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:

$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

Salary Offering: VALS D 1.3 $70,351.38 (part-time equivalent) per annum 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 is available via Maxxia

Office Locations:  8 Watton Street Werribee ,Victoria 3030

Application ends on 31st May 2025.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:

To provide high quality secretarial / administrative support services to the Criminal, Aboriginal

Families and Civil Practice Leads. The role holder will provide a reception function and act as a

liaison and coordination point for office management. This includes in arranging stationery and

supplies, liaison with local tradespeople and the VALS office manager and ensuring the

adequacy of VALS approaches to good workplace health and safety.

What your day looks like

• Provide a reception function within the VALS West Melbourne / Werribee Office.

• Undertake all secretarial tasks and associated file management tasks as provided by

solicitors to support ongoing file management of clients in Criminal, Aboriginal Families

and Civil Law Practice.

• Prepare documentation for briefing Counsel or other professionals as directed, including

photocopying, collating and arranging delivery.

• Receive phone calls on behalf of individual solicitors and follow up enquiries or record

messages for action by solicitor.

• Assist in arranging appointments for clients or making contact with clients directly.

• Undertake filing of reports and other documentation on behalf of clients.

• Update data base and electronic files as required.

• Lodge and maintain Victoria Legal Aid grant applications within the ATLAS system as

required.

• Participate in the processing of ingoing and outgoing mail for the organization.

• Keep up to date with relevant procedures by attending professional education programs

and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and members of

the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community.

• Arranging stationary orders and office equipment when necessary.

• Liaison with local tradespeople and the Office Manager, as required, to ensure a good

working environment e.g., calling out and supervising any emergency repair work,

ensuring the effectiveness of the digital technology environment, conducting any

emergency evacuation drills.

• 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

• Secretarial or similar experience preferred but not essential.

• Advanced skills in the use of MS Office Software (particularly MS Word, Excel, E-mail –

word proficient to 80 words per minute) to a legal practice, or similar, and the capacity to

quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS’ client data base.

• Professional and courteous phone manner and interpersonal skills and the capacity to

communicate effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members,

who may be experiencing stress and anxiety due to their legal needs, and other team

members and partners

• Knowledge or a willingness to learn about the legal issues faced by members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria, with a commitment to the principles and values of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service.

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 (i.e.. equal employment opportunity, health and safety,

  cultural safety) and mandatory training specific to position.

Salary Offering: VALS D 1.1 – 1.6 – $68,351.38 – $73,351.38(Full-time equivalent) per annum 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 is available via Maxxia

Office Locations:  273, High Street Preston Vic 3072

Full -Time / Part -Time with option to extend based on funding and performance.

Application ends on 18th May 2025.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:

To provide high quality secretarial and support services to the legal staff in the provision of criminal law assistance to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria. This includes for the Criminal Law team and Balit Ngulu, a dedicated youth justice service that VALS makes available to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You will be operating as part of an integrated and diverse team that includes junior lawyers, senior lawyers, administration staff and client service officers.

Responsibilities

1.    Assist in the logging of client data recording including court dates on internal calendar systems.

2.    Undertake all secretarial tasks and associated file management tasks as provided by solicitors in relation to the ongoing file management of clients of the Service in areas of Criminal law, including youth justice law (overseen by Balit Ngulu).

3.    Prepare documentation for briefing Counsel or other professionals as directed, including photocopying, collating and arranging delivery.

4.    Assist in arranging appointments for clients or making contact with clients directly.

5.    Lodge and maintain Victoria Legal Aid grant applications within the ATLAS system as
required, including invoice payments.

6.    Undertake filing of reports and other documentation on behalf of clients.

7.    Keep up to date with relevant procedures by attending professional education programs and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of Victoria.

8.    Assisting our VALS reception including taking of incoming calls and assisting in person where necessary.

9.    As directed, undertake other administrative 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

 1.    Demonstrated ability and experience as a legal secretary.

2.    Advanced skills in the use of MS Office 365 Software (particularly MS Word, Excel, E-mail) to a legal practice and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS’ client data base.

3.    Professional and courteous phone manner and interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, including young people and families.

4.    Works collaboratively with others and fosters a co-operative/supportive team environment.

5.    A commitment to the legal issues faced by members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community in Victoria including an ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and acknowledge their diverse backgrounds, personalities and varying needs and the unique cultural ways in which they may be expressed.

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 (i.e.. equal employment opportunity, health and safety,

  cultural safety) and mandatory training specific to position.

Salary Offering: VALS LA 1.1 – LA 1.4 $73,196.94 – $76,196.94 plus  Superannuation 

Office Location 273 High Street Preston, Vic, 3072

This role is a full-time fixed term role until 30 June 2025(in some circumstances part time may be considered)

Application Closing Date: 18th May 2025

Additional Benefits:

• 17.5% Leave Loading

• 5 extra days leave on top of 20 days annual leave (pro rata)

• 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

Overview

To support the work of the VALS legal team by providing a point of first contact and triage for people seeking to access the legal team’s legal services. To ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria who require legal assistance are given the best opportunity to access that assistance, whether through VALS or other external organisations. You will be operating as part of an integrated and diverse team that includes junior lawyers, senior lawyers, administration staff and client service officers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial intake for people seeking legal assistance, primarily over the phone but also from time to time in person at the VALS Preston office.

• Taking thorough and concise intake notes for legal enquiries, as well as recording mandatory client data for reporting purposes.

• Manage large daily volumes of client data and intake material within VALS’ client database, to ensure follow up tasks related to intake and processing are being effectively managed.

• Manage and collaborate with volunteers, by allocating tasks and work throughout the day that will best enable them to support the work of the paralegal.

• Make timely, appropriate and effective referrals for individuals the VALS criminal team is unable to assist, including to external organisations as well as within VALS, for both legal and non-legal matters. 

• Actively participate team meetings.

• Participate in community legal education projects, law reform and other VALS projects as required.

• Contribute to the collaborative relationship between Victoria Legal Aid,other community organisations and stakeholders to support warm referrals to other legal professionals where VALS cannot assist the client.

• 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

• Sound interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to interact and communicate effectively with persons seeking legal assistance.

• A commitment to and understanding of the legal issues faced by members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities in Victoria.

• The ability to quickly attend to tasks in an efficient and precise manner, with attention to detail, and a demonstrated capacity to balance multiple responsibilities in a high-pressure environment.

• Basic knowledge of the law and court procedures with a focus on the areas of law the legal practice focusses on.

• A demonstrated ability to communicate and liaise in a professional manner with VALS external stakeholder organizations and their representatives, including pro bono law firms, other CLCs, Court and Tribunal staff etc.

• The ability to work collaboratively with others and to foster a co-operative and supportive  team environment.

• Strong skills in the use of MS Office 365 Software (particularly MS Word, Excel, Email) relevant to a legal practice, and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS’  client data base.

Qualifications

Enrolled in or completed a Bachelor of Laws or similar practical training qualification or be otherwise eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria.

Key Capabilities

• Gains insight into the team’s vision and goals.

• Demonstrates resect for self and colleagues.

• Approaches each task with enthusiasm.

• Manages competing demands.

• Practices good legal writing; complies with the style guide or the specific requirements of the clients; shows attention to detail when preparing documents.

• Participates in knowledge sharing activities such as team meetings and training programs.

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

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 License

• Copies of any certificates or degrees relevant to this role

Salary Offering: VALS LB 1.1 – 1.7 $84,357.55 – $90,357.55 plus 11.5% Superannuation

 Applications Closes on 18th May 2025.

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: High Street, Preston

Full-time with option to extend based on funding and performance

This position may require regional and very occasional interstate travel.

 OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:

Criminal Lawyers are to provide high quality legal services, including duty lawyer services, representation, advice and information in criminal law matters to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria. You will be operating as part of an integrated and diverse team that includes junior lawyers, senior lawyers, administration staff and client service officers

Responsibilities

• Appear as an advocate in various courts including the Children’s Court, Magistrates Court, County Court and Koori Courts in order to represent clients of VALS in criminal matters.

• Deliver a quality legal service by conducting casework in criminal law matters for members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

• You will be required to travel across Victoria to deliver services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Sometimes this travel will occur outside of usual business hours and on weekends. Use of a VALS vehicle is available for this travel and a driver’s licence is required.

• Participate in the on call after hours roster (“Night phone”) and provide emergency advice to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community in Victoria.

• Appear for clients at remand Court. At times this will require duty lawyer shifts on a rotating seven-day (including evenings, weekends and public holidays) roster

• Participate in community legal education projects, law reform and other VALS projects as required.

• Participate in regular team meetings.

• Contribute to the collaborative relationship between Victoria Legal Aid and other community organisations with whom VALS interacts.

• Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education programs and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

• 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

• Admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria.

• Demonstrated ability to act as an advocate, deliver legal advice and casework on behalf of VALS clients.

• Knowledge of and practical experience in the law and court procedures with a focus on the criminal law jurisdiction.

• Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

• A commitment to and understanding of the legal issues faced by members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria.

• The ability to work collaboratively with others and to foster a co-operative and supportive team environment.

• A knowledge of the principles and values of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service.

• Basic competency in the use of Office 365 software and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS client database.

• Ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and acknowledge their diverse backgrounds, personalities and varying needs and the unique cultural ways in which they may need be expressed.

Key Capabilities

• Demonstrates emotional intelligence and shows respect to colleagues and other stakeholders always.

• Supports and contributes to a cohesive team and organization culture.

• Understands and complies with legal professional obligations.

• Meets client and stakeholder expectations in a timely, reliable and consistent manner – ensures that others meet expectations.

• Possesses a strong grasp of relevant legal issues but consults with internal or external experts where appropriate.

• Contributes to knowledge and learning resources for the organization.

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.

Salary Offering: VALS LB 1.1 – 1.7 $84,357.55 – $90,357.55 plus 11.5% Superannuation

 Applications Closes on 18th May 2025.

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: High Street, Preston

Full-time with option to extend based on funding and performance

This position may require regional and very occasional interstate travel.

 OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:

Criminal Lawyers are to provide high quality legal services, including duty lawyer services, representation, advice and information in criminal law matters to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria. You will be operating as part of an integrated and diverse team that includes junior lawyers, senior lawyers, administration staff and client service officers

Responsibilities

• Appear as an advocate in various courts including the Children’s Court, Magistrates Court, County Court and Koori Courts in order to represent clients of VALS in criminal matters.

• Deliver a quality legal service by conducting casework in criminal law matters for members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

• You will be required to travel across Victoria to deliver services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Sometimes this travel will occur outside of usual business hours and on weekends. Use of a VALS vehicle is available for this travel and a driver’s licence is required.

• Participate in the on call after hours roster (“Night phone”) and provide emergency advice to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community in Victoria.

• Appear for clients at remand Court. At times this will require duty lawyer shifts on a rotating seven-day (including evenings, weekends and public holidays) roster

• Participate in community legal education projects, law reform and other VALS projects as required.

• Participate in regular team meetings.

• Contribute to the collaborative relationship between Victoria Legal Aid and other community organisations with whom VALS interacts.

• Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education programs and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

• 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

• Admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria.

• Demonstrated ability to act as an advocate, deliver legal advice and casework on behalf of VALS clients.

• Knowledge of and practical experience in the law and court procedures with a focus on the criminal law jurisdiction.

• Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

• A commitment to and understanding of the legal issues faced by members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria.

• The ability to work collaboratively with others and to foster a co-operative and supportive team environment.

• A knowledge of the principles and values of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service.

• Basic competency in the use of Office 365 software and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS client database.

• Ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and acknowledge their diverse backgrounds, personalities and varying needs and the unique cultural ways in which they may need be expressed.

Key Capabilities

• Demonstrates emotional intelligence and shows respect to colleagues and other stakeholders always.

• Supports and contributes to a cohesive team and organization culture.

• Understands and complies with legal professional obligations.

• Meets client and stakeholder expectations in a timely, reliable and consistent manner – ensures that others meet expectations.

• Possesses a strong grasp of relevant legal issues but consults with internal or external experts where appropriate.

• Contributes to knowledge and learning resources for the organization.

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.