• Location: Preston VIC (Hybrid)
• Employment Type: Full-Time | 18 Month Fixed Term
• Salary: $88,305.40 - $93,305.40 + Super + Salary Packaging

This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

About VALS

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and the state's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Established in 1973, VALS provides culturally safe legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil, and human rights law, youth justice, and specialist litigation.

About VALS Family Violence Service

The VALS Family Violence Service has been newly established to provide a specialist, culturally grounded and multidisciplinary response for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and young people experiencing or responding to family violence across Victoria. The service recognises that family violence in Aboriginal communities occurs within a broader context shaped by, systemic racism, intergenerational trauma and cumulative disadvantage. It has been developed to provide a culturally safe, needs specific and holistic approach that integrates legal support with social work, ACE support and cultural guidance.

Role Summary

The Aboriginal Community Engagement Worker supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and young people who are engaged with the Family Violence Service. The role provides culturally safe, trauma informed and practical support to clients at court, in community and throughout their engagement with the service. This includes helping clients understand legal processes, strengthening their safety, connecting them to culturally appropriate supports and assisting them with emotional and practical needs that arise during family violence and misidentification matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients to access information, services and culturally safe supports relevant to their family violence matters. This includes active client liaison, attending court, supporting clients through legal processes and providing culturally grounded emotional support.
• Undertake culturally safe intake and engagement to help identify safety needs, cultural needs, practical issues and support requirements. Work collaboratively with lawyers and social workers to ensure integrated case planning.
• Provide warm referrals and advocate on behalf of clients with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, family violence services, health services, housing providers and other appropriate agencies. Support clients to navigate complex systems and attend appointments where needed.
• Assist clients at court by helping them understand their rights, court procedures and any responsibilities associated with legal matters. Liaise with court registry staff and security regarding the implementation of safety plans for clients.
• Provide cultural insight and guidance to the multidisciplinary team to support culturally safe decision making and assessment.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of client contact and support provided. Assist with reporting requirements and documentation needs for the Family Violence Service.
• Participate in community engagement and community legal education activities, supporting awareness and understanding of family violence and misidentification within community and partner organisations.
• Represent and promote the Family Violence Service in a culturally safe and respectful manner across stakeholder networks.

About You - Essential Requirements

• Lived experience within an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community, with strong understanding of the issues affecting access to justice, safety and support for Aboriginal people experiencing family violence.
• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal clients in community based or family violence settings, ideally involving court support, advocacy or case management tasks.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to engage respectfully and confidently with clients experiencing distress, legal practitioners, court staff, ACCOs and partner organisations.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment and contribute cultural insight to legal and social work practice.
• Understanding of family violence in Aboriginal communities, including the impacts of misidentification, intergenerational trauma, colonisation and systemic racism.
• Strong organisational, written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of the Victorian legal system and family violence responses is desirable, including the Federal Circuit and Family Court, Magistrates’ Court and relevant policies and procedures.
• Experience within an ACCO or not for profit environment is desirable.

Qualifications & Mandatory Checks

• A Certificate IV in Youth Work, Community Services or an equivalent qualification. If not at Diploma level, must be willing to undertake relevant professional qualification supported by VALS.
• A current Employee Working with Children Check.
• A valid Victorian Driver’s Licence
• A National Criminal History Check
• Proof of work rights in Australia
• Copies of relevant qualifications

What We Offer

• 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 actively encourages and supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. This designated position provides a culturally safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where your knowledge and lived experience are highly valued.

Please note: We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. No fees will be paid to agencies submitting candidates without a valid written agreement.