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 celebrates diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+ and individuals from different cultures, language groups and experiences.

About VALS and Balit Ngulu: VALS provides holistic services across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth legal services, 24/7 custody notification, housing, family violence programs, and more. Balit Ngulu focuses on Aboriginal children and young people in the specified service locations and works to divert from the justice system with culturally informed advocacy and services.

Role Summary and Type

Aboriginal Community Justice Panels (ACJP) / Project Officer and related specialist roles described throughout the posting cover full-time fixed-term positions at VALS with locations in Preston, Morwell, Shepparton and Bendigo. Some roles advertise for regional and statewide applicability with variable contract lengths and travel expectations. Salary offerings vary by role and location and include superannuation and salary packaging where applicable.

Key Responsibilities (highlights)

- Support the planning, delivery and governance of transformation and change initiatives within the Aboriginal Community Justice Panels and related programs; manage timelines, budgets and risk.
- Lead stakeholder engagement, prepare reports and presentations for senior government audiences, and coordinate with external consultants and service providers to ensure value-for-money outcomes.
- Provide direct client support in roles such as ACE Worker and CSO, including case planning, court attendance, transport, warm referrals, advocacy, and culturally safe practices for Aboriginal children, young people and families.
- Collaborate across disciplines and agencies to embed continuous improvement, cultural safety, and trauma-informed practices in service delivery.

Key Selection Criteria

Demonstrated understanding of the role of the Aboriginal Community Justice Panels or related Aboriginal justice services; ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a culturally safe manner; strong written and verbal communication; and experience in stakeholder engagement, project management, risk management, or legal practice depending on the role. Qualifications vary by position and may include tertiary qualifications in business, project management, public administration, youth work, social work, community services or related fields. Experience in not-for-profit settings and knowledge of Victorian legal systems are highly regarded.

Mandatory Requirements

- Current Employee Working with Children Check
- National Criminal History Check
- Proof of rights to work in Australia (passport, birth certificate or visa)
- Current valid Australian Driver’s Licence (where required)

Location and Terms

Locations include Preston, Morwell, Shepparton and Bendigo with varying contract lengths (e.g., fixed-term until mid-2026/2027) and travel expectations. Some roles offer casual or flexible rosters and part-time options where stated.

Application Closing Dates

Dates vary by role, e.g., 8 August 2025; 25 September 2025; 9 September 2025; 1 September 2025. Please review each position listing for the exact date.

About VALS

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) has been advocating for and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people since 1973. Our services span criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth services, custody notification, housing, and family violence programs. We are committed to self-determination, equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome adjustments during recruitment and employment to ensure accessibility.

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