Witness Assistance Service Officer

**About us**

The Witness Assistance Service (WAS) is a specialist unit within the ODPP which works as part of the prosecution team to assist and support victims of crime and vulnerable witnesses through the criminal justice process.

The role of the Witness Assistance Officer (First Nations Identified) is to provide specialist services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander witnesses and victims of crime and their families who are involved in serious matters prosecuted by the ODPP. The role aims to enhance access to Witness Assistance Services and engage with local Indigenous communities and service providers; minimise stress and potential re-traumatisation for victims and witnesses related to involvement in the criminal justice system; assist the prosecution by ensuring witnesses have the opportunity to give their evidence to the best of their ability; and assist the Office in meeting its obligations under the NSW Charter of Victims’ Rights.

**Essential Requirements**:

- Applicants for this position must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and be accepted in the community as such. An applicant's race is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under Section 14(d) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
- This is a child-related position. Applicants must provide a valid Working With Children Check number or an Application number. A current Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance is required as a condition of employment. Please visit the Children Guardian's website for more information: Working with Children Check | Office of the Children's Guardian (nsw.gov.au)
- Experience in counselling or case management in trauma related areas such as child sexual assault, adult sexual assault, domestic violence and/or grief and loss.
- This position also requires the successful applicant to have a current driver's license and willingness to travel to regional areas.

As a First Nations staff member, you will also have access to one-on-one cultural supervision provided by a First Nations counselling service.

**Interviews**

The interview process will be conducted virtually, and no travel will be required. The interview process will include capability-based assessments which may require your time and presence on more than one day.

**How to Apply**

Applicants should read the Role Description and address the key accountabilities and focus capabilities when preparing their resume and cover letter. Applicants must submit a cover letter [maximum two pages] and resume [maximum 3 pages] that highlights their claim for the role and demonstrates their suitability by addressing the following two targeted questions.

Q1. Describe your experience in providing case management and/or counselling services to people who have been affected by trauma in one or more areas of child sexual assault, adult sexual assault, domestic violence and/or grief and loss.

Q2. Provide two examples of your work within a multidisciplinary team where you were required to influence and negotiate. Outline the strategies you used.

Applicants must also include the contact details of two relevant Referees (who can speak from a supervisory perspective, with one being the current manager).

**N.B. Applicants must give consent to a Criminal History Record check.**

**Closing date**: 11:59pm Monday 25 November 2024
- A talent pool will be created to fill vacancies across all ODPP offices which may arise over the next 18 months._

**Further Information**
- _Learn more about the ODPP here:_ About us | ODPP (nsw.gov.au) |Code of Conduct
- _To learn more about First Nations People and the ODPP: _First Nations People and the ODPP | ODPP (nsw.gov.au).
- _Learn about our commitment to having a diverse and inclusive workplace:_ A diverse workplace | ODPP (nsw.gov.au)
- _Benefits of working with the ODPP: _Benefits We Offer | ODPP (nsw.gov.au)

**Enquiries**:
Jane Wolf - Manager, Witness Assistance Service