Baggarrook Program 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.

Benefits of working at VALS

- 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 arrangements, TOIL, pre-purchased leave, paid parental, carer and cultural leave and more.

These roles are subject to eligibility 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

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) has been advocating for and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people since 1973. Our holistic services span criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth legal services, 24/7 custody notification, housing, family violence programs, and more. We are committed to self-determination, equality, diversity, and inclusion and continuously evolve to meet community needs.

About Balit Ngulu

Balit Ngulu provides Aboriginal children and young people with appropriate legal advice and representation and supports empowerment and resilience within its service areas. It aims to divert Aboriginal children and young people away from the justice system and ensure strong advocacy and cultural connection.

Role Summary (examples across VALS)

Positions described include Aboriginal Community Justice Panels (ACJP) Project Officer, Aboriginal Youth, Family Centred Program roles, and related client support and regional practice leadership roles. These roles focus on culturally safe practice, collaboration with Aboriginal communities, and delivering high-quality legal and support services across various regions.

Role examples

Aboriginal Community Justice Panels Project Officer (Salary: $124,676.64 – $135,000 p.a. plus 11.5% Super, Full-time, 12 months, Preston)

Key Responsibilities:

- Support planning and delivery of high-impact transformation projects aligned with ACJP objectives.
- Lead governance activities, manage external consultants, and monitor project risks.
- Prepare funder reporting and high-quality presentations for senior stakeholders.
- Ensure timely delivery, budgets, and continuous improvement across panels.

Key Selection Criteria:

- Demonstrated understanding of the Aboriginal Community Justice Panels and ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a culturally safe manner.
- Tertiary qualifications in business, project management, public administration, or equivalent experience; or demonstrated experience.

Mandatory Requirements:

- Employee Working with Children Check
- Criminal History Check
- Proof of rights to work in Australia
- Relevant certificates/degrees

Location: Preston, VIC

Application Closing Date: 8 August 2025

Key Roles Across VALS

Aboriginal Community Engagement Worker (ACE) and related roles work with Balit Ngulu youth lawyers to provide culturally safe, trauma-informed support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in child protection and youth justice systems. Responsibilities include wraparound client support, court attendance, advocacy, referrals, and data management.

Content Creator (Identified Role – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only) (Koorie Youth Council)

Role focuses on designing and delivering engaging visual, written and multimedia content to amplify voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Includes social media management, digital campaigns, storytelling, and reporting.

Regional Practice Lead (Civil, Criminal, Family Law options)

Lead advocate in regional legal matters, oversee CSOs, partnerships, and CLE delivery; require eligibility for Victorian Legal Aid panels and extensive experience in the respective legal areas.

Mandatory Requirements & Selection

The postings include mandatory checks, visas/work rights, and driver’s licences where applicable. Selection criteria emphasize experience with Aboriginal communities, trauma-informed practice, and capability to work in multi-disciplinary environments. All positions require compliance with VALS values, and many are designated Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander roles under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

Locations, Salary & Terms

Locations include Preston, MORWELL, Shepparton, Bendigo, Mildura, among others. Salaries range by role, with examples such as:

- Project Officer: $124,676.64 – $135,000 p.a. plus 11.5% Super
- Other roles provide salary bands and benefits including salary packaging and leave provisions.

Application closing dates vary by role (examples: 8 August 2025; 25 September 2025; 7 October 2025).

About VALS & VALS Programs

VALS is an Aboriginal community legal service focused on self-determination, equity, and culturally safe services across criminal, family, civil and human rights law. VALS collaborates with Balit Ngulu and KYC to support Aboriginal children, youth and families and to advocate for systemic improvements.

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