At a Glance
- Tasks: Support solicitors in managing civil claims, including sensitive child abuse matters.
- Company: Join the Department of Communities and Justice, making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible work arrangements, competitive salary, and health & wellbeing programs.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace focused on diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team tackling important legal issues and supporting vulnerable communities.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, clear communication, and a willingness to learn; legal study is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 87000 - 95000 $ per year.
Principal location β Parramatta - Flexible working arrangements may be negotiated.
Employment type β Ongoing and Temporary β Full time (35 hours)
Salary β Clerk Grade 3/4, Base Salary ($87,199 - $95,482), plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Your role
The Primary Responsibility Of The Civil Team Is To:
- Manage civil claims brought against DCJ, including child abuse claims involving Youth Justice and out-of-home care, and other civil claims involving Housing, Courts Services, Corrective Services NSW, disability, and other personal injury claims.
- Manage claims against Government figures and bodies including the Attorney General, the State of NSW, Court and Tribunals and the NSW Sheriff's office.
- Manage proceedings brought under the Family Law (Child Abduction Convention) Regulations 1986.
- Provide advice and liaising with internal stakeholders in relation to matters under the Hague Convention of Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Enforcement and Cooperation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children.
What You'll Do
In this role you will be supporting solicitors and senior staff in the management of the team's responsibilities. As a paralegal, you will be responsible for providing legal, clerical, and administrative support in relation to a wide range of litigated and un-litigated claims against the State of NSW, predominantly child abuse claims. This role involves exposure to materials related to child abuse matters as part of civil litigation work. The team provides vicarious trauma training, guidance and wellbeing supports. Applicants are encouraged to consider whether this type of work is suitable for them and to raise any questions during the recruitment process. The team works on complex and often sensitive legal matters. You will receive training and support to develop your skills and succeed in the role. We take a trauma-informed approach to our work, recognising its impact on vulnerable people.
What We're Looking For:
- Willingness to learn and take on new tasks.
- Good attention to detail and an organised approach to work.
- Ability to follow processes and manage information carefully.
- Clear communication and the ability to work well in a team.
- Comfortable working with confidential and sensitive information.
- Legal study or experience is desirable, but not mandatory.
Additional Requirements
A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for this role. We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity.
What We Offer:
- 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.
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.
Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.
Applications close: Sunday, 30 August 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.
Got a question?
For more information about the role or what it's like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Jade Cooper on 0458 143 024.
If you've got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please contact Lois Jebin.
Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.
Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart. We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups. To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.
Other Information: A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months. For more information visit Applying for DCJ jobs on the DCJ website.
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.
Paralegal - Clerk 3/4 - Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution employer: NSW Department of Communities and Justice
The NSW Department of Communities and Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Parramatta that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to ongoing professional development opportunities while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance community services. The hybrid work model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in multilingual services.
Contact Details:
NSW Department of Communities and Justice Recruitment Team