▷ [Apply in 3 Minutes] Regional Practice Lead – Criminal Law Practice

VALS is made up of Victoria’s 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 diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+ and individuals from different cultures, language groups and experiences.

Benefits of working at VALS

- Opportunities to work on diverse matters and gain significant experience.
- Opportunities to develop expertise and collaborate on projects, policy and legal reform.
- Generous staff benefits including salary packaging options, flexible working arrangements, TOIL, pre-purchased leave, paid parental, carer and cultural leave and more.

These positions are classified 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/or Torres Strait Islander people and people with lived experience of the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

About VALS and Balit Ngulu

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) provides holistic services across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth legal services, custody notification, housing, family violence programs, and more. Balit Ngulu supports Aboriginal children and young people up to 21 years old, providing legal support and pursuing diversion from the justice system where appropriate.

Roles and programs

- Aboriginal Community Justice Panels (ACJP): a 24/7 service operating to support Aboriginal people in police custody with governance, risk management and reporting requirements.
- Aboriginal Youth, Family Centred Program: aims to work with Aboriginal young people and families to connect education, training and community support, offering flexible delivery and brokerage as needed.
- Custody Notification Officer (CNO) and related roles: provide liaison and welfare checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody and connect them with VALS legal services.

Role Overviews (illustrative examples)

Aboriginal Community Justice Panels Project Officer (Project Officer)

Location: Preston, VIC; Salary: $124,676.64 – $135,000 + 11.5% Super; Full-time, fixed term for 12 months. Based at Preston with pilot sites in Shepparton, Mildura and Bendigo. You will design and implement a professional service model across three pilot sites, support governance and reporting to senior government stakeholders, and enable transformation within the Aboriginal Community Justice Panels.

Key Responsibilities

- Plan and deliver high-impact transformation projects aligned with ACJP objectives and funder expectations.
- Lead governance activities, prepare agendas, minutes, action logs and decision registers for steering committees and working groups.
- Manage external consultants and service providers; ensure deliverables and value-for-money outcomes.
- Oversee project risk management and reporting to funders, including dashboards and progress submissions.
- Develop high-quality presentations and written materials for senior stakeholders and executives.
- Coordinate change, communication and delivery; monitor timelines and budgets; apply appropriate project management methods.
- Contribute to evaluation and embedding continuous improvement across ACJP.
- Undertake other duties within role scope as directed.

Key Selection Criteria (Project Officer)

- Demonstrated understanding of the role of ACJ Panels and the ability to engage with Aboriginal communities in culturally safe ways.
- Tertiary qualifications in business, project management, public administration or related field; or equivalent experience.
- Experience managing governance processes and external consultants; strong risk and reporting capability.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills; ability to present to senior government audiences.
- Experience working in or with government agencies; understanding public sector governance, policy environments and reporting protocols.

Mandatory Requirements (Project Officer)

- Current Employee Working with Children Check; Criminal History Police Check; proof of rights to work in Australia; applicable certificates/degrees.

Other VALS roles and opportunities

VALS also advertises roles such as Custody Notification Officer, Casual positions in custody notification and a range of roles under the Aboriginal Youth, Family Centred Program with flexible arrangements, including part-time, regional postings and 12-month contracts. Details and requirements are role-specific and provided in each job listing.

Application process and timing

Applications should be addressed to the appropriate VALS contact and include a cover letter, resume and responses to Key Selection Criteria. Check each role-specific closing date and location for timeline details.

Application Closing Dates (examples from listings)

- Project Officer: 25 September 2025
- Various other roles list their own closing dates (e.g., 7 October 2025; 1 September 2025; 8 August 2025).

VALS is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designated employer and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and from other diverse communities. VALS is committed to accessibility and will provide adjustments during recruitment and employment as required.

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