Job opportunity

The Opportunity
As a General Counsel, Advisory Services and Legislation at the Department of Communities you will be at the forefront of guiding the whole of our organisation with sound and accurate legal advice.

As Communities brings together vital services and functions that enable individual, family and community wellbeing our values are shaped by integrity, courage, respect, empathy, accountability, trust, and empowerment. At the Department of Communities people come to work every day to make a positive difference to the lives of Western Australians, which is something you could contribute to in the General Counsel, Advisory Services and Legislation role.

Your expertise will be instrumental in the provision of high-level legal advice ensuring the Department’s actions are legally sound. You will be a leader who will mentor and support legal staff while fostering a high-performance culture that excels at providing continuous professional growth.

More specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Ensuring the business is provided with high-level and strategic legal advice to support the Department’s functions.
• Leads the development of legislation and legislative amendments as well as coordinating legislative reviews in relation to acts and regulations that impact the Department.
• Oversee the management of the Department’s duty to progress the legal rights of young persons in care, including criminal injuries compensation applications and common law claims.
• Advocate and oversee negotiations on complex legal matters, including insurance claims on behalf of the Department.
• Identify in-house training and development programs for operational staff in the use and application of Legal instruments used in the Department.
• Contribute to the Legal Services directorate’s strategic planning and be able to draw upon the directorate’s resources under your control to maintain a practice that provides high-level legal advice.

This is a position requiring extensive experience in leading and facilitating the provision of legal advice that covers the broad range of acts and areas of law the Department is responsible for. You will require expert awareness of relevant issues and trends in the legal sphere that could impact the Department’s responsibilities.

To succeed in the position you must have a demonstrated and comprehensive knowledge of legislative and parliamentary procedures and high level analytical and communication skills.

Qualification Requirements

A Bachelor of Laws Degree or approved equivalent and eligibility for admission to practice Law in Western Australia, and extensive post admission Legal experience is an essential work-related requirement for this role.

Benefits

Working at the Department of Communities we offer a safe and healthy working environment, a range of benefits, including attractive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and learning and development opportunities in exchange for your skills, passion and commitment. To view the range of benefits that may be available click here.

Interested in learning more?

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Tara Gupta, Chief Legal Officer, on 0419 915 876 or via email on Tara.Gupta@communities.wa.gov.au

There is currently 1 permanent position available for immediate filling.

The successful applicant or applicants assessed as suitable through this process may receive further offers of permanent employment in this or similar roles.

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 to three (2-3) page written application addressing 2, 3 and 6 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 Emily Parker, A/HR Coordinator via email on HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au or 0478 853 062 during business hours only.

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 Emily Parker, A/HR Coordinator via email on HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au or 0478 853 062 during business hours only.

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 9:00am will not be accepted.