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 Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Overview

The Custody Notification Officer acts as liaison between the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Co-Operative Limited (VALS) and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons taken into custody by the police.

This position is part of 3 person weekly rotating roster for Monday – Friday

Morning 8am – 4pm

Mid-morning 10am – 6pm

Night 10pm – 8am

Key Performance Indicators, Duties & Responsibility

1. Respond to e-justice notifications, the on-call CSO, the Aboriginal Community Justice Panel (ACJP) or Victoria Police when advised that an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is being held in custody;
2. Contact the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person in custody, provide basic information, conduct a welfare check and coordinate for legal advice from VALS on-call solicitor. Reassure the client and explain legal terminology and processes used by the police and legal profession, not using legal jargon. Where appropriate, take notes of the history of the client’s case and provide them to the solicitor;
3. Liaise and network with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and agencies to promote VALS and be aware of programs that will assist in the prevention or reduction of crime within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community;
4. Liaise with police and other persons within the justice system to ensure delivery of a culturally relevant service;
5. Perform a range of administrative tasks to ensure the effective delivery of services to VALS clients.
6. Provide activity reports on a timely basis, attend staff meetings as required, participate in ongoing training and staff development, and act always in a professional manner, upholding the organisation’s core values;

As directed, undertake other duties which are incidental and peripheral to the main tasks, provided that such duties are reasonably within the employee’s skills, competence and training.

Key Selection Criteria

1. A demonstrated knowledge of the Victorian legal system;
2. An understanding of the legal issues faced by Victorian Aboriginal communities;
3. Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills;
4. The ability to work in a multi-skilled environment;
5. Intermediate computer skills.
6. Demonstrated computer literacy skills and proficiency using the Microsoft Office and other relevant software.
7. Ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and acknowledge their diverse backgrounds, personalities and varying needs and the unique cultural ways in which they may be expressed
8. Experience working in the non-profit sector.