Aboriginal Community Engagement

This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

Please note: This opportunity is only available to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Location: Shepparton, VIC

Employment Type: Full-Time | Fixed Term (strong potential to be ongoing)

Organisation: Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)

Salary: $81, $93, Super + Salary Packaging

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and the state's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Established in 1973, VALS provides culturally safe legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil, and human rights law, youth justice, and specialist litigation.

As an Aboriginal Community Engagement (ACE) Worker, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team with Balit Ngulu lawyers. You will work alongside Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people to:

• Promote cultural safety.
• Develop and implement plans that keep young people safe, support their diversion from the youth justice system, and build their resilience.
• Provide transport to and from court and other appointments, including attending court and supporting clients during interviews and formal meetings.
• Represent and promote Balit Ngulu, participating in client case planning processes with partner agencies.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of contacts with clients and undertake administrative tasks consistent with VALS policies.
• Undertake other duties incidental and peripheral to main tasks as reasonably required.

This role will require some regional travel.

• Collaborate effectively with Balit Ngulu youth lawyers and wider VALS teams to deliver high-quality support to clients.
• Provide culturally safe, client-focused support to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people, building trust and resilience.
• Assist clients to navigate the youth justice system, including attending court, meetings, and other appointments as required.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records, ensuring compliance with VALS policies and procedures.
• Contribute to multi-disciplinary team planning, case management, and collaborative decision-making.

• Lived experience in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community with understanding of issues affecting access to justice for young people.
• Certificate IV or Diploma in Youth Work, or equivalent experience (willing to undertake supported qualification if required).
• Experience working directly with Aboriginal young people in culturally safe ways.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams, including courts, police, youth justice, child protection, and ACCOs.
• Knowledge of the Victorian legal system, including Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 and Children's Court procedures.
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector and using a whole-family, whole-community approach is highly regarded.

• 17.5% Leave Loading
• 5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days
• Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia
• Opportunity to work alongside a passionate, culturally committed team
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• A supportive, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace environment

To apply, please provide:

• Your current resume, including education, professional experience, and two referees

Submit your application the subject line: 'Application for Aboriginal Community Engagement (ACE) Worker at VALS'

VALS actively encourages and supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. This designated position provides a culturally safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where your knowledge and lived experience are highly valued.

Please note:We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. No fees will be paid to agencies submitting candidates without a valid written agreement.