Job opportunity

The Department of Communities brings together the services and functions of disability services, child protection and family support, community initiatives and regional services reform.

Communities is a nationally recognised Accredited Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers + Employers program. The program defines best practice standards by creating a carer friendly workplace, enabling staff to balance work and care, while continuing to contribute to the wellbeing of individuals, families and the community.

The Opportunity
As a Legal Support Officer you will provide high level paralegal consultancy services for Districts, assists clients with the preparation of legal documents and support Lawyers with legal research and paralegal tasks.

You will will manage a portfolio of legal files and will demonstrate autonomy in the conduct of their work, based on the complexity and sensitivity of the matter.

Your day to day may involve:

• Preparing, assisting and quality assuring legal documents, including Court documents, witness statements and affidavits, client correspondence and Insurance and/or civil claims,
• Liasing with frontline employees and other internal clients to ensure instructions are provided in a timely manner, including supporting the early resolution of issues affecting current or pending legal proceedings.
• Providing initial and routine non-legal advice to frontline employees and other internal clients on matters relating to legal issues, under direction.
• Assisting Lawyers with Legal research as required.

The Legal Services Directorate provides a comprehensive legal service across the Department spanning executive; services and legislation; litigation and dispute resolution; and general legal and practice management providing a varied and engaging working environment.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Amanda Jackson, Managing Legal Support Officer on (08) 6277 4231 or via email on Amanda.Jackson@communities.wa.gov.au.

Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments will be made for this or similar future vacancies (fixed term or permanent) that arise within the next 12 months across the Department of Communities. 

Join the Department of Communities
Apply online by clicking the ‘Apply for Job’ button (above and below) and provide the following documents in Word or PDF format only:

1. A current resume/CV.
2. A two [2] page written application addressing 1 - 4 of the Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF.
3. A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of the relevance to the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
4. An application form (for hard copy applications only).

Applicants who are short listed will be assessed on all the Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) during the selection process.

For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact Courtnie Hayes, A/HR Consultant, via email on HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au or on 0466 517 569.

We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the following numbers:

TTY/voice calls - 133 677

Speak & Listen - 1300 555 727

SMS relay - 0423 677 767

Integrity and Honesty
The public sector is built on a strong foundation of integrity where employees act ethically, and public sector bodies promote and maintain integrity. 

In line with Communities policies, applicants may be asked for consent to undergo criminal record screening and integrity checks during the application process. For more information on these requirements, click here.  

Equity and Diversity

Communities welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, people with diverse sexualities and genders, youth, women, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Please let us know if there are adjustments we can make to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, as well as in the workplace. Please contact Courtnie Hayes, A/HR Consultant, via email on HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au or 0466 517 569.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Lodgement is system generated. Any emailed applications or late submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted.