This is an identified position - this is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. This employment opportunity is only available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

• Casual - 18 month position

Overview of the role:

The Case Worker will be employed to work closely with an Aboriginal Community Justice Report writer, as part of a three-year project to pilot Aboriginal Community Justice Reports in Victoria. The purpose of these reports is to convey the background experiences of the Aboriginal women and their community that is relevant to their offending circumstances, as well as their needs, strengths and sentence options. The project will focus on Aboriginal women who will be sentenced in Koori Magistrates or County courts in Victoria (with a focus on Melbourne, Broadmeadows and Mildura).

The role will form part of a pilot project funded by the Australian Research Council. The project is being jointly implemented by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), Griffith University, the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration (AIJA) and Five Bridges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation based in Queensland.

The project is a partnership that involves implementation of reports by VALS and research oversight by UTS. Accordingly, the case worker will be employed by UTS, but the role will be located at VALS. Day-to-day activities will be supervised by VALS, and Professor Anthony (UTS) will provide more general oversight and feedback.

The Case Worker will support the Aboriginal Community Justice Report writer to facilitate interviews with, and provide support to clients, as well as their families and other community members, throughout the process of developing and writing the Aboriginal Community Justice Report. They will also help to identify the client’s needs and appropriate community services and programs for the client.

This position would ideally suit Aboriginal women candidates who have worked closely with their community, have an interest in the community services and the criminal justice system and have strong communications and interpersonal skills.

Main capabilities:

• Capacity to work with and take direction from an Aboriginal-owned legal service
• Strong capacity to work with Aboriginal women in the criminal justice system and Aboriginal community more broadly
• Capacity to work independently while taking direction from supervisors
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Support the client and the report writer in facilitating dialogue between the client and the report writer
• Liaise and network with other Aboriginal organisations and agencies to support clients and their communities and be aware of programs that will assist in the prevention or reduction of crime within the Victorian Aboriginal communities
• Provide support to the client, their family and community, throughout the process of developing the Aboriginal Community Justice Report, including to link them to relevant supports and services
• Liaise with the report writer to ensure delivery of a culturally relevant service and supports
• Perform a range of administrative tasks to ensure the effective delivery of case support to the clients
• Provide activity reports on a timely basis and participate in staff meetings as required
• Participate in pre delivery of service training as well as ongoing training and development and acts and remain professional at all times, consistent with VALS values
• As directed, undertake other duties as directed which are incidental and peripheral to the main tasks, provided that such duties are reasonably within the employee’s skills, competence and training

Qualifications and Experience:

Essential:

• A demonstrated knowledge of the Victorian legal system
• An understanding of the legal issues faced by Victorian Aboriginal communities
• A commitment to and understanding of Victorian Aboriginal culture and community, and the ability to communicate effectively with members of those communities
• Demonstrated involvement with and understanding of Victorian Aboriginal communities including cultural awareness and protocols
• Demonstrated ability to relate to and communicate with project participants and their families in a culturally safe and appropriate manner
• Strong ability to identify the needs and strengths of Aboriginal women
• Ability to adhere to privacy laws and manage confidential information securely
• Understanding of the criminal justice system and the sentencing process in particular
• Understanding of and compliance with VALS’ values, as follows:

Respect:

We advocate for and demonstrate the right of every person to be treated with dignity and respect.

Culture:

We remember what we are here for and how our organisation came into being and ensure we are centred within our communities.

Commitment:

Our team is committed to improving the lives of Aboriginal people. We keep our word and stand by our commitments.

Self-Determination:

We respect and promote the principle of self-determination in everything that we do. We will achieve change for Aboriginal communities and ensure the realisation of self-determination.

Independence:

We are Apolitical. We are independent.

Integrity:

We are steadfast in our adherence to our values. We take every reasonable measure to protect our clients. We offer independent, professional and high level legal representation.

Equality:

We fight for our communities to be equal before the law and to rectify the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system. VALS promotes the right to be different, free from discrimination and valued as an individual

Desirable:

• Valid Drivers License

Mandatory Requirements:

On offer of this position, you must provide:

• A copy of your current Employee Working with Children card
• You will be required to complete a current Criminal History Police Check
• A copy of your current Driver’s License
• Proof of rights to work in Australia, i.e. a copy of an Australian Passport, Birth Certificate or Immigration VISA documentation

Enquiries: For further information please contact Lee-Anne Carter, Statewide Community Justice Programs Team Leader ([email protected], using the subject line: Case Worker enquiry via EthicalJobs; 03 9418 5945).

A position description is attached.