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.

Our broader supports include a 24/7 Custody Notification Service, transitional housing for women exiting custody, family violence programs, one‑to‑one client support, and community legal education.

We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, LGBTISBQ communities, and diverse cultures are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome requests for adjustments throughout recruitment and employment to ensure accessibility and support.

About: Aboriginal Community Justice Panel

The Aboriginal Community Justice Panel (ACJP) is a statewide Aboriginal-led program supporting Aboriginal people navigating the justice system through culturally grounded advocacy, system navigation, and community-led responses.

For more than 30 years, the Aboriginal Community Justice Panel have provided critical support to Aboriginal people in police custody across Victoria.

The program operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week across 14 service areas (with the expansion of the volunteer model to 19 service areas) and has historically relied on a largely volunteer workforce to deliver timely cultural, wellbeing support, legal, and practical assistance at points of police contact.

Role Summary

The ACJP Worker is responsible for providing frontline, culturally safe support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in police custody, including responding to after-hours callouts and operating independently without direct supervision.

The role requires the ability to work autonomously, assess complex situations, make decisions within scope, and respond appropriately to the needs of individuals in custody. ACJP Workers are often required to attend police stations after hours, manage emotionally charged situations, and provide practical and cultural support in challenging circumstances.

This role requires significant life experience, cultural knowledge, and community acceptance, as well as a willingness to undertake ongoing training and continuous learning.

ACJP Workers play a critical role in maintaining community trust, supporting safety and wellbeing, and ensuring culturally informed engagement between Aboriginal people and the justice system.

Key Responsibilities

Custody Support & Call-Out Response

• Respond to all calls from local police stations regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody.
• Attend local police stations to conduct welfare checks and provide in-person support or provide support via telephone where attendance is not required.
• Operate independently during after-hours shifts, making decisions within scope without immediate supervision.
• Use initiative and sound judgement to manage complex situations and client needs in challenging environments.
• Escalate any issues that may impact service delivery, safety or compliance to the ACJP Site Coordinator as required.

Cultural Support & Community Engagement

• Provide culturally safe, respectful and appropriate support to Aboriginal people in custody.
• Foster constructive working relationships with local police and provide guidance and advice regarding cultural considerations and community needs.
• Apply strong understanding of local community context, cultural protocols and service systems.

Referral Pathways & Follow-Up

• Understand the local service landscape, eligibility requirements and referral pathways.
• Provide tailored support to Aboriginal people in custody, including referrals to appropriate services.
• Undertake post-interaction follow-up support where required to assist individuals to access ongoing services.

Administration & Reporting

• Ensure all statistical data, record keeping and documentation are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner.
• Complete all reporting, case notes, data entry and administrative duties professionally, confidentially and in accordance with ACJP requirements.
• Submit data collection sheets to the ACJP Site Coordinator at the completion of each shift, in line with data collection policies.
• Attend and actively participate in shift handovers and liaise with other ACJP Workers as required.
• Attend staff meetings and briefings as required.

Training & Professional Development

• Participate in all required ACJP training programs and ongoing professional development activities.
• Demonstrate willingness to undertake continuous learning to strengthen skills, knowledge and practice.
• Comply with all training, compliance and capability requirements associated with the role.

About You

Essential Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously in after-hours and unsupervised environments.
• Strong judgement and decision-making capability when responding to complex and high-risk situations.
• Demonstrated cultural knowledge, lived experience and acceptance within Aboriginal communities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people in distress and in challenging circumstances.
• Strong understanding of culturally safe practice and community-led approaches.
• Ability to complete accurate and timely documentation and reporting.
• Willingness to undertake ongoing training and continuous professional development.

Qualifications & Mandatory Checks

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent senior leadership experience.
• A current Employee Working with Children Check.
• A National Criminal History Check.
• A valid Victorian Driver License.
• Proof of right to work in Australia.

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

How to Apply

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

To apply, please provide: Your current resume, including education, and professional experience. Submit your application via the job board link, using the subject line: 'Application for ACJP Worker with specified location - (Mildura) - Aboriginal Community Justice Panel at VALS'

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.