Why work at VALS?
Join the best
VALS is made up of Victoria’s most committed legal advocates, professionals and support staff who work to advance Aboriginal self-determination and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria of all ages.
We know that our people make the difference. VALS is committed to diversity, equality and inclusion. We celebrate our team of diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+ and individuals from different cultures, language groups and experiences.
Grow, develop and be rewarded
You will have:
- Opportunities to work on diverse matters and gain significant experience.
- Opportunities to develop your own expertise and collaborate with colleagues and partners in projects, policy and legal reform
- Access to generous staff benefits such as salary packaging options, flexible working arrangement, TOIL, pre-purchased leave, paid parental, carer and cultural leave and much more.
Benefits of working Part/Full-time at VALS:
- Getting paid 17.5% more when you take your annual leave
- Additional 5 days leave on top of the standard 20 days annual leave allowance
- Access to company vehicles for any work-related trips
- Salary packaging of up to $15,900+ per FBT available via Maxxia
Available positions
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated positions
These positions are classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, and only available to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
Salary Offering $78,402.32 – $84,357.55 (VALS CPB 1.1 – 1.4) plus 11.5% Superannuation
This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. This employment opportunity is only available to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Additional Benefits:
- 17.5% Leave Loading
- 5 extra days leave on top of 20 days annual leave
- Only required to work 35 hours per week, any extra hours worked will be calculated as your Time In Lieu (TOIL) – which you may use as additional leave hours
- Access to company vehicles for any work-related trips
- Salary packaging is available via Maxxia
Office Locations: 279 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo, Vic, 3550
This role is full-time fixed term until 30th of June 2025(renewal subject to ongoing funding for new financial year in July 2025)
Application ends on 4th April 2025.
OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE
The CSO is the key cultural interface between Aboriginal Community members, VALS’ lawyers’ and the court. The CSO helps address barriers Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people face in engaging with criminal, family and civil justice processes. The CSO works as a part of a multi-disciplinary team with lawyers, paralegals and other CSOs and administrative officers. Acting as the interface between clients, lawyers’ and court personnel to support the client to understand and navigate court proceedings and attend court as required, the CSO will assess clients’ non-legal needs.
Following the assessment of need, and identification of risk, the CSO provides short term intensive case work, whilst ensuring active/warm referrals for ongoing case management as needed. The CSO will work with external agencies as part of a care team to address client needs. CSOs attend court as determined in each of the regional hubs and following safety assessments, undertake specific client contact, for example home visits / welfare checks / transporting clients. Each CSO will maintain an up to date an up-to-date knowledge of services and organisations in their region. In addition the CSO acts as the representative of VALS in and with the community and at external meetings, such as RAJACs. CSOs may provide input into VALS policy and advocacy work as requested.
WHAT A DAY AS A CLIENT SUPPORT OFFICER LOOKS LIKE:
- Provide a case work response to assisting VALS clients including assessing needs and risk and collaborating with other services.
- Attend court to support the client and the solicitor as needed in each region.
- Provide transport assistance, undertake welfare checks, make warm referrals and advocate on the client’s behalf.
- Reassure the client and explain legal terminology and processes used by the courts and legal profession, not using legal jargon. Where appropriate, take notes of the history of the client’s case and provide them to the solicitor. Request supporting documentation on behalf of the client, and lodge court documents as required by lawyer.
- Undertake community engagement activities, maintain knowledge base regarding local services, referral pathways and programs.
- Liaise with relevant Government agencies and other persons within the legal system to ensure delivery of a culturally relevant service.
- Represent VALS at various meetings and forums, and report back on those meetings to VALS management.
- Perform a range of administrative tasks to ensure the effective delivery of services to VALS clients. This includes providing activity reports on a timely basis, attending staff meetings as required, and ensuring that case notes and data is entered into the VALS client management system.
- Participate in ongoing training and staff development and act and remain professional at all times, upholding VALS values.
As directed, undertake other duties as directed which are incidental and peripheral to the main tasks, provided that such duties are reasonably within the employee’s skills, competence, and training.
PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY:
- Compliance with all VALS values, code of conduct, policies and procedures and relevant government legislation and standards where relevant.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of social justice and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or religion.
- Ensure appropriate use of resources.
- Actively participate in initiatives to maintain, build upon and promote a positive and collaborative workplace.
- Take reasonable care for your own health & safety, and health and safety of others (to extent required)
- Maintain own self-care and wellbeing with support of line management.
- Promptly respond to and report health and safety hazards, incidents and near misses to management.
- Attend mandatory training sessions (ie. equal employment opportunity, health and safety, cultural safety) and mandatory training specific to position.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Hold a certificate, diploma or degree in community services, social work or another relevant field. If does not hold certificate or degree, can demonstrate work experience within the community services sector, and/or, a willingness to obtain a relevant qualification, supported by VALS.
- A demonstrated knowledge of the Victorian legal system.
- An understanding of the legal issues and barriers faced by Victorian Aboriginal communities.
- Demonstrated links to, and experience in engaging the local Aboriginal community.
- Developed written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to liaise effectively with clients and provide client service in a professional manner while maintaining confidentiality and discretion.
- Ability to take direction, determine priorities, and manage own workload in order to meet agreed timelines and objectives.
- The ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment, and as a member of a team, or independently with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated computer literacy skills and proficiency using Microsoft Office and other relevant software.
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:
On offer of this position, you must provide:
- Copy of your current Employee Working with Children Card.
- You will be required to complete a current Criminal History Police Check.
- Proof of rights to work in Australia, i.e., a copy of an Australian Passport, Birth Certificate, or Immigration VISA documentation
- Current valid Australian Driver’s Licence
This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. This employment opportunity is only available to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Salary Offering: $78,402.32– $84,357.5 (VALS CPB 1.1 – 1.4) per annum., depending on experience plus 11.5% Superannuation
Additional Benefits:
- 17.5% Leave Loading
- 5 extra days leave on top of 20 days annual leave
- Only required to work 35 hours per week, any extra hours worked will be calculated as your Time In Lieu (TOIL) – which you may use as additional leave hours
- Access to company vehicles for any work-related trips
- Salary packaging of up to $15,900+ per FBT available via Maxxia
Office Locations: Maude Street, Shepparton
This role is full-time fixed term until 30 June 2028.
This position may require regional travel.
OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:
The Aboriginal Community Engagement Worker works as part a multidisciplinary team with Balit Ngulu youth lawyers. The ACE Worker works alongside Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people (clients) to:
- Promote cultural safety.
- Develop and implement plans that keep the young person safe, support their diversion from the youth justice system and build their resilience.
- Provide transport to and from court and other appointments with the client, including attending court and appointments with them. For instance, acting as a source of support and advice for them at court, interviews, and other formal meetings.
- Represent and promote Balit Ngulu and participate in client case planning processes with partner agencies.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of contacts with and for clients and undertake other administrative tasks consistent with VALS policies and procedures.
- As directed, undertake other duties that are incidental and peripheral to main tasks, provided such duties are reasonably within the employee’s skills and competence
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:
Essential
- Lived experience in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community(ies) with demonstrated knowledge of issues that impact access to justice and support services for Aboriginal children and young people, ideally in Victoria.
- A Certificate IV in Youth Work, Diploma in Youth Work and/or equivalent experience. If not at Diploma level, must be willing to undertake relevant professional qualification (which will be supported by VALS).
- Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal young people.
- Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment including assertively and respectfully with partners, including ACCOs and persons working within Victorian courts, police, youth justice and child protection and residential care services.
- Good computer skills.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Victorian legal system, including an understanding of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 and key amendments and associated policies and guidelines relevant to youth justice. This includes Children’s Court practices and procedures.
- Work within the not-for-profit sector, ideally within an ACCO.
- Experience of working as part of a whole-family and whole-community approach to supporting clients.
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:
On offer of this position, you must provide:
- Copy of your current Employee Working with Children Card.
- You will be required to complete a current Criminal History Police Check.
- Up to date vaccination certificate or valid medical exemption
- Proof of rights to work in Australia, i.e., a copy of an Australian Passport, Birth Certificate, or Immigration VISA documentation
- Current valid Victorian Driver’s Licence
- Copies of any certificates or degrees relevant to this role
Salary will be dependent on experience.
Please note, this is an Aboriginal and Torres Islander identified position. Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the special measures provision of S12(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act (VIC).
OVERVIEW:
The Baggarrook Woman’s Transitional Housing Program “Program” has been established to assist eligible Aboriginal woman who have been released from prison to make a successful reintegration into the community after their release.
The Program incorporates six transitional houses and post release support to Aboriginal woman exiting prison, with VALS and Aboriginal Housing Victoria (AHV) working together to deliver the program.
VALS Baggarrook Program Officers work 1:1 with women participants to support their goals and pursuit of suitable long-term housing and independence. This includes working in partnership with other agencies, including culturally safe health providers, housing services, family violence programs, drug and alcohol services and community groups.
Office Locations: High Street, Preston and frequent travel to Braybrook hub.
This role is full-time fixed term until 30th June2025.
This position may require regional and very occasional interstate travel.
What A Day as A Baggarrook Program Officer Looks Like:
- Building good working relationships with women participants and key services
- Providing 1:1 support to clients exiting prison for 6 months, with the potential of this taking place over 12 months. This can include transporting women to and from appointments and attending appointments with them to support their confidence building and independent living skills.
- Leveraging existing knowledge and networks to support the women to be referred to, or engage with potential community housing options.
- Undertaking and monitoring of risk and safety assessments, including MARAM for the program and for individual clients.
- Conducting referrals and linking in with organisations to ensure that women’s needs are met, including ensuring that these are culturally safe and appropriate.
- Liaising with prison staff that are undertaking assessments and referrals into the program, as well as regularly attending and running workshops in the prison environment
- Recording interactions with women participants consistent with VALS client management policies and procedures.
- Contributing to the development of positive relationships between the local Koori community and community services,
- Attending and participating in staff, partner organisation and community meetings.
- Liaising and networking with other Aboriginal organisations and mainstream agencies to promote the program.
- Complete quarterly reporting requirements as required by the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
- As directed, undertake other duties which are incidental and peripheral to the main tasks, provided that such duties are reasonably within the employee’s skills, competence and training.
Key Selection Criteria
- Excellent relationship building skills with people with complex needs and behaviours such as trauma, alcohol, drugs and disabilities.
- Experience of working 1:1 with service users, ideally service users with complex needs.
- Proven experience of working within, and an active knowledge of the current housing and homeless sector.
- A demonstrated knowledge of the Victorian legal system and an understanding of the legal issues faced by Victorian Aboriginal communities.
- Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work in a multi-skilled environment.
- Good computing skills.
Desirable
- Demonstrated experience and/or qualifications in case management.
- Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, ideally with an Aboriginal community controlled organisation.
This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
This opportunity is only available to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Salary Offering: $78,402.32 – $84,357.55 (VALS CPB 1.1 – 1.4), depending on experience plus Superannuation
Office based: Preston, VIC 3072
Work hours and arrangement: This role is part-time 21 hours per week fixed term until 30 June 2026, extensions are subject to performance and funding availability.
Additional Benefits:
- 17.5% Leave Loading
- 5 extra days leave on top of 20 days annual leave
- Only required to work 21 hours per week, any extra hours worked will be calculated as your Time In Lieu (TOIL) – which you may use as additional leave hours
- Access to company vehicles for any work-related trips
- Salary packaging of up to $15,900+ per FBT available via Maxxia
OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE
As a DART Worker, you will assist the Children’s Court in identifying when a young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person (client) has a disability and will enable the presiding judicial officer to be better informed about any forms of disability the client may have.
You will build rapport and support the young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander client in completing required screening processes and provide further referrals of allied health services where required.
This role is a partnership collaboration between VALS & Melbourne City Mission.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential
- Tertiary qualification and/or demonstrated experience working in the Community Services sector (Disability, Mental Health, Housing, Justice).
- Demonstrated experience working with young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
- Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment including assertively and respectfully with partners, including ACCOs and persons working within Victorian courts, police, youth justice and child protection and residential care services.
- Excellent computer skills.
Desirable
- Knowledge of the Victorian legal system, including an understanding of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 and key amendments and associated policies and guidelines relevant to youth justice. This includes Children’s Court practices and procedures.
- Experience working within the not-for-profit sector, ideally within an ACCO.
- Experience of working as part of a whole-family and whole-community approach to supporting clients.
- Experience working with people living with a disability.
- Knowledge of the NDIS Act 2013, Disability Act 2006, and experience working in a NDIS environment.
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:
On offer of this position, you must provide:
- Copy of your current Employee Working with Children Card.
- You will be required to complete a current Criminal History Police Check.
- Up to date vaccination certificate or valid medical exemption
- Proof of rights to work in Australia, i.e., a copy of an Australian Passport, Birth Certificate, or Immigration VISA documentation
- Current valid Victorian Driver’s Licence
- Copies of any certificates or degrees relevant to this role
Positions open to all applicants
Salary Offering:
VALS E 1.1 – $89,691.06 plus 11.5% Superannuation
This role is full-time fixed term until 30 June 2025 (renewal subject to ongoing funding for new financial year in July 2025)
Office Locations:
273, High Street Preston Victoria 3072
Overview
As Senior Human Resources Officer, you will play a pivotal role in providing effective human resource expertise and advice across the organisation. You will be part of the recruitment team, involved in low level employee relations, training and development programs for employees, ensuring compliance with polices, and assisting employee with their needs. You will also work closely with management to foster a health work environment.
Key Responsibilities
Maintain a steadfast commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and self-determination and the philosophy of Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service.
Support and coach Managers in the facilitation of recruitment, induction, employee relations, performance planning, learning and development and terminations.
Coach and mentor employees to ensure outcomes are of the highest possible standard.
Promote a culture of collaboration and cooperation within the HR Team.
Manage the delivery and continuous improvement of VAL’s performance management system.
Model and promote VAL’s values in all areas of performance, promoting cultural safety, understanding, wellness, communication, responsibility and collaboration.
Lead and support the effective resolution of disciplinary processes and terminations with support from the Human Resources Manager and legal advisors.
Coordinate and document employee contracts/agreements ensuring legislative and award compliance is met.
Update and review position descriptions including classification against the relevant award to determine appropriate remuneration for each position.
Work with finance and payroll to ensure the accurate application of award rates where applicable.
Provide support, coaching and empowerment to staff.
Coordinate return to work in consultation with Human Resources Manager mangers and our lawyers.
Ensure VAL’s complies with all relevant legislation, including the Fair Work Act 2009, Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2022, Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, Equal Opportunity Act 2010, Modern Awards and accreditation standards as they relate to HR.
Key Selection Criteria:
Essential
Demonstrated understanding and commitment to Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Aboriginal culture, and the philosophy and practice of Aboriginal Community Control.
Highly developed oral and written communication skills, with proven ability to deliver presentations and prepare a range of documents including reports.
Demonstrated capacity to maintain sensitive information, uphold confidentiality and remain impartial at all times.
Experience in implementing and executing policies, procedures and programs in the areas of recruitment, retention, remuneration and benefits, change management, and performance management.
Ability to build and maintain strong internal and external working relationships, with a wide range of people at all levels, characterised by co-operation, trust and mutual respect.
Practical generalist HR experience from an operational perspective, preferably in a community-centric organisation.
Demonstrated initiative with the proven ability to take a pro-active approach.
A strong knowledge and understanding of contemporary thinking and approaches around human resources.
Relevant post-secondary and/or tertiary qualification/s in Human Resource Management or equivalent years of experience in a similar role.
A flexible approach, with strong organisational and planning skills, including the ability to effectively manage time and workload, prioritise tasks and meet changing circumstances, competing demands, interruptions and deadlines.
Demonstrated proficiency and experience using Microsoft applications (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook), Subscribe HR combined with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Desirable
Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
Salary Offering:
$89,691.06 – $94,754.39 (VALS E 1.1 – 1.4) plus 11.5% Superannuation
Office Locations:
273 High Street Preston Victoria 3072
Application ends on 18th April 2025.
Overview
The IT Systems Administrator will play a key role in supporting, maintaining, and enhancing VALS’ IT systems and infrastructure. While the role will provide essential day-to-day IT support, system administration, cyber security management, and coordination with external IT vendors, it will also contribute to projects that drive the adoption of new technology and deliver improvements to VALS’ operational efficiency. This role is integral to ensuring the organization’s technology environment remains secure, effective, and aligned with future business needs.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide first-line IT support, responding to and resolving staff enquiries in a timely manner.
Coordinate and escalate issues to external IT providers when necessary, ensuring follow-up through to resolution.
Provision, manage and maintain devices (including laptops, mobile phones, office phones and other IT equipment) for new and existing staff, ensuring appropriate initial setup and assistance with ongoing use.
Administer and manage IT systems and user accounts, including email, cloud services, file storage, and security platforms.
Organise and deliver IT and cyber security training for staff, including awareness sessions and best practices.
Advise and assist Executive Management and other staff on cyber security matters.
Lead contract and vendor management for IT systems and software providers, including renewals and negotiations.
Manage and review IT assets and the asset register, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
Maintain and coordinate mobile phone and telecommunication accounts, including usage reports and analysis.
Provide technical advice and support in relation to the VALS website, including liaising with web developers on IT-related matters.
Support the implementation of VALS’ IT Strategy and Roadmap, including contributing to IT projects that enhance systems, security, and the adoption of new technologies aligned with organizational needs.
Assist with IT budgets and forecasts, in collaboration with the CFO, including planning for future IT needs.
Conduct cyber security risk assessments, in partnership with Corporate Services and relevant teams.
Act as the main liaison with IT external stakeholders and suppliers, including managed services providers.
Key Selection Criteria:
A relevant qualification in IT, Cyber Security, or related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience in IT systems administration.
Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, including cloud-based services, networks, and security systems.
Experience providing IT support and troubleshooting within a multi-site organisation.
Understanding of cyber security risks and mitigation strategies in organisational settings.
Experience managing IT contracts and vendor relationships.
Knowledge of IT asset and lifecycle management.
Risk assessment experience, particularly related to IT and security.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint, and Windows environments.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a focus on confidentiality and discretion when d dealing with sensitive information.
Ability to develop and deliver IT-related training and user guides to staff of varying skill levels.
Office Location:
273 High Street Preston Victoria 3072
Full-time 12-month fixed term from point of appointment.
Application ends on 18th April 2025.
About Aboriginal Justice Caucus
The Aboriginal Justice Caucus is to be a conduit between the Aboriginal community and the criminal legal system. The Aboriginal Justice Caucus provides leadership, advocacy and drives continuous change to address the drivers of offending as well as system and programmatic reform within the criminal legal system.
The Aboriginal Justice Caucus has an auspice arrangement with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS). VALS has been a member of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement, and by extension the Aboriginal Justice Caucus, since its inception.
Overview of the role
The Policy and Administrative Officer of the Aboriginal Justice Caucus Secretariat, under the leadership of the Executive Officer and guidance from the Aboriginal Justice Caucus, will support and contribute to high quality work to achieve Caucus’ strategic direction.
The Policy and Administrative Officer will contribute to high quality secretariat support of the Aboriginal Justice Caucus and the RAJACs, alongside the drafting of high-quality research, tender writing, analysis, written and oral advice and stakeholder engagement to support Caucus’ advocacy work and policy development as well as the development of internal policy and associated products.
Key Responsibilities
Secretariat Role
Support drafting of high-quality secretariat support to the Aboriginal Justice Caucus members including
o Preparing meeting papers
o Scheduling meetings
o Engaging with, and coordinating attendance of members
o Preparing speaking notes for Co-Chairs or other members as required
o Liaising with DJCS as required
Support the development of and adhere to workplans to support the strategic direction and priorities of Caucus.
Support drafting of regular reporting to Caucus as required.
Policy, Research and Advocacy
Draft policy and advocacy papers, positions and strategies that align with the Caucus’ strategic direction and priorities.
Undertake research to inform policy and advocacy positions.
Support the EO in presenting policy, research and position papers to internal and external stakeholders as required.
Draft funding submissions and tenders as required, under the guidance of the EO and Caucus.
Stakeholder Engagement
Support Aboriginal Justice Caucus members and the Secretariat in representing the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities living in Victoria on government and stakeholder committees as required.
Support RAJACs in their roles and engagement with the Caucus.
Develop a communication strategy to support implementation of Caucus’ strategic direction.
Undertake positive, meaningful and continuous engagement from AJC members and stakeholders.
Key Selection Criteria
Essential
- A sound knowledge of the role of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement and related cross sector reforms.
- A sound knowledge of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and the Legal System.
- Ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a culturally safe manner and acknowledge their diverse backgrounds, personalities and varying needs and the unique cultural ways in which they may be expressed.
- Well-developed policy and advocacy skills.
- Demonstrated experience and achievement in providing a wide range of administrative support in a complex and demanding work environment
- Sound ability to undertake project management and secretariat skills.
- Sound relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills including in effectively engaging community members in policy and/or advocacy development.
- Ability to work autonomously and to collaborate in a small team environment.
- High level organisational and administrative skills including the ability to prioritise workload, work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Demonstrated strong computer literacy skills and proficiency using the Microsoft Office and other relevant software
Desirable
- Relevant qualifications such as Bachelor or Masters degree in Law, Politics, Communications or Journalism and/or extensive experience in policy analysis and advocacy.
- Experience working in the non-profit sector/ACCO sector.
Salary Offering:
$100K – 115K depending on experience plus 11.5% Superannuation
Position available in following locations:
- 279 Hargreaves St, Bendigo, VIC 3550
- 150 Commerical Road, Morwell, VIC 3840
- Unit 3 / 262 Maude St, Shepparton, VIC 3630
OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:
This role is full-time fixed term until 30 June 2025 (aligned with the funding cycle)
This position may require regional and very occasional interstate travel.
The Regional Practice Lead will have 4+ years of practical experience in Family law and act as a lead advocate for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people interacting with the civil justice system across region.
This position will:
- Provide high quality legal services in Family Law matters, including duty lawyer services, representation, advice and information to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.
- Engage with Aboriginal community stakeholders to identify key community legal education (CLE) needs relevant to the regional and local context.
- Link with, and oversee the development of, partnerships and referral and support pathways within the Mildura region to assist VALS clients with access to other legal assistance and services relevant to them. This includes oversight of Aboriginal client service officers (CSOs) and administrative support based at one of our Regional Offices.
The role holder will have the endorsement or is eligible to become a Panel Certifier on Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) Family Law Panel.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria and in the High Court of Australia (with an unrestricted practicing certificate)
- Demonstrated ability to act as an advocate, deliver information, advice, casework and outreach services, and undertake negotiation and dispute resolution on behalf of VALS clients in Family Violence, Intervention Orders and, to a lesser extent, Family Law and Child Protection matters.
- Knowledge of, and 4+ years of practical experience in relevant Family Violence, Intervention Orders, Family Law and Child Protection law and procedure.
- Skills and experience to manage, supervise and develop solicitors, paralegals and CSO’s
- Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and more broadly with multidisciplinary colleagues and VALS partners
- A commitment to and understanding of VALS and the legal issues faced by members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria;
- Competency in the use of MS Office Software (particularly MS Word, Excel, E-mail) and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS’ client management system.
Salary Offering:
$100K – 115K depending on experience plus 11.5% Superannuation
Position available in following locations:
- 150 Commerical Road, Morwell, VIC 3840
- Unit 3 / 262 Maude St, Shepparton, VIC 3630
OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:
This role is full-time fixed term until 30 June 2025(aligned with the funding cycle)
This position may require regional and very occasional interstate travel.
As Regional Practice Lead, you will have 4+ years of practical experience in criminal law and act as a lead advocate for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people interacting with the criminal justice system.
- Provide high quality legal services in Criminal Law matters, including duty lawyer services, representation, advice and information to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.
- Engage with Aboriginal community stakeholders to identify key community legal education (CLE) needs relevant to the regional and local context.
- Link with, and oversee the development of, partnerships and referral and support pathways within the assigned region to assist VALS clients with access to other legal assistance and services relevant to them. This includes oversight of Aboriginal client service officers (CSOs) and administrative support based at the VALS Office.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria and in the High Court of Australia (with an unrestricted practising certificate)
- Capability to work as an advocate and caseworker in complex criminal law matters, with knowledge of, and practical experience in the law and court procedures within the criminal law jurisdiction
- Ability to supervise, mentor and train staff and volunteers and contribute to the development of individuals and their knowledge and skills in criminal law
- Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and more broadly with multidisciplinary colleagues and VALS partners
- A commitment to and understanding of VALS and the legal issues faced by members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria
- Basic competency in the use of MS Office Software (particularly MS Word, Excel, E-mail) and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS’ client management system.
Desirable:
- Member or eligible to be a Victoria Legal Aid Panel member for summary, indictable and youth matters
- Accredited Criminal Law Specialist
- Experience working in the non-profit sector.
Salary Offering:
$100K – 115K depending on experience plus 11.5% Superannuation
Position available in following locations:
- 150 Commerical Road, Morwell, VIC 3840
- Unit 3 / 262 Maude St, Shepparton, VIC 3630
OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:
This role is full-time, fixed term until 30th June 2025(aligned with the funding cycle)
This position may require regional and very occasional interstate travel.
The Regional Practice Lead will have 4+ years of practical experience in civil law and act as a lead advocate for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people interacting with the civil justice system across region. This position will:
- Provide high quality legal services in Civil Law matters, including duty lawyer services, representation, advice and information to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.
- Engage with Aboriginal community stakeholders to identify key community legal education (CLE) needs relevant to the regional and local context.
- Link with, and oversee the development of, partnerships and referral and support pathways within the Mildura region to assist VALS clients with access to other legal assistance and services relevant to them. This includes oversight of Aboriginal client service officers (CSOs) and administrative support.
The role holder will have the endorsement or is eligible to become a Panel Certifier on Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) Civil Law Panel.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria and in the High Court of Australia (with an unrestricted practising certificate).· Capability to work as an advocate and caseworker in complex civil law matters, with knowledge of, and practical experience in the law and court procedures within the civil law jurisdiction.·
- Ability to supervise, mentor and train staff and volunteers and contribute to the development of individuals and their knowledge and skills in civil law.· Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and more broadly with multidisciplinary colleagues and VALS partners.·
- A commitment to and understanding of VALS and the legal issues faced by members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria.·
- Basic competency in the use of MS Office Software (particularly MS Word, Excel, E-mail) and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS’ client management system.
Desirable:
- Experience working in the non-profit sector.· Member or eligible to be a Victoria Legal Aid Panel member for summary, indictable and youth matters· Accredited Civil Law Specialist
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service frequently offers a number of employment opportunities within our Legal, Community Justice and Executive and Corporate Services.
If you are an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who is seeking to work with our organisation please send your current resume along with your preferred area/role and region (metro, Loddon, Barwon etc.)
To join our talent pool, please email jobs@vals.org.au. We will contact you as new opportunities arise.
How to apply
To apply for one of the above opportunities please provide:
- A covering letter outlining who you are and why you are suited to this position.
- A statement addressing each of the key selection criteria – applications submitted without a statement addressing the key selection criteria will not be accepted. Please note the key selection criteria is found within the position description.
- Your resume detailing your education and professional experience and two referees.
Please submit your application to jobs@vals.org.au using the subject line: POSITION TITLE
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. No (search) fee will be paid in the event we hire a candidate whose resume is submitted by an employment agency to any of our employees without a valid written recruitment agreement. Such resumes shall be deemed the sole property of VALS.
When offered a role at VALS
On offer of a position, it is mandatory for you to provide:
- Copy of your current Employee Working with Children Card.
- You will be required to complete a current Criminal History Police Check.
- Up to date vaccination certificate or valid medical exemption
- Proof of rights to work in Australia, i.e., a copy of an Australian Passport, Birth Certificate, or Immigration VISA documentation
- Current valid Victorian Driver’s Licence
- Copies of any certificates or degrees relevant to this role