We were established as a community-controlled organisation in 1973 to address the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system. The organisation has a long and proud history of providing legal and service support for Aboriginal Victorians who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing negative contact with the justice system and advocating locally, nationally and internationally for the rights of Aboriginal people.

We strive to:

• Promote social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
• Promote the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to empowerment, identity and culture;
• Ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enjoy their rights, are aware of their responsibilities under the law and have access to appropriate advice, assistance and representation;
• Reduce the disproportionate involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system; and
• Promote the review of legislation and other practices which discriminate against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The organisation has grown over the years (with further expansion options being pursued) and now offers criminal, family and civil law services, client services support, community legal education and a range of community justice support programs in both Victoria and Tasmania.

The Tasmanian operation was established in 2015, the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community Legal Service (TACLS), a semi-autonomous operation for Tasmania.

Overview

To provide high quality legal services, including information, advice, representation, casework, negotiation and dispute resolution, and outreach services primarily in Family Law matters with a focus on family violence and related hearings in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and the Federal Circuit and Family Courts of Australia on behalf of members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) community in Victoria. This position also requires a willingness to conduct child protection matters.

To engage with and participate in VALS projects, policy and law reform initiatives, and community and professional legal education programs.

Key Performance Indicators, Duties & Responsibility

• Appear as an advocate on behalf of VALS clients in Family Law proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and the Federal Circuit and Family Courts of Australia, and at other state-wide locations as required.
• Deliver high quality legal services, including information, advice and casework on behalf of VALS clients in Family Law matters and other related matters as required.
• Maintain a substantial caseload in Family Law matters.
• Prepare and comply with applications for grants of legal assistance and reporting requirements for matters eligible for Victoria Legal Aid funding.
• Attend, participate and contribute to the planning, service delivery and continuous improvement of the Family Law Practice and VALS.
• Contribute to VALS projects, policy and law reform initiatives, and community and professional legal education programs as required.
• Contribute to the collaborative relationship with Victoria Legal Aid and other community organisations with which VALS interacts.
• Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education programs and maintain an understanding of issues, risks and trends impacting upon the provision of relevant legal services and members of the ATSI community in Victoria.