About the State Solicitor's Office
The State Solicitor's Office is the longest standing legal office in Perth having been established in 1838.
The Office is highly regarded as a leading legal service provider offering a broad range of legal services to the West Australian State Government and Ministers, and to over 120 client departments, instrumentalities and statutory corporations.
Under the leadership of the State Solicitor, the Office:
- Provides legal advice
- Conducts litigation
- Conducts government commercial and conveyancing matters
- Provides representation as counsel in courts and tribunals
- Prepares legal documents
The State Solicitor's Office also advises the Attorney General on legal matters, including those relating to law reform.
Centrally located in the Perth CBD, we have a staff contingent of approximately 148 lawyers and over 80 support staff.
Legal Receptionist
The State Solicitor's Office is seeking a suitably qualified and professional person to fill the position of Legal Receptionist.
The Legal Receptionist is the initial point of contact for many of the Office's clients and plays a significant role in portraying the professional image of the Office. This role is required to provide a high level of switchboard and administrative support to the lawyers and officers of the State Solicitor's Office.
This is an opportunity to work with a professional team and should appeal to someone with a professional work ethic and good communication skills, particularly in dealing with senior public servants, lawyers and Government Ministers.
Suitability
To be successful in your application for this position you must be able to demonstrate your experience in the use of a switchboard system and attendant console and have a basic knowledge of legal terminology, documents and procedures.
Responsibilities of this position
As the first point of contact for most people dealing with the State Solicitor's Office, this position is responsible for ensuring the delivery of a high quality, professional switchboard service. The position is responsible for promoting the Office in a professional and positive manner through this interaction.
Specifically, this position:
- Greets and screens callers to the State Solicitor’s Office over the telephone or as the contact occurs.
- Attends to routine client enquires regarding the allocation and progress of legal matters.
- Operates the telephone switchboard and directs calls to the appropriate staff member or branch of the State Solicitor’s Office.
- Ensures that the telephone system is in good working order and attends to staff enquiries and fault reports.
- Collects and distributes messages from the State Solicitors Office answering service either during the day or after hours.
This position also has an administrative aspect which includes general clerical and administrative tasks such as:
- Managing meeting room bookings within the State Solicitors Office tenancy including equipment bookings.
- Maintain and update the internal telephone directory.
- Assists the Business Support team with building tenancy maintenance requests and work orders.
- Assists Legal teams with data entry and keyboard work.
Work Related Requirements
ESSENTIAL
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen to, talk to, and get along with, a range of people. The ability to remain polite, calm and diplomatic when faced with difficult situations.
Switchboard Operation
Demonstrated experience in the use of a switchboard system.
Computing / Keyboarding Skills
The ability to enter and retrieve information from information management systems, including data entry and e-mail.
Time Management and Organisational Skills
The ability to complete tasks on time by organising and prioritising work.
The ability to respond promptly to requests for assistance.
The ability to maintain a neat and organised workstation to ensure the timely processing of important documentation.
Problem Solving
The ability to use initiative in undertaking research and problem solving tasks (for example in answering and appropriately placing telephone enquiries from clients).
Attention to Detail
Applies meticulous care when answering the telephone and conveying information to others.
Team Work
Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a group or independently as the need arises.
Please read the Job Description Form (JDF) for more information about the work related requirements of this position. Appointment to a role with the Department of Justice is conditional upon obtaining an Employment Screening clearance, which includes a National Criminal History Check and any other relevant checks.
For further Information
Please contact Alexia Christodoulakis, Litigation Manager on 9264 1877 if you would like further information on this role.
Tenure/duration of appointment: Permanent, Full-time
To apply for this position
To apply please provide:
- A detailed resume highlighting how you meet the above work related requirements. Please provide brief examples from previous positions held.
- Contact details of two current referees.
A skills test may be completed during this application process.
All work related requirements as listed in the application package will be assessed at some stage of the selection process.
Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies during a six month period.
How to submit your application
Online
The department's preferred option is for job applications to be lodged online through the ‘current vacancies’ section on our website. You will receive an electronic receipt confirming your application has been submitted.
If you do not have access to the internet, you can apply by post. You will need to complete a hard copy ‘Application for Vacancy’ form. Do not put applications in plastic sleeves or cardboard binders. Include your name on all submitted documents.
Send applications (marked Confidential Advertised Vacancy) by:
Post
HR Officer
Human Resources
Department of the Attorney General
GPO Box F317
PERTH WA 6841
Hand Delivery
Reception (Recruitment Branch - Job Applications)
Department of the Attorney General
Level 23 David Malcolm Justice Centre
28 Barrack Street
PERTH WA 6000