and Statewide. Priority is given to people who experience disadvantage, trauma and marginalization, and who have limited capability to self-advocate. Caxton undertakes community education, engages in law and systems reform and publishes legal information on a range of topics in the online Queensland Law Handbook. Find out more at www.caxton.org.au.

The Role - Opportunity to make a difference

This is a Part-time (0.5 FTE) permanent role 17.5 hours/week. Available for immediate start. This role supports the activities of the Seniors Legal and Support Service (SLASS) which provides case managed legal assistance and social supports and community engagement activities across the Greater Brisbane Region to assist older people experiencing or at risk of experiencing elder abuse. The service partners with the Institute of Urban and Indigenous Health and also employs a First Nations Engagement Officer. This is a specialist role, performed at the Caxton office, to provide culturally appropriate intake, triage, information and referrals to older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their communities and organisations who support them.

The role also performs paralegal duties within the multi-disciplinary team as a way of supporting First Nations law students to complete tertiary studies in law and gain relevant experience for career development.

What makes the role unique?

- Join a service with a long history of supporting older people experiencing or at risk of elder abuse, with SLASS providing integrated legal and social support services to Queenslanders since 1997.
- Be part of a specialist First Nations role that helps improve access to culturally secure legal and social support services for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their communities and the organisations that support them.
- Gain practical experience working alongside lawyers, social workers and community partners in a multidisciplinary team focused on promoting and protecting the rights, wellbeing and self-determination of older people.
- Develop legal,



advocacy and community engagement skills while completing your studies and building a pathway into community legal practice, social justice advocacy and human rights work.

Remuneration and Benefits

- A supportive and inclusive workplace
- Level 4.1 under the SCHADS Awards plus above award entitlements
- $92,292.20 per annum, pro rata, exclusive of superannuation ($46,146.10 per annum at 0.5 FTE).
- Christmas shutdown leave in addition to 4 weeks annual leave
- First Nations staff entitled to a colonial loading payment of 4% on top of their base salary
- 35-hour week of work paid at 38-hour week rate (pro rata)
- Flexible work arrangements available
- 12.75% employer superannuation contribution
- Excellent tax-free salary packing options available (up to $15,900)

Role Responsibilities

The role of the First Nations Paralegal and Intake Worker includes:

- Conduct culturally appropriate intake processes to establish client rapport, identify client need, assess against eligibility criteria, triage for appropriate service access, book appointments and provide tailored information and referrals.
- Liaise with key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, groups, and networks to support intake and referral processes.
- Provide paralegal supports to the lawyers and social workers including by assisting with legal/advocacy tasks, providing court assistance, undertaking legal and policy research, and providing practical assistance as they deliver services to clients.
- Undertake administrative tasks including data entry, file management, conflict checking, and administering an intake inbox.
- Identify emerging issues associated with preventing and responding to older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at risk of or experiencing elder abuse.
- Participate in the development and implementation of appropriate strategies to enhance access to the Seniors Legal and Support Service and ensure its services/activities are delivered in a culturally appropriate manner.
- Contribute to the development of resources to raise awareness of elder abuse in First Nations communities.




- Contribute to Caxton’s First Nations Plan and its activities and with other First Nations staff and volunteers, help to ensure that Caxton is culturally sensitive, safe, and welcoming to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

Essential Requirements

It is a genuine occupational requirement that this position be filled by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person as permitted by and arguable under Section 25, 104 and 105 of the Anti-Discrimination Act (1991). Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they:
- Are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
- Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; and
- Are accepted as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in which they live; and
- Possess knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history.
- To allow confirmation of eligibility to be considered for this role, the successful applicant will be required to assert their status in writing and also nominate a referee who is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander who can confirm their status.

OTHER ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

- A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with and within First Nations communities, to achieve defined outcomes.
- Undertaking a tertiary qualification in law or justice studies.
- A driver’s licence is required. However, reasonable adjustment will be considered.
- A criminal history check, and a Working with Vulnerable People / Blue Card check will be undertaken for this position due to the nature of the work involved.

- Depending on health laws and regulations, vaccinations can be mandatory in order to work with vulnerable clients and/or be in the workplace. For example, some clients live in residential age care facilities which at times are required by law/regulation to ensure visitors are vaccinated and wear personal protective equipment.

How to Apply?

Apply by providing you resume and a 1–2-page cover letter addressing how you demonstrate the key accountabilities and why Caxton is a good fit for you. Mark your cover letter to the attention of our Managing Senior Lawyer, Nicky Mitchell. For any questions about the role, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

📌 First Nations Paralegal and Intake Worker (Identified) (Brisbane)
🏢 Caxton Legal Centre
📍 Brisbane