Aboriginal Cadet, Clerk Grade 1/2

**Temporary **Part Time (12-month placement with possibility of extension) -** (14 hrs. per week)**:

- **Location Sydney **(regional locations will be considered**), with flexible working arrangements available.**:

- **Clerk Grade 1/2, base salary ($70,694 - $76,857), pro-rata, plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading**
- This position is open to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only._

**Your role**

You will undertake a range of legal and other activities in the relevant area/s of law or policy to contribute to efficient and effective legal support services and policy reform for the Law Reform and Legal Division within the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).

**What you’ll do**

As a cadet in the Maliyan Program you will be working with and assisting teams throughout the Law Reform and Legal Services (LRLS) Division. The Maliyan Program provides the opportunity for Legal Cadets to work alongside legal and policy professionals to contribute to the delivery of legal services and policy reform. You will be completing a range of tasks, including research and analysis, drafting some legal, policy and parliamentary documents, assisting on legal and policy related projects and working collaboratively with your team to deliver results.

The majority of roles under the program are in the DCJ Legal and Policy, Reform and Legislation branches, however, there may be opportunities for roles within other branches throughout the LRLS Division.

The DCJ Legal branch is responsible for providing legal and litigation support to clients within the community and justice sectors and ensuring the common law and statutory powers of the Attorney General are exercised in accordance with the law. Spread across eight different practice groups DCJ Legal branch’s role is to:

- Provide legal advice to internal and external stakeholders
- Provide litigation and dispute resolution services to internal and external stakeholders
- Provide representation and advocacy services to internal and external stakeholders
- Ensure the department’s governance and compliance with current laws

The Policy Reform and Legislation branch supports the development of the legislative program and provides parliamentary and administrative support services. This is primarily for the Attorney General but also includes a range of Ministers who have responsibility in the communities and justice sectors. Policy, Reform and Legislation branch is responsible for ensuring that the legal and policy framework of the Department is aligned with the government's current priorities. Policy Reform and Legislation's role is to:

- identify the need for, and formulate changes to, the law and criminal justice system,
- ensure quality legal policy advice is provided to the portfolio Ministers and to government,
- implement the portfolio Ministers' legislative programs, and inform the community about changes to, and the operation of, legislation within relevant portfolios.

For more information on the Maliyan Program, click here.

**What we’re looking for**
- A passionate, driven law student with a demonstrated interest in providing legal services and law reform initiatives to vulnerable communities
- Strong communication and legal writing skills
- Currently studying a law degree from an accredited law school (whether an undergraduate Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or postgraduate Juris Doctor (JD)
- This role is open to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only.
- Willingness to undertake a Working with Children Check.
- Willingness to travel for regional or interstate commitments
- Documented verification of Aboriginality.

The Department will accept proof of Aboriginality confirming the following:

- You are an Aboriginal person of Aboriginal descent;
- You identify as being Aboriginal; and

An acceptable form of documented verification is a “Confirmation of Aboriginality” letter, provided to you by a local Aboriginal organisation that includes a common seal from that organisation.

Download the role description.

**What We Offer**

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

- A challenging and rewarding career
- Flexible, autonomous work environment
- Competitive pay and conditions
- Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
- Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

**We do work that really matters**

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.

**Are you ready to join us?**

Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining h