Executive Assistant to Justice Colvin

Job No: FedCourt20

Location: Perth, WA

Employment Status: Ongoing, Full-time

No. of Vacancies: 1

Closing Date: 8 Feb 2018

Contract: Ongoing, Full-time
Salary: $74,610 - $85,705 per annum, plus superannuation

Organisational Context
The Federal Court of Australia was created by the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) as a superior court of record and a court of law and equity. Its overarching goal is to contribute to the social and economic development and wellbeing of all Australians by applying and upholding the rule of law. It sits in all capital cities and elsewhere in Australia when necessary. The Court has jurisdiction in relation to almost all civil matters and some summary and indictable criminal matters arising under Australian federal law. The Court is able to hear cases in relation to admiralty, bankruptcy, competition, consumer protection, corporations, fair work, human rights, intellectual property and native title. It also has the power to review some Federal Government decisions in areas such as social security, immigration and taxation.

Position Overview
The position of Executive Assistant requires administrative and executive assistant skills of a high order, including experience in a legal environment.

Executive Assistants need to organise their daily workload in order to meet deadlines within strict time constraints. They need to be able to work proactively, autonomously, demonstrate initiative, flexibility and sound judgement. They also need to demonstrate an ability to work in an environment which requires tact and discretion. Executive Assistants also require experience in or the ability to acquire in-depth knowledge of case management in a court environment including docket management, listing arrangements, chambers administration and judicial support.

Major Activities
1. Maintain a judge’s chambers for:

• Diary and commitments;
• Manage chambers records;
• Liaise on behalf of the Judge, as required, with individuals, groups or organisations both within and outside the court on a range of matters; and
• Library collection.

2. Provide executive assistant support:

• At the Judge’s discretion, be available outside normal work hours as necessary;
• Ensure that judgments and correspondence are produced accurately, and in accordance with the Court’s requirements;
• Ensure the security of draft judgments and other documents;
• Assist the Judge in court with directions hearings and other hearings as required;
• Advise and negotiate with parties and their representatives on a range of administrative issues, including case file management;
• Take responsibility for the management and maintenance of hardcopy and electronic court files allocated to the Judges docket, ensuring accurate and complete records are retained at all times;
• Deal with queries and media enquiries under the supervision of the Judge;
• Assist with or undertake less complex research;
• Provide administrative, secretarial and clerical services;
• Assist the Judge in relation to interstate hearings and Full Court matters as required and arrange official travel;
• Assist the Judge to arrange seminars and workshops;
• Prepare presentations as required by the Judge;
• Assist with the induction and training of new Associates as required; and
• Liaise with other registries, registry staff, etc. on behalf of the Judge.

Key Relationships

• Judge
• Associate
• Other Judges, Executive Assistants and Associates of other chambers
• Registry staff
• Members of the legal profession and the public

Competencies & Attributes
Working to a busy judge of the Court and as part of a small Chambers team, the successful applicant will be expected to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and initiative, taking personal responsibility for progressing work to ensure objectives are met, and also be constructive and adaptable to changing demands and an ability to maintain confidentiality.

The Australian Public Service’s Integrated Leadership System (ILS) Framework lists the capabilities and behaviours expected of officers at this level. Applicants are encouraged to read the information available online at: http://www.apsc.gov.au/publications-and-media/current-publications/worklevel-standards/aps6  

Selection Criteria

1. Administrative and executive assistant skills of a high order including experience of at least two years in a legal environment. Ability to work autonomously to organise workload and achieve accurate and complete outcomes, using strong attention to detail skills, within strict time constraints.
2. Strong liaison, communication and interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work in an environment which requires tact and discretion. 
3. Experience in or the ability to acquire in-depth knowledge of case management in a court environment including docket management, listing arrangements, chambers administration and judicial support.
4. Ability to demonstrate initiative, flexibility and sound judgement.
5. An understanding of the APS policies and guidelines including the Code of Conduct, Workplace Harassment and Bullying policy, Workplace diversity and WHS.

Eligibility
Employment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999, and the following:

1. Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship;
2. Security and character clearance – the successful applicant must satisfy a Police Records Check, and may also be required to complete security clearances during the course of their employment;
3. Health clearance – the successful applicant may be required to complete a health declaration or attend a medical assessment to confirm their fitness for duty
4. Interested candidates who have received a redundancy benefit from an APS agency are welcome to apply, but note that they cannot be engaged until their redundancy benefit period has expired.

How to Apply
To be considered you will need to enter a concise expression of interest outlining your suitability for the role, attach an up to date resume and any relevant qualifications by 11:55pm on 8 February 2018.

For more information contact Nick Pannell, Director Court Services, by phone (08) 9268-7120 or email nick.pannell@fedcourt.gov.au