Legal Secretary

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 recognises the value of a diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce, LGBTQIA+ communities and people from varied cultures and experiences.

Benefits of working at VALS include diverse matters, opportunities to develop expertise, generous staff benefits and flexible working arrangements.

About VALS and Designated Positions

These positions are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Applicants must be Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Aboriginal Community Justice Panels (ACJP): DELIVERING support to Aboriginal people in police custody with a focus on safety, welfare and diversion from custody. Key goals include reducing recidivism, enhancing community safety and strengthening relationships with the Victorian justice system.

Role Overview

Role titles include Aboriginal Community Justice Panels Project Officer, Aboriginal Youth, Family Centred Program practitioner, Custody Notification Officer (CNO) and Regional Practice Lead, across multiple regional sites (e.g., Preston, Shepparton, Bendigo, Morwell, Mildura). Roles involve delivering high-quality legal and wraparound support services, cultural guidance, advocacy and program management in collaboration with VALS lawyers and partner agencies. Specific salary bands and term details are provided within each job listing.

Key Responsibilities (examples)

- Support planning and delivery of transformation projects and program initiatives in line with funder expectations and VALS objectives.
- Coordinate governance, prepare agendas/minutes, manage risks, and report to funders and senior stakeholders.
- Manage relationships with external consultants, service providers and internal teams; ensure deliverables, value-for-money and governance compliance.
- Provide direct client support, court and service navigation, and culturally safe engagement with Aboriginal young people and families.
- Attend court and facilitate referrals, information sharing and warm handovers to services; maintain accurate records in VALS systems.
- Liaise with government agencies, ACCOs and community stakeholders to promote culturally appropriate services.
- Attend mandatory training and ensure health and safety compliance.

Key Selection Criteria

Common criteria across roles include:

- Admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria or relevant professional qualifications for non-legal roles; experience in family, civil, criminal or youth justice settings as applicable.
- Demonstrated ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a culturally safe manner and with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong written/verbal communication, interpersonal and organisational skills; ability to supervise and train staff where required.
- Knowledge of the Victorian legal system and relevant laws impacting Aboriginal communities; experience in governance, risk management and reporting is desirable.
- MS Office proficiency and ability to use VALS client management systems.

Mandatory Requirements

For applicable roles, provide or be willing to obtain:

- Employee Working with Children Check
- National Criminal History Check
- Proof of work rights in Australia
- Current Victorian Driver’s Licence (as applicable)

Location, Hours and Benefits

Locations include Preston, Morwell, Shepparton, Bendigo and other regional offices. Some roles may offer flexible arrangements (e.g., part-time, home-based or casual/flexi rosters). Benefits include leave loading (17.5%), additional annual leave, TOIL, company vehicles, and salary packaging via Maxxia.

Application Details

Application closing dates vary by role. Some positions are fixed-term (e.g., up to 12 months or 30 June 2028) with travel requirements to regional centres.

About VALS and Balit Ngulu

VALS has operated since 1973 delivering a broad range of legal and support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Balit Ngulu provides legal services and advocacy for Aboriginal children and young people, focusing on diversion from the justice system, family preservation and culturally informed practice.

Additional program information, including casual Custody Notification Officer roles and cross-program collaboration, is available within the full listing set.

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