Overview
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. VALS is committed to diversity, equality and inclusion and celebrates 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
What 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 more.
Benefits of working Part/Full-time at VALS:
- Getting paid 17.5% more when you take your annual leave
- Additional 5 days leave on top of the standard 20 days annual leave
- Access to company vehicles for work-related trips
- Salary packaging of up to $15,900+ per FBT via Maxxia
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
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and people with lived experience of the criminal legal system are encouraged to apply for this role.
About the Aboriginal Community Justice Panels (ACJP)
The ACJP operates 24/7 with a largely volunteer workforce, providing timely access to cultural, legal and practical support for Aboriginal people in police custody. The core service is to maximise safety and welfare of Aboriginal people in custody by:
- Being the first point of contact by Victoria Police when an Aboriginal person is taken into custody
- Visits while in custody
- Liaising with legal and welfare agencies to support them while in custody
- Pick-up and drop offs to a safe location upon release
- Working with Victoria Police and other agencies on diversionary programs
The goals are to reduce recidivism, enhance community safety and foster stronger relationships between Aboriginal communities and the state-wide justice system.
Role Overview
Salary and contract length vary by position. See individual listings for details. Roles include Project Officer, Aboriginal Community Engagement Worker and other VALS roles described below. Positions are designated for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people under the Special Measures Act.
Key Responsibilities
Project Officer (Aboriginal Community Justice Panels)
- Support planning and delivery of high-impact transformation projects aligned with objectives and funder expectations.
- Lead project governance activities and prepare agendas, minutes, action logs and decision registers.
- Manage relationships with external consultants and service providers; ensure deliverables and value-for-money outcomes.
- Oversee risk management and inform decision-making with reporting to funders and senior stakeholders.
- Deliver high-quality presentations and written materials for senior leadership.
- Monitor timelines, budgets and deliverables using project management methodologies.
- Contribute to evaluation and embedding of continuous improvement across the panels.
Key Selection Criteria
- Understanding of the role of the Aboriginal Community Justice Panels and ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in a culturally safe manner.
- Tertiary qualifications in business, project management or related field; or equivalent experience.
- Experience in governance, risk management and working with external consultants.
- Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present to senior government audiences.
- Experience working in the not-for-profit sector and with government partners.
Mandatory Requirements
- Current Employee Working with Children Check
- Criminal History Police Check
- Proof of rights to work in Australia
Location: Preston, VIC
Salary Offering: varies by role; see individual listings for details; plus 11.5% Superannuation and salary packaging
Application Closing Date: see individual role listings
About VALS
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) has supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people since 1973, offering holistic services across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth services, custody notification, housing and family violence programs. VALS is committed to self-determination, equality, diversity and inclusion.
About Balit Ngulu
Balit Ngulu provides legal services and support for Aboriginal children and young people within service areas and aims to divert from the justice system and promote family preservation and community-based support.
Aboriginal Youth, Family Centred Program
This brand-new program focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families who have had contact with the justice system, aiming to reconnect them with education, training and employment, and to provide holistic wraparound support.
Location and Roles
Locations include Morwell, Shepparton and Preston. Some roles are casual or part-time with flexible rosters. Training and onboarding may be provided at VALS offices in Shepparton, Bendigo or Preston.
Example Roles
- Custody Notification Officer (CNO): respond to notifications, welfare checks, and coordinate legal advice on call; advocate for culturally appropriate service delivery.
- Aboriginal Youth, Family Centred Program roles: develop plans with young people, support family processes and coordinate brokerage for services.
- Reception/Secretarial and Regional Practice Lead roles with responsibilities across court support, administration and leadership in regional offices.
Mandatory Requirements (Common)
- Employee Working with Children Check
- National Criminal History Check
- Proof of work rights in Australia
- Driver’s license (where applicable)
These roles are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated positions under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
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