• Lead a culturally strong justice team supporting Aboriginal communities
• Develop staff and influence outcomes across courts and corrections
• Meaningful leadership role with real community impact and growth

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Identified Role
• Preston, VIC
• Full‑Time, 12 month Fixed‑Term (strong potential for ongoing)
• $98,000 - $103,305 + Super + Salary Packaging

Looking for a meaningful next step in your justice or community leadership career? This role is ideal if you're ready to move from frontline or senior practitioner work into a leadership role where you can support others, influence systems, and stay connected to community‑led practice.

At Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), we're seeking a Local Justice Program Team Leader to guide a skilled team delivering culturally safe, practical justice support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Victoria.

This isn't about stepping away from purpose - it's about amplifying it through leadership.

This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position under Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants can be considered.

About VALS

Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, established in 1973. We are Victoria's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We work from a foundation of cultural strength, community connection, and self‑determination - delivering legal services, justice programs, advocacy, custody notification services, transitional housing, family violence programs, and community legal education across the state.

About the Community Justice Programs Team

The Community Justice Programs team provides culturally safe, community‑led justice support, working closely with Aboriginal communities and justice partners such as Community Correctional Services, Victoria Police, Courts, Sheriffs, and local ACCOs.

The Local Justice Worker Program focuses on practical, holistic support — helping people navigate orders, fines, warrants, parole, and transitions from custody, while staying connected to family, culture, and community.

About the Role

As the Local Justice Program Team Leader, you'll support and lead Local Justice Workers who work directly with Aboriginal people navigating the justice system.

You'll balance people leadership, practice oversight, and operational coordination, supporting staff to do their best work while strengthening outcomes for clients and communities.

This role suits someone who:

• Enjoys mentoring and supporting others
• Is confident working across justice and community systems
• Wants to influence service quality and cultural safety
• Is ready to grow as a leader without losing connection to values

Key Focus Areas

In this role, you will:

• Lead and support a team of Local Justice Workers
• Oversee culturally safe, consistent service delivery
• Support responses to complex and high‑risk client matters
• Improve outcomes for Community Correction Orders (CCOs) and parole
• Build strong working relationships with Corrections, Courts, Police, Sheriffs and ACCOs
• Strengthen referral pathways and wrap‑around supports
• Support people transitioning from custody back into community
• Use data and feedback to continuously improve the program

What We're Looking For

We encourage applications based on experience, capability, and readiness.

You'll likely bring:

• Strong understanding of Aboriginal culture and culturally safe practice
• Experience working within justice, corrections, or community services
• Case management or client support experience
• Emerging or established leadership experience
• Confidence engaging with justice agencies and community services
• Organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience working in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation
• Knowledge of local Aboriginal services and networks

Qualifications & Requirements

• Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Services (or higher) - desirable
• Employee Working With Children Check
• Victorian Driver's Licence
• National Criminal History Check
• Right to work in Australia

Why join VALS?

• 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 is committed to creating a culturally safe, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We encourage applicants to let us know if they require adjustments throughout the recruitment process.