Client Services Officer

Overview

VALS is made up of Victoria’s most committed legal advocates, professionals and support staff who work to advance Aboriginal self-determination and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria of all ages. VALS is committed to diversity, equality and inclusion and celebrates a team of diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+ and individuals from different cultures, language groups and experiences.

Grow, develop and be rewarded

You will have:

- Opportunities to work on diverse matters and gain significant experience.
- Opportunities to develop your own expertise and collaborate with colleagues and partners in projects, policy and legal reform
- Access to generous staff benefits such as salary packaging options, flexible working arrangement, TOIL, pre-purchased leave, paid parental, carer and cultural leave and much more.

Benefits for Part/Full-time roles:

- Getting paid 17.5% more when you take your annual leave
- Additional 5 days leave on top of the standard 20 days annual leave
- Access to company vehicles for work-related trips
- Salary packaging of up to $15,900+ per FBT via Maxxia

These positions are designated under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 and are only available to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with lived experience of the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

Aboriginal Community Justice Panels (ACJP) – Role Overview

The ACJP operates 24/7 with a largely volunteer workforce, providing timely access to cultural, legal and practical support for Aboriginal people in police custody. The core service is to maximise safety and welfare of Aboriginal people in custody by:

- Being the first point of contact by Victoria Police when an Aboriginal person is taken into custody
- Visiting while in custody
- Liaising with legal and welfare agencies to support them while in custody
- Pickup and drop-off to a safe location on release
- Working with Victoria Police and other agencies on diversionary programs

The key goals are reducing recidivism, enhancing community safety and fostering stronger relationships between Aboriginal communities and Victoria’s justice system.

Role: Aboriginal Community Justice Panels Project Officer

Salary: $124,676.64 – $135,000 per annum plus 11.5% Superannuation. Full-time, fixed term for 12 months. Location: Preston Office, 3072. The Project Officer will support ACJP in designing and implementing a professional service model across three pilot sites: Shepparton, Mildura and Bendigo, under the direction of the Statewide Chairperson. The role includes governance, risk management and reporting to senior government stakeholders and requires experience in leading change across diverse stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include planning and delivering transformation projects, governance, managing external consultants and service providers, risk management, reporting to funders, stakeholder presentations, and ensuring timely delivery within budgets.

Key Selection Criteria include experience in Aboriginal community engagement, strong governance and risk management skills, and the ability to work autonomously within a small team.

Mandatory requirements include working with children checks, criminal history checks, proof of work rights, and relevant qualifications. Salary offerings vary by role with regional arrangements and location details provided in each posting.

Other VALS Roles and Program Descriptions

The description also covers a range of positions including:

- Aboriginal Youth, Family Centred Program roles focused on delivering therapeutic, culturally safe support to Aboriginal children and young people involved with child protection and youth justice systems.
- Casual Custody Notification Officer positions providing 24/7 liaison between VALS, police custody, and clients.
- Regional Practice Lead roles in Civil, Family, and Criminal Law with regional responsibilities, oversight of CSOs, and collaboration with VLA and other partners.

Each role outlines key responsibilities, mandatory checks, selection criteria, salary ranges, benefits, and location specifics. All roles emphasize culturally safe, trauma-informed practice and a commitment to self-determination and inclusion.

Common Requirements Across Roles

- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designation as required by law for certain positions
- Mandatory checks: Working with Children, National Police Check, and rights to work in Australia
- Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal communities and in not-for-profit settings
- Strong communication, governance, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Commitment to VALS values and to social justice principles

Application closing dates vary by position. Please refer to each listing for exact dates.

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