About us
Queensland Advocacy Incorporated (QAI) is an independent advocacy organisation whose mission is to advocate for the protection and advancement of the needs, rights and lives of people with disability in Queensland.
We do this by engaging in systemic advocacy through campaigns and submissions directed at attitudinal, law and policy change, and by supporting the development of a range of advocacy initiatives throughout our state. We also provide advocacy to individuals with disability through our three advocacy practices, Human Rights, Mental Health and NDIS. We are a registered charity and community legal service that works to uphold the principles of fundamental human rights, social justice and inclusion in community life.
About the role
Under the supervision and direction of the Principal Solicitors and other Senior QAI Solicitors as required, the Solicitor’s role will include providing legal advice, representation and referrals for clients of QAI and contributing to the systemic advocacy work and community legal education of QAI within the Human Rights Advocacy Practice.
This position is a 6-month contract, starting on 5 January 2022. The position’s hours are negotiable and may be filled on either a full-time or part-time basis.
Key Position Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
- Providing legal advice to clients of QAI’s Human Rights Advocacy Practice (HRAP) for matters arising under the Disability Services Act 2006 (Qld), the Mental Health Act 2016 (Qld), the Forensic Disability Act 2011 (Qld), the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 (Qld), the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) and related legislation.
- Performing legal representation on behalf of HRAP clients with matters before the Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT), the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), the Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC) and the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) and other courts and tribunals as required.
- Conduct strategic test cases from a human-rights perspective to achieve or promote systemic reform of laws and services impacting on people with disability.
- Provide information and referrals to other legal, welfare and community services, including the provision of community legal education events and material.
- Performing various tasks including maintaining client databases (CLASS), QAI’s electronic filing systems, Microsoft 365 and its integrated apps and perform work including drafting legal correspondence, advice letters and preparing legal documents.
- Identify issues requiring systemic reform (including law reform) in relation to the rights of people with disability.
- Work under the general supervision of the Principal Solicitors and to collaborate with other individual advocate staff members of QAI.
Selection Criteria
Essential
- An experienced solicitor with a current Queensland Practising Certificate or eligibility for one;
- Strong commitment to human rights, social justice and diversity;
- Good knowledge of people with disability and understanding of what makes people vulnerable;
- Highly developed interpersonal skills, specifically the ability to converse with people at grass roots, as well as those in positions of authority to affect change in the lives of young people with disability;
- Well developed organisational and time management skills, including the ability to plan, implement and evaluate strategic pieces of work;
- Criminal history screening clearance; and
- Current Queensland drivers’ licence and ability to travel.
Desirable
- Previous experience at a Community Legal Centre and/or with the Community Legal Assistance Services System (CLASS), would be advantageous; and
- Current unrestricted Queensland Practising Certificate or eligibility to obtain one.
Why Work for QAI
We are an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion within our workplace and were the first organisation to opt-in to being bound by the Queensland Human Rights Act (2019). We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and people with disability to apply.
We pride ourselves on fostering a friendly and supportive workplace culture as we take the well-being of our staff seriously. We often organise staff activities such as walks by the river or potluck lunches to create opportunities to connect with each other and take a break from our screens.
This position falls under the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHDS Award) and will be paid at Level 4 or 5, commensurate with experience. We also offer salary sacrificing options, a flexible work environment and portable long service leave, which is now standard across the sector.
To apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the Essential Selection Criteria to qai@qai.org.au addressed to Megan Pearce, COO.
Please address any questions to Megan Pearce, COO on 07 3844 4200 or email qai@qai.org.au using the subject line: Human Rights Solicitor enquiry.
Applications for this position close, 5pm Wednesday 15 December 2021.