Manager, Koori Pathways

**About Us**

Court Services Victoria provides corporate services and facilities to support the performance of the judicial, quasi-judicial and administrative functions of Victoria's courts and tribunal, Judicial College and Judicial Commission.

Collectively, Victoria's Supreme, County, Magistrates', Children's, and Coroners courts, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), the Judicial College of Victoria, the Judicial Commission of Victoria, and Court Services Victoria (CSV) are referred to as the 'Courts Group'.

Our people enable the Courts Group to deliver on each jurisdiction's own strategic priorities while also pursuing strategic opportunities that are interconnected and deliver benefits more broadly.

**The Dhumba Murmuk Djerring Unit**:
The Dhumba Murmuk Djerring Unit was established to provide strategic and cultural support across courts and VCAT, coinciding with the establishment of the Koori Court. The DMDU continues to ensure that responsive and up-to-date advice and information are available to Koori Staff, Community and all users accessing the courts and VCAT. Collaborating with all jurisdictions, the Unit coordinates the strategic development and delivery of the Victorian Koori justice policies and programs and coordinates the Courts Group wide responses to requests from the Aboriginal Justice Forum (AJF).

The DMDU also provides policy advice in response to the Aboriginal Justice Agreement and secretariat support to the Courts Koori Committee. The Unit also holds an important role within the governance structures of CSV, regularly reporting to sub-committees of, and Courts Council on the CSV and jurisdictional progress of the delivery of Koori projects, initiatives and policies.

**About the Role**

Reporting to the Executive Director, Dhumba Murmuk Djerring Unit, the Manager Koori Pathways will support the development and implementation of Koori Pathways Team, with a strong focus on addressing cultural support gaps within the Victorian Courts Group, particularly in relation to bail.

A key part of this role is leading stakeholder engagement and consultations to ensure community aspirations are met, recruiting the Koori Pathway Advisor positions, establishing best practice models and processes for program implementation, and undertaking regular performance assessments and adapt to learnings and community needs.

The Manager Koori Pathways will establish and maintain stakeholder relationships and engagement. Importantly, the role will guide and engage in strategic, collaborative and productive relationships with teams and staff across the court jurisdictions, First Peoples communities and the Aboriginal Justice Caucus

The Manager, Koori Pathways is responsible for; conducting stakeholder engagement and consultations to ensure community aspirations are met, recruiting to the Koori Pathway Advisor positions, establishing best practice models and processes for program implementation, and undertaking regular performance assessments and adapt to learnings and community needs.

Key accountabilities include:

- Effectively managing and providing strategic leadership to a team of employees by:

- leading and supporting individuals to achieve their potential and contributing to organisational goals and outcomes.
- modelling behaviours integral to good people management and public sector values.
- where relevant, managing and monitoring specific improvement objectives in annual improvement plans relating to the area of responsibility.
- Extensive experience of coaching, developing and managing a team through constructive leadership during and following change management periods.
- Leading and supporting the Koori Pathway Advisors network, fostering culturally safe practices for First Peoples in the court system while driving continuous improvement in team operations, policies, and procedures to ensure best practice and strong team performance.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including court staff, Judicial Officers, community organisations, and government agencies, representing the court in forums, projects, and performance monitoring activities.
- Participating in intrastate travel as required and actively engage with the Koori Staff Network and Leadership Group to support cultural initiatives and team collaboration.

**About You**
- A relevant tertiary qualification in law, aboriginal affairs, social work, or a related field would be desirable.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culture, and contemporary justice-related issues.
- Skilled in engaging effectively and respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and stakeholders, promoting culturally safe practices.
- Knowledgeable about CSV Koori programs, their objectives, operations, and delivery, enabling meaningful program engagement and outcomes.

**_This is an Aboriginal Designate