Aboriginal Field Officer

Port Augusta

Aboriginal Field Officer

The Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement is a community controlled organisation that provides a legal service and other law related programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples of South Australia with offices located in Adelaide, Ceduna, Port Augusta and Port Lincoln.

ALRM offers attractive salary sacrifice arrangements

The role of Aboriginal Field Officers is to provide support and para-legal advice to Aboriginal people who are detained in police or prison custody or who have to attend court. Field officers are required to maintain strong links with Aboriginal communities and to assist Aboriginal people to become more aware of their legal rights and responsibilities in relation to the law.

Key Responsibilities

• Role model politeness and professional communication when dealing with clients and the general public.
• To work as part of a team including other field officers, legal staff and support staff.
• To work to ensure the provision of a culturally competent and responsive service to clients.
• As a part of a team provide outreach services in accordance with ALRM’s objectives.
• Perform such other duties commensurate with the functions of ALRM and this classification, may be required.
• Encourage and sustain a cooperative, “can do” work environment.
• Support and work with people with diverse backgrounds, value systems, cultural differences and special needs.
• Attending Police Stations and liaising with Aboriginal Police Aides in relation to clients.
• Attending Court Work.
• Attending prisons and other institutions as requested.
• Home Visits for clients when unable to attend court.
• To undertake field officer call-outs as per Call-out procedures as required by Manager.

Essential Criteria

* The filling of this position is in accordance with the exemption under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.  The Aboriginal Field Officer is only open to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander persons.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the criminal legal system and its impact upon Aboriginal people.
• Knowledge of local Aboriginal communities.
• Comprehensive understanding of the issues confronting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in relation to legal services and in the wider community.
• Capacity to work effectively in an Aboriginal organisation demonstrating respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Cultures.
• Commitment to delivering culturally appropriate services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
• Demonstrated commitment to efficient and effective service delivery and a commitment to a client-centred focus.
• Ability to manage and balance priorities in an environment of high workloads.
• Good communication skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office packages.
• Ability in the practical use of office equipment and office systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively and share decision making.
• Ability to demonstrate respect, approachability, consistency and model exemplary behaviors.

Desirable Criteria 

• Knowledge of the Bail Act.
• Para-Legal Training.
• Knowledge of Equal Opportunity, Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare standards.
• Good writing skills.
• Good interview skills.
• An understanding of the objectives of Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement, its services and clients.

Please direct applications of a one-page covering letter and with a Curriculum Vitae by the close of business Friday 16 September 2022 to: 

Ralph Coulthard
Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement
Port Augusta SA 5700
Email: ralphc@alrm.org.au

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