Assessment and Referral Practitioner

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 jurisdictions own strategic priorities while also pursuing strategic opportunities that are interconnected and deliver benefits more broadly.

The Magistrates' Court of Victoria (MCV) is the first level of the Victorian court system and is a jurisdiction within the Court Services Victoria.  It has a long history of providing justice for the people of Victoria in metropolitan and regional courts across the state. The Court determines in excess of 300,000 cases per annum at 51 locations, equating to approximately 90 percent of all cases that come before Victorian courts each year. The Court aims to be an innovative, accessible, and responsive court that provides quality services to the Victorian community.

About the role

Support people to safely transition from remand back into the community.

We're looking for a skilled and compassionate professional to work with individuals on remand who have complex needs. This prison-based role is part of a broader justice initiative and works closely with court-based programs to connect clients with the right support services.

You'll provide assessments and short-term case planning to help clients prepare for release. You'll identify risks, coordinate referrals to services, and support clients to engage with treatment and rehabilitation options. This role is vital in helping people rebuild their lives and reduce the risk of reoffending.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct assessments and develop post-release plans for clients with multiple risks and needs
• Identify risks and create harm minimisation strategies
• Refer clients to services such as housing, mental health, alcohol and drug treatment, and family violence support
• Use a person-centred, strengths-based approach to build motivation and hope
• Work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds
• Maintain professional boundaries and appropriate conduct in prison settings
• Keep accurate records and follow privacy and safety policies
• Contribute to service improvements and share knowledge with colleagues

About you

• Experience working with people who have complex needs
• Strong knowledge of support services and treatment options
• Ability to work respectfully and inclusively with people from all backgrounds
• Excellent communication, planning, and problem-solving skills
• A relevant qualification (Diploma level or higher preferred) in social work, psychology, welfare, alcohol and other drugs, or a similar area — or equivalent experience

How to apply

Click the 'Apply Now' button, ensuring you include the following in your application:

• resume
• a short cover letter

Other information

CSV is the employer of staff at Courts Group. CSV has a firm commitment through its Koori Employment Plan to increase participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our workforce.

We value the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity. Those from the LGBTQIA+ community, women, people of all ages, with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse people, and those who are neurodiverse, are encouraged to apply.

We aim to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to email the contact person listed in the advertisement.

As part of our commitment to a safe and respectful workplace, CSV conduct pre-employment checks, including reference checks, police checks and misconduct screening. These checks are handled confidentially, with care and are a standard part of our hiring process to ensure the right fit for both candidates and Court Services Victoria.