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.
Full time and Part-time staff receive:
  • 11% Superannuation
  • 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 Maxxia11

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 $83,840.56 (FTE) plus superannuation

Office Location 184 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, Vic, 3065

This role is a part time fixed term role for 24 months

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).


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


OVERVIEW

The Operations Coordinator will coordinate, lead and supervise the day-to-day administrative and operational tasks within KYC. The role will lead the continuous development, implementation and monitoring of strong internal office operations, including development and updating of organisational policies and procedures. The role will also provide executive assistance to KYC leadership as required and supervise the KYC Office Assistant.

Key responsibilities

  • Provide high level administrative and operational support to the KYC leadership Executive and Advisory Board.
  • Develop and maintain key administrative functions of the organisation including finance, HR and project processes, filing systems, reporting requirements and basic OH&S. 
  • Support KYC Leadership team with the day-to-day management and function of the office including managing assets, maintenance and ordering office equipment and consumables as required.
  • Manage all logistical and practical aspects of office redesigns or other similar projects. 
  • Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of KYC’s internal operations and administrative functions, with a continuous improvement outlook. 
  • Mentor, support and manage KYC Office Assistant.
  • Receive, action and secure confidential financial and personal information as required.
  • Participates in ongoing training and staff development and acts and remains professional at all times, upholding KYC and 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.

Key Selection Criteria

  1. A strong understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal community, with a demonstrated knowledge of community strengths and challenges, particularly those that relate to young people.
  2. Demonstrated experience of office management or high-level administration, including financial knowledge. Examples may be an Office Manager role, or senior Executive Assistant 
  3. Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and with ambiguity.
  4. Highly developed planning and organisational skills, with ability to oversee several work areas and balance multiple tasks efficiently.
  5. Strong interpersonal communication skills with diverse range of people ranging from community members, executives and government representatives.
  6. Good written communication skills and experience managing confidential information. 
  7. Demonstrated understanding of working within a youth participation framework. 
  8. A willingness to work occasionally on weekends and evenings, and to travel regionally and rurally. 
  9. Demonstrated understanding of appropriate behaviours when engaging with children and young people from diverse backgrounds, and commitment to the Code of Ethical Practice for the Victorian Youth Sector and the Victorian Child Safe Standards.
  10. Compliance with all KYC and VALS values, code of conduct, policies and procedures and relevant government legislation and standards where relevant.

Application Process

Applications can be addressed to Bonnie Dukakis, KYC Executive Officer, at jobs@vals.org.au. Your application must include:

  • A brief cover letter including where you saw the job advertised.
  • A current resume.
  • Your answers to the Key Selection Criteria, as listed in this position description.
  • Contact details for a minimum of three referees, including your last line manager. KYC will not contact your referees without your permission. 

Salary Offering $83,840.56 (FTE) plus superannuation

Office Location 184 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, Vic, 3065

This role is a part time fixed term role for 24 months

 

 

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
 

OVERVIEW

The Youth Participation Coordinator is a key role within KYC. The role is responsible for developing and leading all Aboriginal youth participation and development initiatives within KYC. Ensuring KYC’s commitment to youth participation is enacted upon throughout the organisation, the sector and wider community.

 

 

Key responsibilities

  • Actively promote the implementation of Wayipunga through embedding its practice and principles through internal projects and initiatives and advocating for them through sector development. 
  • Coordinate the ongoing development, implementation and maintenance of the Wayipunga resource and framework. 
  • Coordinate and work collaboratively with the wider KYC team to embed KYC’s youth participation work into its projects, events and programs, including review and monitoring processes and structures. 
  • Coordinate and consult cooperatively with other Aboriginal community and youth sector agencies. Support these agencies to embed best practices youth participation frameworks in their everyday work.
  • Convene and coordinate Koorie Youth Participation Network (KYPN) meetings, and develop it into a community of practice, supporting cohesive advocacy and related outcomes for young people. 
  • Develop training and presentations for organisations and community groups on Koorie Youth participation practices. Manage the advertising, bookings and delivery of these trainings and presentations. 
  • Promote KYPN and KYC activities to young people, students, youth workers and organisations by delivering workshops and presentations, and participating in meetings and community groups as appropriate. 
  • Assist in the coordination and delivery of the annual Koorie Youth Summit. 
  • Participates in ongoing training and staff development and acts and remains professional at all times, upholding KYC and 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.
 

Key Selection Criteria

 A strong understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal community, with a demonstrated knowledge of community strengths and challenges, particularly those that relate to young people.

  1. Demonstrated experience in leading networks and projects in the youth and/or community sector.
  2. Demonstrated understanding of working within a youth participation framework. 
  3. Demonstrated skills in planning, presenting, and facilitating groups, forums or workshops. 
  4. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships and networks.
  5. Excellent ability to engage and build a strong rapport and partnerships with key stakeholders. 
  6. A willingness and capacity to frequently travel around the state to engage with communities and deliver programs. 
  7. Demonstrated understanding of appropriate behaviours when engaging with children and young people from diverse backgrounds, and commitment to the Code of Ethical Practice for the Victorian Youth Sector and the Child Safe Standards.
  8. Compliance with all VALS values, code of conduct, policies and procedures and relevant government legislation and standards where relevant.
  9. Tertiary qualifications in youth work, community development, social science or similar or equivalent work experience.

Salary Offering $34.63 + 25% Casual Loading

Additional Benefits 

  • Flexible Working arrangements 
  • Salary Packaging through Maxxia 

This is an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander identified position (special provisions of the s12(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act.

This is a casual position

Overview of CNO Service

The CNS is a 24 hour/7 day per week service. CNOs receive notifications about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people entering police custody, which includes all custodial settings such as hospitals and police cars. CNOs contact the person in custody and conduct a rapid conversational assessment to help determine appropriate next steps. This includes providing 2 regular and ongoing phone calls to check on the Aboriginal person’s welfare, advocacy to ensure that an Aboriginal person’s health and social care needs are properly met and liaising with partners such as the Aboriginal Community Justice Panel (ACJP) who conduct in-person welfare checks at 13 locations around Victoria.

The Custody Notification Officer acts as liaison between the VALS Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons taken into custody by the police.

Key Responsibilities 

1. Respond to e-justice notifications, the on-call Client Support Officer (CSO), the Aboriginal Community Justice Panel (ACJP) or Victoria Police when advised that an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is being held in custody;

 2. Contact the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person in custody, provide basic information, conduct a welfare check and coordinate for legal advice from the VALS oncall solicitor. Reassure the client and explain legal terminology and processes used by the police 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;

 3. Liaise and network with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and agencies to promote VALS and be aware of programs that will assist in the prevention or reduction of crime within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community; 

4. Liaise with police and other persons within the justice system to ensure delivery of a culturally relevant service; 

5. Perform administrative tasks to ensure effective service delivery to VALS clients, including updating records, providing activity reports and attending staff meetings

 6. 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 Section Criteria 

1. A demonstrated knowledge of the Victorian legal system and an understanding of the legal issues faced by Victorian Aboriginal communities; 

2. Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills; 

3. The ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment; 

4. Intermediate computer skills, with demonstrated computer literacy skills and proficiency using the Microsoft Office and other relevant software.

Key Selection Criteria

  1. Demonstrated advocacy, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills including in effectively engaging communities in policy or advocacy development. 
  2. Well-developed policy and analytical skills
  3. Ability to work autonomously and to collaborate in a small team environment
  4. High level organisational and administrative skills including the ability to prioritise workload, work under pressure and meet deadlines
  5. Demonstrated computer literacy skills and proficiency using the Microsoft Office and other relevant software
  6. 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.

Salary Offering: $83,496.14 plus 11% Superannuation 

Located at Preston Office (273 High Street)

Full time fixed term until 30th of June 2025

This is an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander identified position (special provisions of the s12(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act.

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

Overview

The Senior Policy and Community Engagement Officer engages with Aboriginal communities so that VALS policy and advocacy work is led by the community to promote self-determined advocacy and outcomes. Community engagement will include in-person events across Victoria and work with VALS’ clients. The Senior Policy and Community Engagement Officer will work with Policy, Communications and Strategy team colleagues and across VALS to develop advocacy that supports Aboriginal communities priorities. 

Key Performance Indicators, Duties & Responsibility

Community Engagement

  • Develop and implement a community engagement plan for the Policy, Communications and Strategy team
  • Support VALS’ clients who wish to engage in policy and advocacy in relation to the legal system
  • Engage with other Aboriginal organisations and stakeholders
  • Travel across Victoria to engage with Aboriginal communities and VALS clients.

Policy, research and advocacy 

  • Contribute to the core work of the Policy, Communications and Strategy team. This includes research and policy development, government and stakeholder engagement, communications and media activities, and assistance to other VALS teams.
  • Research, write and prepare position papers, reports and submissions as relevant for diverse stakeholders including the VALS Board and to aid implementation of VALS’ Policy, research and advocacy strategy.
  • Work actively with Aboriginal communities and VALS’ clients to centre their views and experiences in VALS policy and research and specific campaigns, policy and advocacy materials and communication strategies.
  • Work closely with colleagues in the Policy, Communications and Strategy team to enhance VALS’ public advocacy.
  • Develop, participate in and coordinate research projects where relevant.

Stakeholder management

  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key internal and external

stakeholders, including Aboriginal community-controlled organisations (ACCOs), National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (NATSILS) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS), research institutions, Government and community legal organisations

  • Develop and participate in relevant coalitions to enhance VALS advocacy 
  • Contribute to the building of VALS profile through research activities and partnerships with external organisations and the wider community
  • Develop and present on VALS Policy, Research & Advocacy activities at meetings and conferences as required. 

Internal Obligations

  • Commitment to VALS’s strategic plan
  • Attend and actively contribute at team and working group meetings
  • Mentoring and support Policy, Communications and Strategy team members
  • Supervise and guide other Policy staff, contractors and volunteers
  • Undertake other duties and responsibilities within the scope of the role as directed

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) and promptly respond to and report health and safety hazards, incidents and near misses to management.
  • Attend any mandatory training. 

Key Selection Criteria

  1. Relevant qualifications such as Bachelor or Masters degree in Law, Politics, Communications or Journalism and/or extensive experience in policy analysis and advocacy.
  2. Demonstrated advocacy, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills including in effectively engaging communities in policy or advocacy development. 
  3. Well-developed policy and analytical skills
  4. Ability to work autonomously and to collaborate in a small team environment
  5. High level organisational and administrative skills including the ability to prioritise workload, work under pressure and meet deadlines
  6. Demonstrated computer literacy skills and proficiency using the Microsoft Office and other relevant software
  7. 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.

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: $75,566.40 – $81,317.60 (VALS CPB 1.1 – 1.4) depending on experience, plus  Superannuation

Only applications that send a document addressing the key selection creteria will be accepted.

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: 

-West Melbourne – Werribee

– Head Office- 273 High Street Preston, 3072

This role is full-time fixed term until 30 June 2025.

This position will require regional and very occasional interstate travel.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:

As CSO you will act as a liaison between VALS and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people interacting with the justice system. 

The CSO helps address barriers Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people face in engaging with criminal, family and civil justice processes. CSOs have an educational role in crime prevention and reduction, and in conjunction with other facilities, offer alternative programs to Aboriginal communities.

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Respond to e-justice notifications, the on-call CSO, the Aboriginal Community Justice Panel (ACJP) or Victoria Police when advised that an Aboriginal person is being held in custody;
  • Contact the Aboriginal person in custody, provide basic information and exercise discretion as to whether the on-call solicitor should be contacted.  Reassure the client and explain legal terminology and processes used by the police 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;
  • Attend court to support the client and the solicitor; and as directed, lodge all necessary court documents;
  • Liaise and network with other Aboriginal organisations to promote VALS and be aware of programs that help prevent or reduce crime within Victorian Aboriginal communities;
  • Liaise with police and other persons within the justice system to ensure delivery of a culturally relevant service;
  • Represent VALS at various meetings 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 data is entered into the VALS client management system

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

  • A demonstrated knowledge of the Victorian legal system;
  • An understanding of the legal issues faced by Victorian Aboriginal communities and a commitment to and understanding of Victorian Aboriginal culture and community, and the ability to communicate effectively with members of those communities;
  • Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills;
  • The ability to work in a multi-skilled environment;
  • Excellent computer skills, including experience with working with data bases 
Positions open to all applicants

Salary Offering $94,458 – $98,625.80 (depending on experience)

Plus superannuation (currently 11%)

Located 150 Commercial Road, Morwell, Vic 3840

Full Time Fixed Term until 30th of June 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 of up to $15,900+ per FBT available via Maxxia

Overview

The Senior Youth Outreach Lawyer will work closely with the VALS Community Justice Program in order to provide high quality legal assistance and deliver community legal education for Aboriginal children and young people. 

 Key Performance Indicators, Duties & Responsibility

  • Plan and deliver a quality legal service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth including appearing as a senior advocate on behalf of clients in various courts including the Children’s Court Criminal Division, Magistrates’ Court and Koori Courts. 
  • Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and contribute to the organisation through the delivery of professional legal education and training.
  • Ability to act in the Principal Managing Lawyer (PML) position in a higher duties capacity when required.
  • Participate in, and as required plan and deliver community legal education (CLE) projects, law reform and other VALS projects. 
  • Participate in weekly case-planning meetings.
  • Maintain positive and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including Victorian Legal Aid, pro bono law firms, the Victorian Bar, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and other agencies in the legal and non-legal sectors. 
  • Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by engaging in continuous professional development relevant to the justice system.
  • Maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly young people. 
  • Be prepared to travel across Victoria to provide legal assistance to Balit Ngulu clients and deliver community legal education. Sometimes this travel will occur outside of usual business hours.
  • Engage positively with VALS colleagues and always remain professional. This includes upholding VALS values, operating consistent with VALS policies and procedures and participating in all staff training. 
  • 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. 

Key section Criteria

Essential

  1. A commitment to and understanding of the youth legal issues faced by members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Communities in Victoria. 
  2. Capacity to work as an advocate and caseworker in complex matters and deliver Community Legal Education. 
  3. The ability to work collaboratively with others and to foster a co-operative and supportive team environment.
  4. Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. 
  5. A knowledge of the principles and values of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service. 
  6. 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.
  7. Demonstrated computer literacy skills and proficiency using the Microsoft Office and other relevant software. The capacity to quickly acquire competency in the of VALS’s client data base (ActionStep). 
  8. Experience working in the non-profit sector. 
  9. At least 3+ years experience as a legal practitioner, with demonstrated capability to work as an advocate and caseworker in complex matters involving children and young people.
  10. Applicants with less than 3 years are encouraged to apply and title application as ‘Youth Outreach Lawyer – Balit Ngulu’

Salary Offering $94,458 – $98,625.80 (depending on experience)

Plus superannuation (currently 11%)

Located 150 Commercial Road, Morwell, Vic 3840

Full Time Fixed Term until 30th of June 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 of up to $15,900+ per FBT available via Maxxia

Overview

The Senior Youth Outreach Lawyer will work closely with the VALS Community Justice Program in order to provide high quality legal assistance and deliver community legal education for Aboriginal children and young people. 

 Key Performance Indicators, Duties & Responsibility

  • Plan and deliver a quality legal service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth including appearing as a senior advocate on behalf of clients in various courts including the Children’s Court Criminal Division, Magistrates’ Court and Koori Courts. 
  • Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and contribute to the organisation through the delivery of professional legal education and training.
  • Ability to act in the Principal Managing Lawyer (PML) position in a higher duties capacity when required.
  • Participate in, and as required plan and deliver community legal education (CLE) projects, law reform and other VALS projects. 
  • Participate in weekly case-planning meetings.
  • Maintain positive and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including Victorian Legal Aid, pro bono law firms, the Victorian Bar, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and other agencies in the legal and non-legal sectors. 
  • Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by engaging in continuous professional development relevant to the justice system.
  • Maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly young people. 
  • Be prepared to travel across Victoria to provide legal assistance to Balit Ngulu clients and deliver community legal education. Sometimes this travel will occur outside of usual business hours.
  • Engage positively with VALS colleagues and always remain professional. This includes upholding VALS values, operating consistent with VALS policies and procedures and participating in all staff training. 
  • 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. 

Key section Criteria

Essential

  1. A commitment to and understanding of the youth legal issues faced by members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Communities in Victoria. 
  2. Capacity to work as an advocate and caseworker in complex matters and deliver Community Legal Education. 
  3. The ability to work collaboratively with others and to foster a co-operative and supportive team environment.
  4. Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. 
  5. A knowledge of the principles and values of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service. 
  6. 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.
  7. Demonstrated computer literacy skills and proficiency using the Microsoft Office and other relevant software. The capacity to quickly acquire competency in the of VALS’s client data base (ActionStep). 
  8. Experience working in the non-profit sector. 
  9. At least 3+ years experience as a legal practitioner, with demonstrated capability to work as an advocate and caseworker in complex matters involving children and young people.
  10. Applicants with less than 3 years are encouraged to apply and title application as ‘Youth Outreach Lawyer – Balit Ngulu’. 

Desired

  • A member, or eligible to be a member, of Victoria Legal Aid’s Youth Crime practitioner panel. 
  • An LIV Accredited Specialist (Children’s Law, Criminal Law or Family Law)
  • Experience working in the not-for-profit sector

Applications close 15th of March 2024

Salary Offering $135,000 – $145,000

Full Time Fixed Term until 30th of June 2025 (likely extension)

Office Location 273 High Street, Preston, 3072

Additional Benefits:

  • 17.5% Leave Loading
  • Only required to work 35 hours per week, 
  • Access to company vehicles for any work-related trips
  • Salary packaging of up to $15,900+ per FBT available via Maxxia

Overview

The practice provides casework across tenancy, mental health law, discrimination, inquests, consumer, credit and debt, victims of crime compensation, the Stolen Generation Redress Scheme, employment, Working with Children Check suspension and cancellations and other miscellaneous civil justice issues. It provides the independent legal service to the Yoorrook Commission (the Lotjpa Legal Service), provides legal services to disaster affected communities, has a volunteer run infringements clinic, a health justice partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service and provides a Statewide outreach service. The team has grown significantly in recent years, and the successful candidate can expect to manage a team of over 15 lawyers, and over 20 staff in total. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Ensuring the practice provides a high-quality, culturally safe civil justice service for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria.
  • Day-to-day operations of the practice and its staff (paid and unpaid), including but not limited to allocation, supervision, and overview of the conduct of casework files, reporting and funding requirements and practice management decisions in accordance with their ethical obligation.
  • Ensuring that all members of the VALS Civil and Human Rights Practice are performing their duties to a high standard through effective induction processes and ongoing guidance, supervision, mentoring and facilitation of access to ongoing professional development and other workforce development opportunities. 
  • Conduct of complex casework within the practice. This can include strategic litigation, complex coronial inquests and other complex and varied matters held by the practice. The PML will be expected to appear as an advocate in complex matters and develop their individual advocacy skills and that of the wider team in matters where VALS might otherwise engage counsel.
  • Participate in VALS budgeting, strategic planning and risk management processes and lead the effective implementation of associated actions within the practice. This will include overall conduct of some elements of practice management for the entirety of VALS, potentially including development of legal policies to govern all practices at VALS, oversight of the expensive case fund and providing guidance on ethical matters to PMLs of other teams.
  • Identify opportunities for innovating and developing VALS Civil and Human Rights Practice including developing proposals and sourcing external funding to further VALS strategic aims and the delivery of accessible civil and human rights assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria, including regionally.
  • Represent and advocate for VALS in stakeholder networks, meetings and parliamentary inquiry processes in civil and human rights law matters and wider policy and law reform relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This includes active participation in VALS monthly PML/executive meetings and other research, policy development and advocacy activities within VALS.   
  • Participate and/or lead VALS policy, strategy and communications where directly relevant to the Civil and Human Rights Practice. Ensure that all staff within the practice work co-operatively and contribute to the work of the VALS Policy team where needed.
  • Manage and undertake in-house training, professional and community legal education. 

Key Selection Criteria

  • A current, unrestricted Victorian Practising Certificate, with demonstrated advanced post admission experience in civil justice. Holder of a Principal Practising Certificateor ability to obtain one.
  • Experience conducting complex legal casework in a trauma informed, culturally safe manner.
  • Comprehensive understanding of the issues confronting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in relation to the delivery of legal services. 
  • A commitment to advancing VALS strategic priorities by responding to structural issues and injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians. 
  • The skills and experience to deliver a quality State-wide service, including demonstrated experience in managing and supervising solicitors and support staff and experience in the development and delivery of training to solicitors and support staff. 
  • Capacity to liaise with Government and non-government organisations to identify opportunities to enhance VALS service delivery, demonstrated skills in securing funding for new projects and in implementing these effectively. 
  • Possession of skills in strategic and operational planning, including the ability to work with others including non-legal staff and to develop and implement policies and procedures. 
  • Highly developed interpersonal, presentation, verbal and written communication and partnership development skills. This includes with diverse stakeholders, including VALS colleagues, members of the judiciary, partner organisations and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members experiencing significant anxiety and stress as part of traumatic client work and proceedings. 
  • Capability to provide independent, strategic specialist legal advice and guidance to VALS lawyers and community justice teams on complex legal matters and or policy issues impacting the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Salary Offering VALS LC 1.1 – 1.3 $94,458 – $98,625.80

Office Location 273 High Street Preston, Vic, 3072

This role is a fulltime fixed term role until 30 June 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 of up to $15,900+ per FBT available via Maxxia

OVERVIEW
The Senior Lawyer will provide legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander people in police and prison accountability matters. This includes representing people who have been abused and/or mistreated by members of Victoria Police, Corrections Victoria or other government agencies. This also includes representing families in coronial inquests into Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody and police contact deaths. 

Key responsibilities

  • Providing high quality, culturally safe and trauma informed legal information, advice, assistance and representation to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in police and prison accountability matters, including:
    1. Coronial investigations and inquests into deaths in police or prison custody;
    2. Civil litigation involving Victoria Police, Corrections Victoria, Youth Justice or other government agencies;
    3. Criminal matters defended on the basis of police illegality or impropriety;
    4. Police and prison complaints;
    5. Strategic litigation.
  • Liaison and high-level negotiation with the Coroner’s Court, Victoria Police, Corrections Victoria, legal assistance providers and wide-ranging services, including related to corrections and community health, child protection, drug and alcohol and family violence. 
  • Work closely with the Policy, Communications and Strategy team to prepare advice and support policy and law reform work in areas relating to police and prison accountability.
  • Work closely with the Community Justice Program team to develop and deliver community legal education across Victoria.
  • Provide guidance and advice in both written and oral form to the other practice areas within VALS Legal Services. 
  • Increase professional development outcomes through internal training and development opportunities, working with relevant legal teams and stakeholders.
  • Establish effective and productive partnerships with Aboriginal and mainstream services and other support organisations.

Key Selection Criteria 

Essential

• A relevant qualification in Law and be eligible to practice law in Victoria.  the candidate must have at least 3 years post qualification experience as a lawyer with an unsupervised practising certificate.
• High level advocacy and legal skills with knowledge of, and experience representing and/or appearing on behalf of relevant parties in Victorian courts and tribunals.
• Capability to manage a caseload of matters across a range of practice areas.
• A commitment to understanding VALS and the social, legal and justice issues faced by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with an ability to develop productive relationships with clients, as well as internal and external stakeholders including members of Aboriginal communities, Courts, Judiciary, support services and Government Departments. 
• Ability and willingness to undertake travel in Victoria. 

Desired

• Experience representing clients in coronial inquests, civil litigation involving Victoria Police and Corrections Victoria, Youth Justice and/or criminal law matters.
• Experience of work within Aboriginal legal services, Victorian Legal Aid and/or community legal centres.
• Experience in legal policy development and commitment to driving and influencing change on relevant policy priorities and emerging issues.
• Experience in courtroom advocacy

Salary Offering: $100,000 – $115,000 depending on experience plus 11% Superannuation 

This position is full time 30th of June 2025

Locations hiring for:

West Melbourne – Werribee

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:

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. 

This position will:

  • 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 region you’re assigned in, 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 each VALS regional hub.

The role holder will have the endorsement or is eligible to become a Panel Certifier on Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) Criminal Law Panel.

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Appear as a senior advocate in various courts including the Children’s Court Criminal Division, Magistrates’ Court, County Court and Koori Courts in order to represent clients of VALS
  • Deliver a quality legal service by conducting casework in criminal law matters, including serious indictable matters, for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients in the Barwon South West region.
  • As a back-up, participate in the on call after hours roster to provide emergency advice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria. As a priority, providing legal assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in police custody
  • Prepare and comply with applications for grants of legal assistance and reporting requirements for matters eligible for VLA funding.
  • Participate in case-planning meetings with the criminal law section weekly
  • Partner with service providers and Aboriginal community stakeholders in the region to plan and deliver CLE and professional legal education.
  • Oversee the work of CSOs within the team including in 1:1 assistance to clients and in developing referral pathways and partnerships relevant to VALS clients.
  • Develop collaborative relationships with VLA and other community legal centres and service providers with which VALS interacts.
  • Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures and maintain an understanding of issues, risks and trends impacting upon the provision of legal services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.
  • Participates in ongoing training and staff development and acts and remains 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.

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.

Please find information on how to apply below.

Salary Offering: $100,000 – $115,000 depending on experience plus 11% Superannuation 

Locations Hiring for: 

Bendigo – 279 Hargreaves Street

Morwell – 150 Commericial Road

Full time until 30th of June 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 of up to $15,900+ per FBT available via Maxxia
  •  

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:

As Regional Practice Lead for Aboriginal Families Practice, you 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 family law and child protection system across each region that you will be assign to. This position will:

  • Provide high quality legal services in the family law, child protection and family violence jurisdictions; and appear in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and the Federal Circuit and Family Courts on behalf of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
  • Engage with Aboriginal community stakeholders to identify, develop and deliver community legal education (CLE) and other types of Family Law assistance relevant to the regional and local context. This includes Family Law clinics for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people at the Hub office and other locations within the region you’re assigned in.
  • Link with, and oversee the development of, partnerships and referral and support pathways within the region you’re assigned in, 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 each VALS regional hub.

The role holder will have the endorsement or is eligible to become a Panel Certifier on Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) Family Law Panel, albeit grants of aid will be approved through VALS headquarters.

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Appear as an advocate on behalf of VALS clients in Family Law proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and the Federal Circuit and Family Courts of Australia, and at other state-wide locations as required.
  • Deliver high quality legal services, including information, advice and casework on behalf of VALS clients in Family Law matters and other related matters as required.
  • Maintain a substantial caseload in Family Law matters.
  • Prepare and comply with applications for grants of legal assistance and reporting requirements for matters eligible for VLA funding.’
  • Attend, participate and contribute to the planning, service delivery and continuous improvement of the Family Law Practice and VALS.
  • Contribute to VALS projects, policy and law reform initiatives, and community and professional legal education programs as required.
  • Contribute to the collaborative relationship with VLA and other community organisations with which VALS interacts.
  • Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education programs and maintain an understanding of issues, risks and trends impacting upon the provision of relevant legal services and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria.

 

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)
  • 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.
  • Ability to supervise, mentor and train staff and volunteers and contribute to the development of individuals and their knowledge and skills in Family 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;
  • 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.

Please find information on how to apply below.

Salary Offering: $100,000 – $115,000

 This position is full time for 30th of June 2025

Locations hiring for:

  Bendigo – 279 Hargreaves Street

   Morwell – 150 Commericial Road

   Warrnambool – 173 Lava Street

   West Melbourne – Werribee

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

Overview

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 based at the VALS Mildura Office.

The role holder will have the endorsement or is eligible to become a Panel Certifier on Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) Civil Law Panel.

Key Performance Indicators, Duties & Responsibilities

· Deliver a quality legal service by conducting casework in Civil law matters, including serious indictable matters, for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients in the Mildura region.

· As a back-up, participate in the on call after hours roster to provide emergency advice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria. As a priority, providing legal assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in police custody.

· Prepare and comply with applications for grants of legal assistance and reporting requirements for matters eligible for VLA funding.

· Participate in case-planning meetings with the civil law section weekly.

· Partner with service providers and Aboriginal community stakeholders in the region to plan and deliver CLE and professional legal education.

· Oversee the work of CSOs within the team including in 1:1 assistance to clients and in developing referral pathways and partnerships relevant to VALS clients.

· Develop collaborative relationships with VLA and other community legal centres and service providers with which VALS interacts.

· Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures and maintain an understanding of issues, risks and trends impacting upon the provision of legal services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.

· Participates in ongoing training and staff development and acts and remains 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.

The role holder will have the endorsement or is eligible to become a Panel Certifier on Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) Criminal Law Panel.

This role is full-time fixed term for 12 months.

This position may require regional and very occasional interstate travel.

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.auWe will contact you as new opportunities arise.

How to apply

To apply for one of the above opportunities please provide:

  • covering letter outlining who you are and why you are suited to this position.
  • 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

*Only successful applications will be contacted*

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

WE ACKNOWLEDGE AND PAY OUR RESPECTS TO THE CUSTODIANS OF THE LANDS ON WHICH WE WORK, COLLECTIVELY THE ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES OF SOUTH-EAST AUSTRALIA.

273 High St, Preston VIC 3072

vals@vals.org.au

1800 064 865

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