About NAAJA:

The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency Ltd (NAAJA) provides legal assistance and justice services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory. We have offices in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. We are recognised as a leading legal service and have received national and local human rights and crime prevention awards for our work.

• Flexible working arrangements
• Salary Packaging options
• Leave Entitlements

Position Overview:

The Criminal Law Section consists of criminal solicitors working in the areas of youth summary, indictable and appellate crime, supported by administrative and client service staff who play a vital role in ensuring the provision of effective legal services to our clients. The work requires high levels of motivation, energy and a commitment to professional excellence. Suitably qualified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Duties:

1. Obtain clear and accurate client information, including personal and family history
2. Attend clients at Darwin prison and juvenile detention centre based correctional services, including through audio-visual link and provide where necessary, support, information, referral and follow up.
3. Respond to client inquiries, provide legal information and assist communication between lawyer and clients.
4. Provide advice and information to lawyers as required about Aboriginal culture and society.
5. Develop and maintain community contacts to assist clients access services related to their problems.
6. Refer clients to other services where appropriate.
7. Arrange assessments for rehabilitation and emergency accommodation.
8. Assist with developing bail proposals, including contacting places of accommodation, booking transport etc.
9. Ensure accurate and complete Duty and Advice sheets are completed.
10. Organise client repatriations and other client and family follow up as directed by lawyers.
11. Ensure a high level of confidentiality is maintained at all times.
12. Ensure compliance with work health and safety requirements, including vehicle and equipment checks.
13. Prepare court lists and organize client files for our duty lawyer or bush court services.
14. Travel to remote communities to provide services in connection with circuit courts as required.
15. Other duties as directed.

Selection Criteria Essential:

Essential:

1. Knowledge and understanding of contemporary Aboriginal culture and society and issues facing Aboriginal people in the criminal legal system.
2. Demonstrated initiative and an ability to provide a high level of client service.
3. Good communication skills with a particular ability to communicate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
4. Experience in office procedures including word processing, email and file keeping.
5. Ability to work as part of a small team and meet deadlines without supervision.
6. Availability to travel to remote communities to attend bush courts if required.
7. Ability/experience in liaising with other agencies, developing networks and contacts in other associated services such as emergency housing, policing, rehabilitation and community corrections/probation and parole.
8. Ability to obtain a satisfactory “Working With Children Clearance” (Ochre Card) upon commencement.
9. A current ‘C’ Class driving license, with 4WD clearance.

How to Apply

Applicants for this position are required to address the selection criteria in their written application, which should be sent to: Recruitment@naaja.org.au.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

For details on the duties and selection criteria, please refer to Client Service Officer (Darwin) Crime Section

Here’s ‘Why working for NAAJA Makes good sense’: https://www.naaja.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Why-working-for-NAAJA-makes-good-sense.pdf

Applications close on Tuesday 1 October 2024.