Legal Officer

About the Role

We are seeking a permanent, flexible full-time Legal Officer to deliver expert, impartial legal services on behalf of the Office of the Chief Family and Operations Services (OCFOS) supporting departmental staff within the Queensland Department. The officer will join a legal team providing strategic, independent advice and representation in complex child protection cases, contributing to improvements in Queensland's child protection litigation system.

The position is based in Beenleigh and involves regular travel to courts and Child Safety Service Centres (CSSCs) across the state to assist the Department and its clients.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality independent legal services and court representation for the Queensland Government, including out-of-hours work on urgent cases.
• Provide expert legal advice, support, and representation for emergency applications under the Child Protection Act 1999 on behalf of CSSCs.
• Prepare and represent in child protection applications and related matters such as family law, human rights, adoptions, and criminal law where they intersect with the Child Protection Act 1999.
• Offer legal advice to departmental staff early in their engagement with children and families.
• Negotiate and liaise with CSSCs, regional personnel, and the Director of Child Protection Litigation.
• Produce high-quality court materials and timely, thorough briefs supporting child protection order applications.
• Assist the Department in fulfilling statutory disclosure obligations to the Director of Child Protection Litigation.
• Coordinate and represent the Director-General’s interests in child protection legal matters in compliance with relevant laws and procedures.
• Build and maintain positive, long-term relationships with key stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to legal services delivery within OCFOS.
• Provide departmental staff with independent legal advice related to court cases, including evidence preparation, quality assurance of materials, witness support, and leading local training programs.
• Collaborate with other legal officers and senior legal staff statewide to meet priorities and deadlines.
• Promote a culture aligned with OCFOS values and the Department’s vision to achieve agency goals.

Requirements and Eligibility

• Admission or immediate eligibility for admission as a Barrister-at-Law or solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland is mandatory.
• Possession of a "C" class drivers licence is required to manage necessary travel obligations.
• Availability to be on-call for providing urgent legal advice outside normal hours is necessary.
• Expertise in the Department’s legal services, especially courtroom litigation and negotiation in child protection matters.
• Experience providing legal advice and representation with knowledge of child protection, family law, human rights, and intersecting legal areas.

Additional Information

This position holds statutory delegations under the Child Protection Act 1999 and reports to the Senior Legal Officer. The role is aligned with Queensland Public Service Leadership competencies and requires demonstration of capabilities detailed in the Candidate Information Package.

Applications remain valid for 12 months. Job reference: QLD/694987/26. Closing date for applications: Friday, 24th July 2026.