Salary: $98,000 - $103,305 + Super + Salary Packaging. Location: Preston, VIC. Type: Full‐Time, 12 month Fixed‐Term (strong potential for ongoing). Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Identified Role.
This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position under Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants can be considered.
About VALS
Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, established in 1973. We are Victoria's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We work from a foundation of cultural strength, community connection, and self‐determination – delivering legal services, justice programs, advocacy, custody notification services, transitional housing, family violence programs, and community legal education across the state.
About the Community Justice Programs Team
The Community Justice Programs team provides culturally safe, community‐led justice support, working closely with Aboriginal communities and justice partners such as Community Correctional Services, Victoria Police, Courts, Sheriffs, and local ACCOs.
The Local Justice Worker Program focuses on practical, holistic support — helping people navigate orders, fines, warrants, parole, and transitions from custody, while staying connected to family, culture, and community.
About the Role
As the Local Justice Program Team Leader, you will support and lead Local Justice Workers who work directly with Aboriginal people navigating the justice system, balancing people leadership, practice oversight, and operational coordination. This role suits someone who:
* Enjoys mentoring and supporting others
* Is confident working across justice and community systems
* Wants to influence service quality and cultural safety
* Is ready to grow as a leader without losing connection to values
Key Focus Areas
* Lead and support a team of Local Justice Workers
* Oversee culturally safe, consistent service delivery
* Support responses to complex and high‐risk client matters
* Improve outcomes for Community Correction Orders (CCOs) and parole
* Build strong working relationships with Corrections, Courts, Police, Sheriffs and ACCOs
* Strengthen referral pathways and wrap‐around supports
* Support people transitioning from custody back into community
* Use data and feedback to continuously improve the program
What We're Looking For
We encourage applications based on experience, capability, and readiness. You likely bring:
* Strong understanding of Aboriginal culture and culturally safe practice
* Experience working within justice, corrections, or community services
* Case management or client support experience
* Emerging or established leadership experience
* Confidence engaging with justice agencies and community services
* Organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
Desirable (but not essential)
* Experience working in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation
* Knowledge of local Aboriginal services and networks
Qualifications & Requirements
* Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Services (or higher) – desirable
* Employee Working With Children Check
* Victorian Driver's Licence
* National Criminal History Check
* Right to work in Australia
Why join VALS?
* 17.5% Leave Loading
* 5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days
* Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia
* Opportunity to work alongside a passionate, culturally committed team
* Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
* A supportive, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace environment
VALS is committed to creating a culturally safe, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We encourage applicants to let us know if they require adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
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