Careers

Salary Offering: $78,500.00 (VALS CPC 1.3) depending on experience plus 10.5% Superannuation

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:

As Senior Baggarrook Program Officer, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operational of the program. This includes the supervision, mentoring and development of other Baggarrook program staff, volunteers and contractors. 

You will also be involve in planning and liaising with contractors and other service providers to ensure that the Baggarrook program is delivered consistent with requirements. 

Office Locations: Preston & Braybrook

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

This position may require regional travel.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Acting as a focal point for any enquiries related to day-to-day Baggarrook program delivery from clients, prison and AHV staff and wider stakeholders. This includes acting as a focal point for all on-site occupational health and safety and emergency planning. 
• Support to clients exiting prison for a period of generally no more than 6-12 months. This includes delivery of culturally safe support to clients including relationship building, referrals, linking in with organisations and establishing of necessary community supports as part of building skills for independent living.
• Conduct and implement ongoing risk assessments of the program and for individual clients. This includes close work with prison staff and other service providers. 
• Build relationships with relevant partner organisations to support rapid access to support for program participants. For instance, Post Release Reintegration Programs and service providers working with Aboriginal women and children affected by family and domestic violence, trauma, substance and/or alcohol misuse, mental ill health and homelessness. 
• Recording client interactions, progress and outcomes consistent with requirements. 
• Contribute to the development of positive relationships between the local Koori community and community services, 
• Attend and participate in staff, partner organisation and community meetings. 
• Provide reports to the Deputy CJP State-wide Leader, as required.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Demonstrated managerial skills and/or qualifications, including the demonstrated ability to deliver justice service programs and supervise and develop less experienced staff. 
• Demonstrated experience in effective case management practice and moving clients forward, including working alongside vulnerable clients to develop and implement individualised support plans.
• Demonstrated knowledge and abilities to work with clients with complex needs such as related to mental ill health, disability, alcohol and other drugs and trauma.
• A demonstrated knowledge of the Victorian legal system and of the legal issues faced by Victorian Aboriginal communities.
• Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• A commitment to, and understanding of, Victorian Aboriginal culture and communities, including the ability to build productive relationships with Aboriginal community members.
• The ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

On offer of this position, you must provide: 

• A copy of your current Employee Working with Children Check card 
• A copy of your current Victorian Driver’s License 
• 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
• COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination Certificate or current and valid medical exemption certificate
• Copies of any certificates or degrees relevant to this role 

Salary Offering: $95,186 plus 10.5% Superannuation and 17.5% leave loading

This position will require regional travel and occasional interstate level. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Deputy State-wide Community Justice Leader oversees and manages the day-to-day delivery of quality community services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and community members in Victoria. VALS Community Justice Program (CJP) is core to the delivery of a culturally safe legal assistance service, with community staff helping our clients more confidently engage with VALS legal assistance and other forms of support relevant to their needs. This is a diverse and evolving portfolio that includes: 

• 1:1 client and family support services across Victoria. This includes specialist assistance relevant to clients affected family and domestic violence. 
• 1:1 assistance for Aboriginal victims of crime referred by Victoria Police (VicPol)
•  Specialised support to build independent living skills for women in a residential setting that would otherwise be homeless when exiting custody (Baggarrook)
• The 24/7 Custody Notification Service (CNS) where Aboriginal community staff contact all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people entering police custody in Victoria to identify and connect them to any immediate legal assistance and to check in on their welfare, and liaise with VicPol and other services, around their medical and other welfare needs 
• The design and delivery of community legal education (CLE) to equip community members across Victoria with know-how on key legal needs
• Aboriginal Community Justice Reports– a pilot project that involves the development of pre-sentence reports about the underlying drivers of individual offending, particularly the impacts of colonisation and systemic racism, to assist courts with sentencing decisions. 

This role is full-time (fixed term until June 2025)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Day-to-day management of CJP to ensure that quality services are consistently delivered across the CJP in line with funder, organisational and client requirements. This includes ensuring:
  1. Effective planning and co-ordination of all CJP work, directly and/or indirectly through appropriate delegation and supervision, consistent with budget and other resource requirements. 
  2. All CJP staff have a minimum of fortnightly 1:1 supervision and team meetings to support practice alignment and team and individual skills development.
  3. All staff performance and resources are effectively managed. 
  4. All staff are developing professionally consistent with VALS systems and policies and procedures.
  5. All staff discharge their roles and responsibilities consistent with VALS policies, procedures and codes of conduct. This includes in management of their work day, leave, workplace health and safety and expenses. 
• Empathic ambassador for the organisation representing VALS in wide-ranging fora with diverse external stakeholders including with leaders of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), Aboriginal justice caucuses and planning bodies (e.g., RAJACs, Baggarook operational group) and the public and community sectors. 
• In collaboration with the State-wide CJ Leader and other colleagues, plan and implement strategic and operational projects which support and align to the CJP and VALS strategic objectives. 
• Contribute to CJP budget development and monitor CJP expenditure management
• Oversee monitoring and evaluation processes relevant to CJP, including having responsibility for the preparation of outcomes and performance reports consistent with funding and other compliance requirements
• Take an active, corporate and constructive role as a member of the Executive Management Team.
• Prepare papers, submissions and policy statements, high level briefings, reports and presentations for the Board, CEO and relevant stakeholders as required.
• 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:

• Comprehensive understanding of the issues confronting Aboriginal people and communities in Victoria, with demonstrated cultural sensitivity and commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, access to justice principles and human rights standards.
• Demonstrated managerial skills and/or qualifications, including in overseeing multi-faceted programs, budgets and program compliance in in complex service delivery environments. Ideally, this includes within the justice sector. 
• High level staff management and development skills, including in supervision, coaching and mentoring. 
• Excellent presentation, negotiation and influencing skills, including the capacity to represent VALS at diverse forums relevant to the organisation.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership within, and work as part of a team, in a fast-paced multi-disciplinary environment.
• Computer and word-processing proficiency. 

Please see instructions on how to apply below.

Salary Offering: $71,453.20 – $76,895.00 (VALS CPB 1.1 – 1.4) depending on experience, plus 10.5% Superannuation and 17.5% leave loading

VALS is very excited to employ one Client Support Officer to join our team in each region. If this is you, please read through the role requirements below.

Office Locations: 

• Bendigo Office: 279 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo VIC 3550
• Shepparton Office: Unit 3 / 262 Maude Street, Shepparton, VIC 3630
• Warrnambool Office: 173 Lava Street, Warrnambool, VIC 3280
• Mildura Office: 81 Pine Avenue, Mildura, VIC 3500
• Gippsland Office: TBC

ABOUT 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.

This role is full-time fixed term until 30 June 2024, and will require regional and very occasional interstate travel.

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 and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills;
• The ability to work in a multi-skilled environment;
• Excellent computer skills, including experience with working with data bases

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

 On offer of this position, you must provide:

• Copy of your current Employee Working with Children Card.
• You will be required to complete a current Criminal History Police Check.
• Up to date vaccination certificate or valid medical exemption
• Proof of rights to work in Australia, i.e., a copy of an Australian Passport, Birth Certificate, or Immigration VISA documentation
• Current valid Victorian Driver’s Licence
• Copies of any certificates or degrees relevant to this role

Salary Offering: $75,202.40 (VALS CPB 1.3) plus 10.5% Superannuation and 17.5% leave loading

We are currently recruiting for 2 positions:

• • 1 x Full-time Fixed term until January 2023 (Maternity Leave)
  • 1 x Full-time Fixed term for 12 months

ABOUT THE ROLE:

As Community Engagement Officer, you will be assisting vulnerable Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members to better navigate the legal system and address barriers to compliance with law and justice processes. 

The role holder will proactively and persistently make contact with Aboriginal persons in police custody and those at greater risk of re-entering custody with the twin aims of: 

1. supporting compliance with law and justice processes and
2. helping them overcome challenges to engagement, i.e. – assisting clients with access to key support services: housing, mental health services and financial assistance.

You will also assist  the Custody Notification team as required, to make contact with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons in custody to conduct a welfare check and co-ordinate for legal advice from the VALS on-call solicitor. 

This position may require regional and very occasional interstate travel.

What a day as a Community Outreach Officer looks like:

• Working alongside CNS clients of VALS, who require additional support and assisting them with positivity, empathy and a focus on better client outcomes.
• 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. This includes contacting the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person in custody to provide basic information, conduct a welfare check and co-ordinate for legal advice from the VALS on-call solicitor, where relevant. 
• Proactive and ongoing contact to ensure clients attend court dates and meet requirements of community corrections orders and bail conditions. 
• Ensuring that clients and their support needs are followed up in a timely and sensitive manner. This includes providing warm referrals to relevant support services. 
• Assisting clients with access to material assistance and support where possible. 
• Liaising and networking with key support services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria. 
• Engagement of priority cohorts including young people, clients affected by family violence and LGBTIQ+ work;
• Assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to increase understanding of the law and their legal rights, including to build their capacity to engage with the legal system and take up relevant legal assistance, such as VALS free legal assistance. 

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA (ESSENTIAL)

• Hold a certificate or degree in community services, social work or another relevant field. If the candidate does not hold a relevant certificate or degree, they must have 3+ years of experience of supporting vulnerable clients 
• High levels of emotional intelligence, empathy and skills in assisting especially vulnerable Aboriginal people address key support needs
• A demonstrated knowledge of the Victorian legal system, including an understanding of the legal issues and challenges faced by Aboriginal communities in Victoria
• Demonstrated computer literacy skills and proficiency using Microsoft Office and other relevant software
• Strong interpersonal, representational and communication skills, including the ability to influence and negotiate effectively and a proven capacity to develop effective relationships with a range of stakeholders

It is desirable that you also have experience working in the non-profit sector.

Please see instructions on how to apply below.

Salary Offering: $62,666.80 (VALS CPA 1.2) plus 10.5% Superannuation and 17.5% leave loading

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Senior Custody Notification Officer (CNO), you will report and assist the Custody Notification Team Leader in ensuring the delivery of smooth operation of the Custody Notification Services.

The Senior CNO will work alongside casual and on-going CNO staff, offering support in performing their role as a liaison between the VALS and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons taken into custody by VicPol.

Office Locations: High Street, Preston

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

In this role your key responsibilities are:

• Assist the CNS Team Leader with supporting and developing CNS staff and VALS custody notification programs and services. This includes community engagement workers who focus on supporting highly vulnerable Aboriginal persons at high risk of re-entering custody.
• Assist in coordinating the work of all CNOs and other CNS staff such as community engagement workers, directly and/or indirectly, through appropriate delegation.
• Undertake induction and training of new staff in all CNS processes and procedures to equip casual and ongoing staff with the right knowledge and skills.
• Assist in overseeing VALS processes regarding e-justice notifications. This includes follow up and monitoring of late notifications and those identified as high risk or highly complex and so require managerial oversight or interception.
• 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.
• 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 on-call 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.
• 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.
• Liaise with VicPol and other persons within the justice system to ensure delivery of a culturally relevant service.
• Perform administrative tasks to ensure effective service delivery to VALS clients, including updating records, providing activity reports, and attending staff meetings.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA (ESSENTIAL)

• Demonstrated experience is the effective management and development of staff
• A demonstrated knowledge of the Victorian legal system, including an understanding of the legal issues faced by Victorian Aboriginal communities
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a multi-skilled environment
• Excellent computer skills
• A commitment to and understanding of diverse Victorian Aboriginal communities, and the ability to communicate effectively with members of those communities.

It is desirable that you also have experience working in the non-profit sector.

Please see instructions on how to apply below.

Salary Offering: $69,032.50 – $73, 255 plus 10.5% Superannuation and 17.5% leave loading

Locations: 

• Head Office – Preston VIC 3072; and Baggarrook Office – Braybrook VIC 3019

ABOUT THE ROLE:

This role is full-time 12 month fixed term, with potential to extend depending on funding, and may require occasional regional travel.

In this role your key responsibilities will be:

• Act as a source of information, advice and guidance for Aboriginal clients affected by family violence. This includes assisting clients to engage with family law and child protection processes and to take up support services relevant to their needs.  
• Court support, transport assistance, referrals and advocacy on the client’s behalf
• Reassure the client and explain legal terminology and processes used by the courts and legal profession, not using legal jargon. Where appropriate, take notes of the history of the client’s case and provide them to the solicitor.
• Develop good understanding of, and relationships with, Aboriginal and other support organisations that have specialism in the area of family violence. 
• Liaison with law and justice services, including the courts, Victoria Police and other legal assistance providers to assist with the provision of a culturally safe service for our clients. 
• Perform administrative tasks to aid reporting, information sharing and quality services for VALS clients. This includes maintaining client contact records on client management systems, preparing activity reports and participating in team and workforce development initiatives consistent with VALS policies and procedures. 

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA (ESSENTIAL):

• Hold a certificate or degree in community services, social work or another relevant field. If the candidate does not hold a relevant certificate or degree, they must have 3+ years of experience within the field of family violence. 
• High levels of emotional intelligence, empathy and skills in assisting especially vulnerable Aboriginal women address key support needs. 
• Ability to work alone and be accountable for movements and work performance 
• A demonstrated knowledge of the Victorian legal system, including an understanding of the legal issues and challenges faced by Aboriginal communities in Victoria
• An understanding of family violence and the impacts on Aboriginal communities
• Demonstrated computer literacy skills and proficiency using Microsoft Office and other relevant software.
• Experience working in the non-profit sector.

Please see instructions on how to apply below.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS