Court Support Officer

About us

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (Qld) Limited (ATSILS) is a not-for-profit, community-based organisation that delivers innovative, professional criminal, civil and family law services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients throughout Queensland.
We were established in 1972 and now have 25 offices with approximately 250 staff across Queensland.

Our Vision is to lead in the delivery of innovative and professional legal services.

Our Mission is to deliver quality legal assistance services, community legal education, and early intervention and prevention initiatives which uphold and advance the legal and human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Purpose of our Court Support Officer roles
Interact
with clients in a manner which provides them with a knowledge and understanding
of the Criminal Justice System and their rights within it. Assist legal staff
in providing a service that is sensitive and responsive to the needs of
clients.

This role encourages a personable, enthusiastic,
and organised social justice networker to provide support, information and
encouragement at a time when clients are often at their most vulnerable. The majority of our client-demand provides
excellent opportunity to work on the ground within the justice system - for
example, at court, visiting watch-houses and correctional facilities so as to
ensure that clients’ legal rights are protected.
Opportunity
You
will have frequent opportunity to provide information directly to clients, and
work with our staff team and external stakeholders. You can rely on the State-wide
resources of the Principal Legal Officer (PLO) and ATSILS’ Directors of Law (Criminal,
Civil and Family), outside of Brisbane with the Regional Manager and the local
legal team with whom you will work.
A
corporate services team based in Brisbane provides administrative, public
relations, and human resources support; locally, administration support with
management ensures a strong back-up is in place.

Please tell us about you in writing...

Selection Criteria:
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA (6)
1. Values : alignment to the values and vision of ATSILS and an appreciation of and sensitivity to the challenges our clients have faced, and continue to face, in their fight for and their right to justice and equity. Share, Care & Respect our our Traditional values.
2. Identified position* : be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who both identifies and is recognised as such within the community from which he or she originates or currently resides.
3. Core knowledge : knowledge of the criminal justice system; e.g. diversionary alternatives available, client rights upon detention or arrest.
4. Client service and data management : post-court file management paperwork tasks mean administrative and computer-literacy abilities are essential (e.g. Microsoft Office via a Windows network and use of the internet). Demonstrated ability to maintain a central diary of commitments, use keyboard skills (typing) and keep files/administrative records in order - plus strong oral and written skills are essential. Please give examples of your skills.
5. Confidence in providing timely assistance to clients : to those held in custody; to those attending court; and to those seeking information over the phone, internet or by visiting offices. Further, a preparedness to work varying shifts of duty including after hours (and on-call).
1. First Aid Certificate, Workplace Health and Safety Representative training or Emergency Services qualifications.
2. Database entry and reporting skills highly regarded.
3. Qualifications in Legal Studies, Law, Social Sciences, Business Admin, Justice, Advocacy, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Community Development, Criminology, or current enrolment in any of these tertiary courses.
4. Experience in working in an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander-owned community organisation.