Legal Officer

Position Overview

We are currently inviting applications for temporary full-time Legal Officers to deliver high-quality, independent legal services on behalf of OCFOS to departmental staff within the Department of Child Safety. Joining a team of legal professionals, you will provide practical, independent, and strategic legal advice and representation focusing on complex child protection cases.

Role Details

Two vacancies are available, providing an opportunity to influence improvements within Queensland's child protection litigation system. These roles are based in the Toowoomba region, requiring travel and court attendance statewide, including Child Safety Service Centres (CSSCs), to support departmental operations and clients.

Mandatory Criteria

• Admission or immediate eligibility for admission as a Barrister-at-Law or solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland.
• Possession of a "C" class driver's licence to facilitate travel requirements.
• Availability for on-call duties to provide urgent legal advice and support outside standard hours.

Technical and Role-Specific Expertise

The successful candidate will have comprehensive knowledge of departmental services within a court setting and apply this expertise to provide exceptional legal services. Responsibilities include litigation, negotiation, legal advisory, and managing complex interactions with clients and stakeholders, including the Director of Child Protection Litigation.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, independent legal and court services on behalf of the Queensland Government, including out-of-hours urgent application duties.
• Offer expert legal advice, support, and representation for CSSCs in emergency applications under the Child Protection Act 1999.
• Prepare and represent child protection applications and related cases including family law, human rights, adoptions, and relevant criminal law intersections.
• Provide timely legal counsel early in departmental engagements with children and families.
• Engage with CSSCs, regional teams, and the Director of Child Protection Litigation through liaison and negotiation.
• Produce comprehensive court documentation supporting child protection order applications.
• Ensure preparation of prompt, detailed briefs for the Director of Child Protection Litigation concerning child protection proceedings.
• Support compliance with disclosure obligations mandated to the Director of Child Protection Litigation.
• Represent and coordinate the Director-General's participation in child protection legal matters aligned with legislation and policy.
• Foster and maintain strong, effective relationships with stakeholders to ensure unified, coordinated legal service delivery by OCFOS.
• Provide independent legal advice on court matters, including evidence preparation, material quality assurance, witness support, and development/delivery of training locally.
• Collaborate within a team to assist legal officers and senior colleagues to achieve priorities and meet deadlines statewide.
• Contribute to cultivating a departmental culture supporting the vision, values, and objectives of the Department and OCFOS.

Additional Information

• This role holds statutory delegation authority under the Child Protection Act 1999.
• The position reports directly to the Senior Legal Officer.
• Applications will remain active for 12 months.

For further details on the role expectations and assessment criteria, candidates should consult the full Candidate Information Package and Role Profile. This role is within the Justice & Legal occupational group and adheres to the Queensland Public Service Leadership competencies.

Closing Details

Applications close on Friday, 24th July 2026.