Employment Type: Full time – This program is funded until 31/08/2026.
Location: Inner West Melbourne, with occasional travel to Preston
Salary: $81,135.60 – $87,305.40 plus superannuation and salary packaging benefits
Flexible Work: One day per week working from home
Make a Real Impact in Community Justice
Walk alongside Aboriginal women as they build independence, stability, and a stronger future.
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is expanding our Community Justice Programs team and is seeking a committed, relationship-driven Program Officer to support Aboriginal women transitioning from prison back into the community.
About Baggarrook
The Baggarrook Women’s Transitional Housing Program is a unique, culturally grounded initiative supporting Aboriginal women following incarceration. Working closely with participants, Aboriginal Housing Victoria, and a range of community partners, you will help women rebuild their lives, set meaningful goals, and secure long-term housing.
If you are passionate about social justice, empowerment, and community-led support, this is an opportunity to do work that truly matters.
Why join VALS?
- Be part of Victoria’s only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Work in a culturally safe, community-controlled environment driven by respect and self‑determination.
- Support women at one of the most critical points in their lives – your work truly matters.
- Access opportunities for development, collaboration and meaningful community engagement.
- Inclusive workplace welcoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disability and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
About the role
As a Baggarrook Program Officer, you will work 1:1 with women exiting prison, helping them transition into stable housing and community life.
You will:
- Build strong, trusting relationships with program participants and key services
- Attend DPFC and Tarrangower to meet women pre‑release
- Provide intensive post‑release support for 6-12 months, including transport to appointments and confidence‑building support
- Assist participants with goal setting, planning and independent living skills
- Conduct and monitor risk assessments
- Work from the Baggarrook Inner West Metro site to support clients onsite
- Make culturally safe referrals and link women with health, housing, AOD, family violence and community supports
- Liaise with prison staff regarding assessments and referrals
- Maintain accurate client records in line with VALS policies
- Build strong community and service relationships
- Contribute to reporting, meetings and community engagement activities
- Support events, projects and ad hoc organisational needs
What you’ll bring
- Strong relationship‑building skills, especially with people experiencing trauma, AOD, disability or complex needs
- Experience providing 1:1 support or case management
- Understanding of the Victorian legal system and issues impacting Aboriginal communities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work flexibly within a multi‑skilled team
- Good digital and administrative capability
- Experience in the not‑for‑profit sector or an ACCO (highly regarded)
To apply for this role please visit the listing here: