National Indigenous Legal Advocacy Courses: Certificate IV in National Indigenous Legal Advocacy

National Indigenous Legal Advocacy Courses

Fact Sheets Certificate IV in National Indigenous Legal Advocacy - An Overview

Certificate IV in National Indigenous Legal Advocacy
– Course 39103QLD

Participants

The Certificate IV in National Indigenous Legal Advocacy is intended to address the training needs of Indigenous peoples who have some (but limited) experience working in a legal environment. The course is specifically designed to meet the needs of Aboriginal Field Officers (or Legal Advocates) who are engaged in field work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services.

It is also designed to meet the needs of Indigenous peoples with some experience working in Indigenous community organisations, Government departments / agencies relating to juvenile justice, corrective services or care and protection, or participating in Indigenous community justice mechanisms and in other similar roles.

Skills and outcomes

On successful completion of the course, students will have demonstrated that they are able to work with limited supervision to:

support clients in maintaining the importance of land and culture;
advise on provisions of a range of law enforcement legislation;
manage ethical responsibilities in the legal system;
report on legal issues;
provide advice and advocacy for clients;
support clients in arrest, bail, court and detention situations;
manage conflict;
conduct research in response to requests; and
develop community networks.

Course outline

In undertaking the course, students will learn about:

basic legal principles relating to negligence and tortious liability;
anti-discrimination and human rights legislation;
making bail applications and assisting an arrested client;
legal research skills;
the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and Bringing them home report;
native title, land rights and protection of Indigenous culture;
history and ongoing impact of colonisation; and
computer skills such as creating and maintaining databases and spreadsheets.

Students can also choose from electives on mental health and disability, finance administration, interpreting, care and protection and family violence issues.

To be awarded the Certificate IV, students must complete 19 compulsory units (6 of which are also included in the Certificate III course) and an additional 2 electives. There is provision in the course for trainers to recognise student’s prior learning for any unit. There is also provision in the course for students to undertake a vocational training placement (of 70 hours). The course structure is contained in the tables below.

1) Compulsory units of competency – each of these units are compulsory

Competency Code	Competency Name	Nominal Hours (Supervised)
AILA301A	Gather information in legal systems to assist in routine responsibilities	30
AILA302A	Provide advice to clients	30
AILA303A	Provide assistance to people seeking support when detained or in an arrest situation	30
AILA401A	Assist persons seeking bail	30
AILA402A	Provide assistance to Indigenous people maintaining the importance of land and culture	30
AILA403A	Advocate for clients in care or custody or in need of assistance	60
AILA404A	Support clients needing legal assistance	80
AILA405A	Utilise ethical standards when dealing with clients	20
BSALC402A	Research, locate and provide legal and other information in response to requests	60
BSBADM305A	Create and use databases	30
BSBCMN108A	Develop keyboard skills	20
BSBCMN214A	Create and use simple spreadsheets	20
BSBCMN311A	Maintain workplace safety	30
CHCCOM3A	Utilise specialist communication skills	40
CHCORG5A	Maintain an effective work environment	32
CSCSAS018A	Manage conflict through negotiation	20
ICPMM63BA	Access the internet	20
RTD4804A	Develop community networks	25
THHGHS03B	Provide first aid	24

2) Elective units of competency – students must complete 2 from this table

Competency Code	Competency Name	Nominal Hours (Supervised)
AILA406A	Promote access and equity with Indigenous clients in the legal system	40
BSALPL402A	Provide support in family law matters	80
BSBCMN308A	Maintain financial records	60
CHCADMIN3A	Undertake administrative work	32
CHCDFV1A	Recognise and respond to domestic and family violence	TBA
CHCPROT11A	Provide for care and protection of clients in specific need	56
PUALIO004A	Provide interpreting and translating services	20