Senior Lawyer, Child Protection

Victorian Government • Geelong Region • 1w ago

Full time ongoing position (part-time considered) Salary range: $110,357 - $127,333 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model About the roleIn this role, you will act as a senior lawyer conducting complex casework, providing legal representation and advice to our clients appearing in child protection and intervention order matters in the Children's Court of Victoria, and across other jurisdictions as required. You will contribute to the professional development of the in-house legal practice by mentoring and supervising less experienced lawyers and work closely with professional and community agencies to enhance community legal education and assist in developing strategies to improve client services. This role is based at our Geelong office on Wadawurrung Country. About youAs our ideal candidate, you will possess: Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in relevant law and procedures, particularly focusing on the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, and expertise in child protection. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact sensitively and empathetically particularly children and young people, as well as their parents, staff, and external stakeholders. Strong advocacy skills and proficiency in offering strategic advice on legal policy matters, with a keen understanding of external organizations, community, and welfare groups, and their significance in legal aid services. Proven leadership abilities, with experience in supervising and mentoring junior legal staff. A current Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory). Why Geelong? The Geelong office is just over an hour drive from Melbourne and Ballarat. All the amenities of a city, without the extended commute to work. Residents in parts of Geelong and the greater region face some of the highest levels of disadvantage in Australia. Exposure to multiple practice areas including summary crime, indictable crime, youth crime, child protection, family violence, and family law. Opportunity to lead the delivery of community legal education and stakeholder engagement in the region. Feel a sense of connectedness and community from working in regional Australia. Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities. About Victoria Legal AidWe offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems. Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve. Employee benefits Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements Hybrid work from home & office model Training and professional development opportunities Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing Access to discounted Private Health Insurance * Relocation support if relocating for the role How to applyTo be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (listed within the file attachments). If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team. For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Marquita Nolan, Regional Manager on (03) 5226 5696 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.No agency applications will be accepted. Applications close by 11.59pm on Monday 24 November 2025 Other relevant informationIt is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community. VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.

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